Welcome to the 5th Edition of 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!

South Holland Little League

The South Holland Little League had a phenomenal year wrapping up our 68th season. Our Closing Day Ceremony was held on June 30, where we had our Annual 'Coach vs Parent’ Softball Game at Veterans Park.

In August we appeared at two village events, “Back to School Family Fair” at First Reformed Church and the SHRS “Sports Tailgate” held at Paarlberg Park.

For our coming season we plan to collaborate with more school districts and organizations in our community in hopes to get more players, coaches and volunteers to support each of our divisions.

We know many are eager to sign up for the 2025 season. Registration will open in the coming months, however you can visit our website at southhollandlittleleague.org to be the first to know when registration opens.

If you have any questions about the season or would like to volunteer, please email us at southhollandlittleleague@gmail.com

South Holland Jets Youth Football & Cheer Organization

The South Holland Jets participated in an afternoon of art and bonding with the residents at Prairie Oasis Nursing Home on June 29. Various players and coaches from the Jets Organization completed art projects and shared stories with the residents. There were plenty of smiling faces and laughter among both the kids and residents.

South Holland Historical Society

On Saturday, November 23 from 10am to 2pm, the South Holland Historical Society will be at the Calumet Heritage Day event at Sand Ridge Nature Center to assist with walks, regional activities and displays.

South Holland Municipal Band

The South Holland Municipal Band wrapped up their Summer 2024 concert series with a performance alongside the South Holland Master Chorale as part of Heritage Fest at Paarlberg Park on Labor Day. We loved seeing many residents at concerts this summer and look forward to playing for you again next year!

South Holland Business Association

SHBA has been busy and active, working collaboratively within our community. We welcomed over 100 attendees to our State of The Village Luncheon, had 25 successful blood donations at our June Blood Drive, raised over $8000 for scholarships at our Annual Golf Classic, and hosted over 150 members at our “Backyard Boogie” Member Appreciation Picnic in Town Center Commons, where we acknowledged Ted Ver Haar as the first Honorary Member of South Holland Business Association.

We have also launched our new website; opened scholarship applications to include 8th grade graduates, high school seniors, and returning college students; and are now offering an enhanced membership level to include monthly access to the SHBA office, weekly co-working sessions, free WiFi, virtual mailbox, and coffee and snack station. Renewals and new members are encouraged to apply by October 15 to be included in our printed publication.

Please join us for the upcoming events:

October 31: Manufacturing Day
November 21: BizGiving Trivia Night
December 12: Holiday Party

To donate blood, click here, and to attend our events or become a member, visit shba.org today!

South Holland Ministerial Association

On June 22, the South Holland Ministerial Association held its inaugural Juneteenth event, called "Coming Together on Juneteenth," at Veterans Memorial Park. The event was a tribute to African-American history, with speakers, dancers and music commemorating the occasion. There were also family-friendly festivities such as a performance from the Jesse White Tumblers, bounce houses, food trucks, a prayer tent, and more. Attendees marked their painted handprints on the Unity Banner as a symbol of "coming together" as a community. Thanks to everyone who visited this wonderful event!

Every month, SHMA hosts One Hour of Power, a gathered time of prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. The men's session is every 2nd Tuesday from 12-1pm at Heritage House (443 E 157th St). The women's session is every 2nd Thursday from 6-7pm at the Community Center (501 E 170th St). All are welcome to join!

South Holland Master Chorale

The South Holland Master Chorale performed at the Heritage Festival on Labor Day, collaborating with the South Holland Municipal Band.

Please visit us at one of our upcoming fall and holiday concerts:

October 6, 3pm - St. Julie Billiart in Tinley Park

October 13, 4pm - Christ Our Savior Parish in South Holland (a reception will follow)

December 1, 4pm - St. John Neumann in Homewood

December 8, 4pm - Christ Our Savior Parish in South Holland

We are excited to announce that we will represent the Village of South Holland when we make our Carnegie Hall debut in New York City on May 27, 2025!

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

South Holland Education Commission

This spring, the Education Commission presented Red Tulip Awards to 6 South Holland teachers who went above and beyond. Mayor De Graff and the Village Board presented the award winners with a monetary prize and a Proclamation.

The South Holland Education Commission has started creating a unified social media platform for all South Holland schools to share school news, promote common activities, and showcase initiatives. Our hope is that routine posts and outreach would create a larger education community within South Holland.

We'd like to create a Kid's Garden, in collaboration with the South Holland Garden Club, that would be beneficial for the children's learning, growth, and mental health; from this, we could consider organizing a kids' farmers market where they could sell the produce they grow.

South Holland Neighborhood Groups Committee

This summer, the Neighborhood Groups Committee visited a record-breaking 17 block parties! Nearly every weekend, South Holland neighborhoods hosted block parties to bring their neighbors together over food, games and music. They were provided tables, coolers, yard games and more via the Village's Block Party Trailer. Our committee visits each party and presents the hosts with a gift bag and a warm welcome. We had a blast at this year's parties and are already looking forward to next summer!

Our committee also plays a big part in organizing the South Holland Fun Run 5K, which took place on September 21. More than 400 participants registered for this fun and entertaining run through South Holland. We partnered with many volunteers and churches to help the event run smoothly, and the benefitting charity of the Fun Run is South Holland's own Family Centered Educational Agency.

Village Departments

Fire Department

Every month we enjoy meeting with residents at our Coffee with Firefighters, which is held every first Saturday of the month from 9 to 10am. In lieu of the October Coffee with Firefighters, we are hosting our second annual Lunch with Firefighters on October 5 from 11am to 1pm. All residents are welcome to enjoy this free and fun event!

We are looking forward to our annual Turkey and Toy Drive in November. This annual event allows us to continue our strong partnership with our residents and the business community to help many local families have a warm, hearty meal on Thanksgiving, along with gifts under the tree for Christmas.

We also continue to support our school districts with emergency planning to ensure the safety of our students and teachers throughout the year.

Police Department

The South Holland Police Department hosted a Back to School Backpack Giveaway on August 10, where we provided over 200 South Holland students with backpacks and school supplies.

The SHPD looks forward to collaborating with ECHO school for their upcoming Halloween festival. Officers will assist school staff with handing out candy as well as providing officer safety tips for children with special needs.

On December 13, the South Holland Police Department will host its 3rd annual Christmas Bingo. This event is for South Holland residents only. Lunch and refreshments will be served. Registrants must be 55 years old or older to participate. More information will be posted at southholland.org as the event draws nearer.

Communications, Branding & Marketing

We are coming off of a busy season of all of our summer events, including the Memorial Day Parade, 4th of July Celebration, Cruise Night, Concert in the Park, and the Fun Run 5K. With the exception of a rainy evening that ended Concert in the Park early, all of these events were well attended and full of the uplifting community spirit that makes South Holland so special!

We would like to thank the many South Holland groups who partnered with us on the summer events—the Neighborhood Groups Committee, churches who offered teams of volunteers, SHBA, the 54 groups who participated in the Memorial Day Parade, and more. Our residents are better served when we all work together!

Recreational Services

The Inaugural South Holland Sports Tailgate took place on Sunday, August 18, at Paarlberg Park. South Holland residents and friends were invited to gather in celebration of sports and our South Holland student-athletes. The tailgate featured refreshments, various sporting activities and representatives from our South Holland Sports organizations to answer questions from participants and families.

On August 10 the South Holland Recreational Services department hosted the 3^rd annual Steppin’ and Line Dancing event at Veterans Park. The day featured various DJs from the Chicagoland area playing the latest music for participants to show off their dance moves. Steppin’ and line dancing instruction was also provided.

Plans are currently underway for many of our fall and winter special events. Our Breast Cancer Walk takes place on October 12 at 9am at Veterans Park. Harvest Fest, for children 3 to 12 years of age, will take place on October 24. The Military Tribute is November 6, and the Winter Sports Showcase is December 8 for children ages 3 to 10.

SHRS is currently exploring the feasibility of hosting a pickleball club here at the Community Center. The club will oversee pickleball classes and workshops as well as compete against other towns in tournaments for local bragging rights.