South Holland Living Sept/Oct 2022

South Holland

2022

Breast Cancer Walk & DRIVE

Moving in Tandem

Village of South Holland Men Get It Too!

Saturday, October 8 | 9:00am

Starting at South Park Ave and 170th St

Join us in recognizing both female and male breast cancer survivors!

Proceeds from this event will benefit breast cancer research efforts at the University of Chicago.

Register at southholland.org.

FROM YOUR MAYOR

Dear South Holland Residents and Friends,

With the wisdom and inspiration God granted to Solomon, he shares with us in the book of Proverbs that “for everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” As we transition from a remarkable summer into autumn—the most beautiful season of the year—it is an optimal time to reflect on what has been accomplished over the last 175 years in South Holland, especially now as we near the completion of our Vision 2022 strategic plan.

Going forward, as we approach 2023 and begin our new eight-year strategic plan “Coming Together 2030,” this new season brings us energy to plan and to join together in accomplishing even more than ever before. What a great time to put our community and our relationships into a higher gear! This is our opportunity in South Holland, as the premier village in the south suburbs, to demonstrate that “anything and everything is possible,” to raise the unity we share and to provide for the highest quality of life for all of our residents and guests.

In this issue, it’s wonderful to remember what we’ve experienced this summer. That said, as we transition into this new season, there are so many more activities planned to enrich our lives, such as the Military Tribute for veterans, the Artists’ Gallery, and the South Holland Master Chorale’s season kickoff with a new music director. As we join together in this wonderful fall season, let’s continue to realize the importance of the resources and the gifts we’ve been provided, and use those to the best of our ability.

VILLAGE BOARD

President Don A. De Graff Clerk

Dr. Sallie Penman

Trustees

Larry De Young Andrew Johnson, Jr. Cynthia Nylen

Vickie Perkins

Prince Reed

John Russell ADMINISTRATION

Village Administrator J. Wynsma

Deputy Village Administrator Pat Mahon

EDITORIAL STAFF Communications, Branding & Marketing Manager

Julia Perla Huisman

Contributing Writers

Bob Bong Josh Bootsma

Eunice Escobar Mike Krga

Carrie Steinweg

Photographers

Lawrence Bickerstaff

Josh Bootsma

Manuel Corazzari

Michelle Hamstra Designer Jenni Hoekstra

Don A. De Graff

in South Holland at Park Press

©2022 Village of South Holland

Cover photo by Michelle Hamstra

Mayor

Mayor De Graff speaks at the SHBA Business Luncheon

VILLAGE NEWS

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND SOUTH HOLLAND

VISION 2022

VISION 2022

As 2022 comes to a close, we mark the end of the Village’s Vision 2022 strategic plan. This 10-year plan, launched in 2012, outlined goals for advancing the Village in terms of leadership, community connections, signature spaces, and beautification. Much was accomplished in the past 10 years and will be celebrated with a special edition of South Holland Living in November!

The Village administration is also developing the next strategic plan, which runs through 2030 and has an emphasis on the community coming together to enhance South Holland life. A preview of this new plan will be included in the November issue, as well as on the Village website and social media pages.

NEW WEBSITE

This month we launched the brand-new re-design of our website, southholland.org! The site is attractive, user-friendly, and accessible to the sight-and hearing-impaired. It offers many new features that will benefit South Holland residents and businesses. Visit southholland.org to view and explore! If you have questions or issues finding anything on the site, please email our Digital Content Editor, Mike Krga, at mkrga@ southholland.org.

STYLE GODS OPENS

South Holland’s newest clothing store, StyleGods, opened this summer at 839 East 162nd Street. StyleGods is a streetwear brand featuring t-shirts, jackets, hats, and more. Owner Darryl Hardy also has a booming online business but chose in addition to establish a brick-andmortar retail location in South Holland. Mayor Don De Graff, Village officials and staff, and Hardy’s family and friends celebrated a ribbon cutting to launch the new shop.

A GIFT FROM PUBLIC WORKS

The innovative team members of our Public Works department repurposed an item they no longer needed and turned it into something special for our youth sports programs. Public Works employees Robert Aguilar, Joseph Aghimier, and Keith De Young took an old electronic arrow board and turned it into a grill and trailer for the South Holland Jets and Little League to use at their games! “We wanted to do something nice for them,” Public Works Director Mike Cramer says. “Robert, Joe and Keith knocked it out of the park!”

OUT AND ABOUT

FACES FROM EVENTS AROUND THE VILLAGE

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

This year’s Fourth of July Celebration took place in two parts: a Family Fun Festival at Veterans Memorial Park during the day, and a fireworks show at South Suburban College at night. The daytime activities consisted of a Kiddie Bike Parade, bumper cars, inflatables, a petting zoo, balloon artist, and more. At the fireworks show, families gathered around their vehicles for fellowship, music and fireworks that lit up the night sky.

OUT AND ABOUT

FACES FROM EVENTS AROUND THE VILLAGE

CRUISE NIGHT

Hundreds of spectators strolled South Park Avenue on a beautiful summer evening to view more than 150 classic, custom, antique and exotic vehicles. Participants also enjoyed food, live music, yard games, and gas card giveaways.

OUT AND ABOUT

FACES FROM EVENTS AROUND THE VILLAGE

CONCERT IN THE PARK

South Holland residents enjoyed a Ravinia-style concert at Veterans Memorial Park. The Chicagobased band Live Music Vibe performed a wide array of cover songs, from Motown to 80s to modern-day pop hits. Attendees danced and sang along the entire evening.

OUT AND ABOUT

FACES FROM EVENTS AROUND THE VILLAGE

PITCH HIT & RUN

Kids ages 7-14 participated in a competition that creates a safe and fun environment for kids to stay active and learn or continue to play baseball and softball. During the competition, participants were tested on a series of movements that are important in baseball/softball (pitching, hitting and running). The winners advanced to a team championship. See page 10 for the story on the South Holland competitors who advanced.

BLOCK PARTIES

Several South Holland neighborhoods held block parties this summer, in an effort to bring neighbors together. Some block parties had fun perks like live music, a video game truck, and inflatables for the kids, while others simply enjoyed good food and the company of their neighbors.

SOUTH HOLLAND SPORTS

PITCH HIT & RUN RESULTS

On July 30, the Village hosted the Major League Baseball Pitch Hit & Run competition for kids ages 7-14. Participants were tested on a series of movements that are important in baseball and softball (pitching, hitting and running). The three highest scoring participants in each age group from all of the local Chicagoland contests advanced to the MLB White Sox Midwest Regional on August 27 at Guaranteed Rate Field. Our local contest produced a total of five athletes who advanced to the next round of competition.

Our South Holland competitors excelled at the Midwest Regional competition as well! Derrick Davis won the 13- to 14-year-old baseball division, and Charleigh Widelski won the 9- to 10-year-old softball division. Dillon Davis was a finalist in the 9- to 10-year-old baseball division as well.

Derrick and Charleigh now rank among the top 17 players in the country in their respective age groups! They will find out in late September if they qualify to participate in the National Finals at the MLB World Series this October. Visit the Village’s Facebook page for updates.

This is the second consecutive year that the local South Holland competition has produced regional finalists (in 2021, Kayla Hearn and Scarlett Widelski were the finalists). We are proud of our young athletes! Way to represent South Holland!

It’s been an exciting few months for youth sports in South Holland! Here are some updates…

YOUTH SPORTS CLUBHOUSE

This summer, the Village built an attractive new space for our youth sports programs called the Youth Sports Clubhouse. Here, the South Holland Little League and Jets Football/Cheer Organization can store their equipment, keep their uniforms, display their trophies, view game films and hold meetings.

The Clubhouse is located off of 164th Street north of Laren Montessori School and behind the snow hill in Municipal Park.

“The Clubhouse has already been a tremendous asset for our organization,” says Derrick Davis, president of the South Holland Little League. “It’s nice to have such a new, modern space to call our own.”

Malik Jones, president of the Jets, says, “Having this new building has brought new life to the Jets. Our coaches and players appreciate that the Village values our kids and is investing into their well-being by prioritizing youth sports.”

To learn more about the South Holland Jets and Little League, visit southholland.org.

Happy 175 years, South Holland! th

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

October 1

COFFEE WITH FIREFIGHTERS

9am, Fire Station 1, 16230 Wausau Ave

Residents can meet and talk with members of the South Holland Fire Department on the first Saturday of every month.

October 2

SOUTH HOLLAND MASTER CHORALE OPENING CONCERT AND RECEPTION

4pm, First Reformed Church, 16924 South Park Ave

The South Holland Master Chorale opens their season with a concert that explores occassions, from coronations and weddings to songs celebrating patriotism, biblical leaders, simple living and the African-American experience. A reception with light refreshments will follow the performance.

October 4

FIRE AND RESCUE PARADE OF LIGHTS

7pm, Thorn Creek Reformed Church, 1875 E 170th St

Fire and rescue vehicles conduct a “lights only” parade to honor those who have experienced a fire, loss of life, or fire-related injuries. A short outdoor service will be held at Thorn Creek Reformed Church and the parade route will begin from there, traveling through South Holland and ending at the Thornton Fire Department. Residents are invited to stand along the route with candles or lights for this solemn remembrance.

October 8

BREAST CANCER WALK/DRIVE

9am, 170th St and South Park Ave

Join us for a car caravan and walk that recognizes both female and male breast cancer survivors. Proceeds benefit breast cancer research efforts at the University of Chicago. Register at southholland.org.

Military Tribute

October 11

COMMUNITY POLICING MEETING

10am, South Holland Community Center, 501 E 170th Street

The South Holland Police Department hosts a Community Policing Meeting on the second Tuesday of every month, alternating mornings and evenings. This is an opportunity to address any questions or concerns for the Police Department.

October 14

ARTISTS’ GALLERY

South Holland Community Center, 501 E 170th Street

View the stunning works of art by South Holland artists at our annual Artists’ Gallery.

October 27

TRUNK-OR-TREAT

6:30pm-7:30pm, South Holland Community Center, 501 E 170th Street

Village of South Holland employees will decorate their vehicles and hand out candy to families driving through the parking lot. South Holland residents only, ages 3-12. Register at the Community Center.

November 2

MILITARY TRIBUTE

10:30am, South Holland Community Center, 501 E 170th Street

At our annual Military Tribute, we will honor veterans with a luncheon and tribute ceremony. Veterans’ tickets are free (registration required); all others are $15. The tribute ceremony follows lunch, at 11:30am, and is free and open to all ages. Register at the Community Center.

AT THE LIBRARY

The following programs are held at the South Holland Public Library, 16250 Wausau Ave, unless otherwise indicated.

October 8

SHREDDING EVENT

12-2pm, South Holland Public Library West Parking Lot

Help prevent identity theft by shredding your personal documents (old checks, pay stubs, etc.). South Holland residents only; limit two boxes.

October 11 and November 8

FAMILY STORYTIME

11 am, South Holland Community Center, 501 E 170th St

Join us for fun-filled themed stories and crafts by Ms. Camille!

October 15 and November 12

SATURDAY MORNING YOGA

11 am, Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave

Relax, recharge and refocus with guided mediation. Participants must bring their own yoga mat.

FAITH IN Motion

POISED TO PRAY

GOING BACK TO THE BASICS OF PRAYER AND MEDITATION

By Dr. Renee Allison of New Life House of God

As a child my mother required us to say our prayers before bed. Praying was and still is our way of communicating with God about our life, hopes and dreams. Nightly prayers would usually consist of what we commonly call the Lord’s Prayer as described in Matthew 6:9-13. Jesus’ disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. Again, as a child I never really thought about its origin or the fact that Jesus even had a prayer life. I just wanted to say the words to please my mother and go to sleep.

Having a posture of prayer spiritually connects us to God the Father so that our lives can be enriched and fuller daily. The scripture says in I John 5 that when we pray according to His will, we should have confidence that He hears us, and because we know He hears us, we also know that we shall receive the things we ask Him. Scripture further says in Luke 11:23-24 to believe that we receive when we pray and we should forgive men their trespasses because when we forgive we position ourselves for God to also forgive us our trespasses.

The apostle Paul in the book of I Corinthians 13:11 states, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I understood like a child, I thought like a child. But when I became a man, I put away childish things.” In his writings, Paul suggests that growing up brings about a change in thought, actions and the ability to understand or comprehend mature behavior.

Over the last two years, by divine

providence I have pivoted back to the foundational prayer of my youth, intentionally incorporating it into my daily times of prayer and meditation. Now, however, I pray from a posture of faith, believing, trusting and understanding as I communicate with our heavenly Father the responsibility and power that we have in prayer. I have overseen a national prayer line for the last 18 years; however, over the last two years the calls have gone from one hour a day to over four because of the prayer needs.

Dr. Renee Allison

Scripture tells us that we should always pray in faith, which gives us the confidence to know that He hears us, empowers us, builds us up and helps us to not be overwhelmed, anxious or worried in the midst of turbulent times, test and trials.

Many readers have said the Lord’s Prayer, but our question is, have we aligned and postured ourselves with its core beliefs, values and tenants? Have we learned the lessons addressed in the teaching moments that Christ Himself ascribed to his disciples? Are we willing to do that now? Let us review and repeat the prayer

together with the intention of fostering its message to a world that desperately needs the Light of Christ, His Kingdom, hope and healing.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy Kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

As a community of Faith, Family and Future, we stand in agreement with the will, plan and purpose of God for your life as we maintain a posture of prayer that glorifies Him.

and the

southholland.org

southholland.org

SOUTH HOLLAND

BLUEBERRY FIELD IS PLANNING EXPANSION

By Carrie Steinweg Photos by Jenni Hoekstra

It was the dream of Patte Haras and her late husband to become restaurant owners. The couple, both of whom were born and raised in Greece, owned a restaurant in Kokomo, Indiana, for five years and then a fast food establishment on Chicago’s north side before opening Blueberry Field in 1999. After 23 years of running the business, Haras looks toward a long future for the restaurant that includes an upcoming expansion.

“We bought the space next door to us and we’re going to extend the restaurant. We’ll have a bigger room, more space, a larger kitchen and a special room for meetings and special occasions. And we’ll be able to expand our carry out,” Haras says. “It was our dream to have a nice family business and we work very hard at it.”

Haras is now running Blueberry Field alongside her brother, Nico. Her daughters have worked with her at various points as well. She said she’s grateful for her dedicated staff that help make the restaurant a friendly place where customers feel like family.

“I love people and I love to cook. That’s my pleasure, when I see happy faces when they eat my food,” Haras says. “When people come through the doors, I want to take care of them like they are in my own house.”

Haras’ cooking skills come from both her grandmother and her husband. Some of her favorite dishes to make are Greek-style chicken with potatoes, Greek lasagna and lamb. “I love to make lamb and everyone loves the marinade—the spices that I put in it,” she says. “I also love to make pasta and meatballs.” Those dishes aren’t on the current menu at the breakfast and lunch establishment, but she plans to add pre-made carryout dinners once the expansion is complete and they have more space in their kitchen.

Some of the most popular menu items at Blueberry Field include the blueberry pancakes, eggs with Haras’ scratch-made chicken patties, and the skillets, particularly the gyros skillet. Her housemade Greek yogurt is also a big hit with customers. You can get it served with fresh blueberries, strawberries, pineapple and granola or the traditional Greek presentation with honey and walnuts. Haras makes her own blueberry and strawberry syrup and sliced apples with glaze that go in the crepes and on pancakes and waffles. Her syrups and pancake mix are available for purchase.

The success of the restaurant, Haras believes, is the quality standards. “I am committed to keeping the quality high. It’s most important. I am never going to send something out of the kitchen that I wouldn’t eat. I respect the people that come in and are going to pay me to eat here,” she says. “You have to be honest and you also have to be clean. Those are important things that I watch.”

Haras is grateful for the community that has shown so much support.

“I’ve been here a long time and I would like to say thank you to the people of South Holland,” she says. “Thank you to my customers and everyone who has supported me.”

Blueberry Field 558 E 162nd St

To view the full menu, visit blueberryfieldrestaurant.com.

HelmTaking the

PHILIP BAUMAN NAMED NEW CHORALE DIRECTOR

By Phil Schwartz

Photos by Manuel Corazzari

The South Holland Master Chorale has named Philip J. Bauman as its new music director.

Bauman, of South Bend, Indiana, also serves as administrator of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and music director of Michigan City Messiah. He has previously served roles with the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, as orchestra manager and as conductor of its Youth Orchestra. He was music director of the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra for more than 20 years.

“The Chorale is excited about the rich history Philip Bauman has with choruses and choral ensembles,” says Melodee Leimnetzer, president of the Chorale’s board of directors. That includes work with Chicago Opera Theater, Downers Grove Oratorio Society, The Opera Factory, Light Opera Works, Boise Opera, Starlight Theater and da Corneto Opera.

Bauman succeeds Albert M. Jackson, who retired this year after 23 years as music director of the South Holland Master Chorale. The 100-member community choral group, originally affiliated with South Suburban College, has been sponsored by the Village of South Holland since 2015.

Leimnetzer says the Chorale board was “pleased to be able to replace our longtime director with such a capable and experienced musician as Mr. Bauman. We are excited about the upcoming musical season under his leadership.”

In stepping into his new role, Bauman says, “As a passionate lover of the voice and choral singing, I’m eager to build on the legacy and the rich traditions of South Holland Master Chorale and bring a new perspective to the excellent ensemble so carefully and lovingly built by Al Jackson.”

Membership in the Chorale is open without audition to anyone interested in performing great choral works. The group rehearses at 7 p.m. Mondays. Following current CDC guidelines regarding Covid-19, singers are required to be masked during rehearsals and performances.

Bauman has announced a series of concerts for the Chorale’s upcoming season, which begins with “Songs of Celebration” on two dates in October. This concert will explore the many occasions that are celebrated with song, from coronations and weddings to songs celebrating patriotism, biblical leaders, simple living and the African-American experience.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

OCTOBER 2

4pm

First Reformed Church 16924 South Park Ave, South Holland A reception with light refreshments will follow the performance

OCTOBER 16

4pm

St. Thomas More Catholic Church 8501 Calumet Ave, Munster, Ind.

Additional concerts will take place in November and in May 2023. Admission to all Chorale performances is free; free-will donations are accepted.

For more information about the South Holland Master Chorale and future concert dates, visit southhollandmasterchorale.org, email southhollandmc@gmail.com, or call 708.210.2913.

FLOODING SAFEGUARDS

PROGRAMS TO HELP RESIDENTS AVOID FLOODING

South Holland is subject to over-bank flooding from three sources: the Little Calumet River, Thorn Creek, and the Calumet Union Drainage Ditch. Knowing that flooding can occur, the Village has set up programs to help protect your property in advance, and also for notifying residents of potential flooding. Both measures could potentially save your property from water damage and save you thousands of dollars.

FLOOD PROTECTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Village of South Holland is interested in partnering with our residents to provide sitespecific property protection advice and financial support for pre-qualified flood proofing projects.

Residents may call the Community Development Department at 708.210.2915 to go over property-specific drainage and flooding issues. Residents may also request an on-site meeting with Village staff to further discuss these issues and investigate potential site improvements.

In addition to performing site visits and offering flood protection advice, the Village provides a Flood Assistance Rebate Program which allows residents that have pre-qualified for the

program to be reimbursed for a percentage of the cost of their flood proofing projects.

Residents can receive a 25% rebate (up to $2,500) for projects that address:

• Diversion of surface water (diversion of downspout water and construction of flood walls)

• Improvements that minimize sewer backups

• Subsurface improvements (drain tiles, repairs to or waterproofing of foundation walls)

The Village also offers a cost sharing program that pays 50% (up to $5,000) for larger sewer backup prevention projects such as:

• Addition of a gravity drainage system

• Conversion to an overhead sewer

• Installation of an exterior injector pit/pump system

• Installation of an exterior backwater check valve (to prevent sewer backups)

Contact the Community Development Department at 708.210.2915 for more information or to schedule an appointment to apply for a rebate and begin the pre-qualification process.

FLOOD WARNING PROGRAM

South Holland’s Flood Warning System is designed to provide Village officials with the data and information necessary to make informed decisions in times of potential flooding, in order to provide residents and businesses with timely directives and updates so that appropriate actions can be taken to minimize casualties and flood losses.

In order to stay updated during a flood, we have set up the following means of communication:

• If it is raining hard, tune to a local radio station to see if a flood watch or warning has been issued. For residents watching television, the cable override will issue a message. Tune to Cable channels 4 (Comcast) or 6 (WOW) for additional information that will be provided by the Village during an emergency. A police car public address system may also be utilized.

Flood Facts

Look for this image on the Village Facebook page for periodic facts and information to help residents with flood prevention.

• The National Weather Service issues two types of flood notices: a flood watch and a flood warning. A flood watch indicates flooding is possible within the area described by the notice. A flood warning indicates flooding is imminent or occurring in the area described by the notice and emergency action should be taken.

• An extra measure of protection is wise for residents living close to the Little Calumet River, Thorn Creek, or other drainage waterways. A NOAA weather radio can be purchased at a local electronic store for $20 to $30 and will enable residents to monitor the National Weather Service notices directly.

• Refer to the Village’s website, southholland.org. A link to the National Weather Service’s river gauge for the Little Calumet River at South Holland is provided.

• Sign up to receive CodeRED Notifications. The CodeRED Community Notification System is a tool that enhances the Village’s ability to communicate with residents and business owners by providing community alerts during periods of severe weather. This service is free and residents can sign up though the Village website, southholland.org.