Welcome to the CT Connect! This is a quarterly email published by the Village of South Holland to connect our 6 key groups—churches, schools, businesses, service organizations, residents, and the Village—as a source of communication throughout the Village's Coming Together 2030 plan. Below you'll read a snippet from South Holland groups and organizations about what they are doing and how they are working together. Enjoy!

Neighborhood Groups Committee

Over the winter, several Neighborhood Groups Committee members volunteered their time to serve at Village events such as Winter Wonderland and the Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute.

We are currently in planning mode for 2024, brainstorming ideas for events and methods with the intent of bringing South Holland neighbors together. We're also gearing up for the upcoming Block Party season, where members of our committee visit every block party with a goodie bag and a hearty welcome for those present. We are in talks with the Lions Club, Little League and Jets Football to participate in this year’s block parties as well. We look forward to the warmer weather and a chance to connect with our fellow neighbors!

South Holland Business Association

We celebrate the start of a new era of collaboration and growth in South Holland, naming a new Executive Director and reimagining how we serve our members while continuing to "Build a Strong & Connected Community." From awarding 7 college scholarships at our Holiday Party to hosting over 100 business and community leaders at our 2024 Launch Party, it’s clear that SHBA is poised to make a meaningful impact on the local business landscape.

Looking ahead, our programming includes a collaborative initiative with the South Holland Public Library to educate new and aspiring entrepreneurs; networking events highlighting healthcare businesses and nonprofit organizations; a workshop focused on HR Best Practices and CRM Systems; and expanding our scholarship awards to include 8th grade and high school graduates from a South Holland school. We are actively recruiting members, sponsors, and committeemen. Join us today at shba.org!

South Holland Garden Club

We have begun preparations for our annual Plant Sale, which is coming up on Mother's Day weekend in May. The Southtown Dahlia Club is speaking with our group at our March meeting, and we are working with other local plant/garden groups to present at future meetings this spring.

Anyone interested in joining the Garden Club is welcome! We meet March through November on the second Wednesday, 6pm, at the Heritage House, 443 E 157th St. You don't have to live in South Holland or have a green thumb to join!

South Holland Education Commission

South Holland educators are coming together with the South Holland pastors and members of the Education Commission to explore ways to enhance the overall emotional, physical and mental wellness of students. In addition, educators from each South Holland schools are discussing ways to form a multi-school/parent task force, which will help schools come alongside parents to address issues affecting their students such as social media and mental health. They are also pooling resources to teach students financial literacy, gardening, vocational training, and other life skills.

South Holland Ministerial Association

The South Holland Ministerial Association is Coming Together on Juneteenth. The festive event is a celebration of African-American history featuring musical ensembles and hymns; inspirational speakers; health and wellness; Jesse White Tumblers; and a variety of delicious foods, including a Black Farmers Market. Come out to explore all of the offerings on Saturday, June 22, from noon-5 pm at Veterans Memorial Park.

In April, SHMA will host One Hour of POWER, an hour of Christian fellowship and Scripture reading for men and women. HIS Women’s Bible Fellowship will take place the 2nd Thursday each month, beginning April 11, from 6-7pm at the Community Center. HIS Men’s Bible Fellowship will be the 2nd Tuesday each month, beginning April 9 from 7-8am at The Heritage House.

South Holland Public Library

The South Holland Public Library has partnered with the South Holland Business Association for SH Business Stories & Inspiration, an event for entrepreneurs, on Tuesday, February 20 at 7pm in the Community Room. We cordially invite our community to join us for a special Black History Month event, Wakanda II: The Harlem Renaissance, on Friday, Februrary 23 at 6:30pm. The event features live jazz performances, a brand-new art exhibition, and more.

South Holland Master Chorale

In December, the South Holland Master Chorale presented Holiday Joy and Fanfare at Christ Our Savior Parish in South Holland and St. John Neumann in Homewood. Young “Angel Voices” from the youth education program joined the Chorale at the Christ Our Saviour performance.

Members of the Chorale sang for two school assemblies at ECHO Joint Agreement school in December, where students enthusiastically participated in many seasonal, sing-along selections.

Our upcoming Spring concert features Franz Joseph Haydn’s Mass in Time of War and Daniel Forrest’s i thank you God for most this amazing day performed with organ and chamber orchestra.

If you are interested in singing with the Chorale, please email info@southhollandmasterchorale.org or visit SouthHollandMasterChorale.org. This community chorus is open to all who love to sing; no audition is required! Our rehearsals are on Monday evenings.

Village Departments

Public Works

The Public Works Department is gearing up for spring, and one of the department's bigger projects is the building of a new Disc Golf Course! This course will be located in DeYoung Grove Park and will open in May. We look forward to seeing the community enjoy this nice new amenity.

In addition, a brand new restroom was built at Paarlberg Park next to the pickleball courts. All park restrooms (at Veterans, Maicach, Gouwens and Paarlberg Parks) will open for the season on April 1.

Fire

On October 7 we held our first Lunch with Firefighters. We enjoyed meeting the many people who stopped by to spend some time with our Firefighters. Your support was overwhelming and the conversations were fantastic. We are looking forward to the next one in October!

In November and December, the Fire Department along with its Local 4109 members held the annual Turkey and Toy Drive. The amount of support we received from our residents and businesses made this year one of our best yet. This partnership allowed many families to have a warm, hearty meal on Thanksgiving and gifts under the tree on Christmas.

We continue to support our school districts with emergency planning to ensure the safety of our students and teachers. Currently we are working with the staff, board members and parents of School District 151 to help update their Strategic Plan.

Recreational Services

The South Holland Recreational Services Department recently held a Harvest Fest for children ages 3 to 10. The night featured games, prizes and a costume contest. In November we hosted the 9th annual Military Tribute to show our appreciation for our Veterans.

In March we will have a Dance and Fitness Extravaganza, where dance and fitness instructors will give participants an opportunity to try new classes and participate in the latest dance and fitness trends. On March 15, families are invited to attend our first-ever Family Neon Night.

The SHRS staff recently hosted and participated in a two-day ALICE training at the Community Center. ALICE training is a program designed to provide critical thinking and survival skills in the event of an active shooter situation. More than 30 people from different backgrounds—police, school officials, park districts, and more—participated in this valuable training.

Communications, Branding & Marketing

In December, we celebrated our annual Winter Wonderland event, which included a tree lighting followed by visits with Santa, an iceless skating rink, train rides on the South Holland Express, kid crafts and activities, trolley rides through town, and more. We invited local schools, churches, businesses and organizations to decorate a row of Christmas trees leading up the walk to Santa’s gazebo. In January, we partnered with the South Holland Ministerial Association to host the Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute.

Next up is our Artists’ Gallery on March 7-8, the Easter Egg Hunt on March 23, and right around the corner is our Memorial Day Parade! Visit southholland.org for details on these and more events.

Police

The South Holland Police Department has hosted several Coming Together-related events within the last year, including two Dog Microchip/Vaccine events, two Senior Bingo events, and several Special Olympics fundraisers such as Cop on a Rooftop and the Torch Run.

The Police Department has a few upcoming events that are related to the Coming Together 2030 initiative, including Basketball with the Police at ECHO School, and Pancakes with the Police. We have connected with other groups such as the Education Commission in hosting a back to school backpack event for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. The purpose of these events is to give back to the community while building lasting relationships with residents.