Honoring Those Who Served, on Memorial Day
FROM YOUR MAYOR
Dear South Holland Residents and Friends,
The warmth and energy of summer have arrived! In our South Holland history, so many hearts and hands come together to create true community at this time of year. We continue today, as in the past, to till our fertile soil, no longer through farming, but by economically developing venues providing more products and services. We raise our faith and family banner, strategically planning more and more vigorously each year, creating innovative ideas, and providing an even higher quality of life for our residents and guests.
In this issue, we look forward to the exciting events escorting us into a very active summer season. This 2026 summer season is truly historic as we approach the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America, coinciding with the complete renovation of our historic downtown Town Center district. These two milestones converge and invite us not only to reflect on our nation’s remarkable journey, but to come together in unique ways as a community.
Without hesitation, we will continue to honor our Faith and Family values with resilience in the context of our shared history as a nation. As we approach the 180th year of our Village’s settlement, we have the truly special opportunity to participate in the exuberance of recreating, redeveloping, and building upon our history as a “Village like no other.” We are proud to mark this summer season with vibrant and meaningful celebrations—opportunities for our residents and guests to connect with our nation and our village story in new and memorable ways.
In addition to the traditional family barbecues and picnics, this summer we will also experience the openings of our new SoHo Shops at Town Center and the Gallery at Town Center. We’ll come together to enjoy our festive Memorial Day Parade and the meaningful Juneteenth freedom celebration. We’ll also celebrate our 4th of July 250th birthday of the USA, which will conclude with the greatest fireworks extravaganza at Veterans Memorial Park you’ve ever witnessed. This summer promises to be so exciting and one we will never forget!
We are truly blessed as a village as we continue to make tremendous strides forward. The success of “Coming Together 2030” is demonstrating the strength of our shared vision and the power of collaboration, and it’s fun experiencing it together!.
Don A. De Graff
Mayor
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
Director of Communications
Julia Huisman
Contributing Writers
Josh Bootsma
Carrie Steinweg
Kyli Williams
Ronda Williams
Photographers
Josh Bootsma
Manuel Corazzari
Angela Jackson
Michael McGee
Designer
Jenni Hoekstra
Printed in South Holland at Park Press 930 E 162nd Street
©2026 Village of South Holland
Mayor De Graff in Memorial Day Parade
VILLAGE NEWS
WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND SOUTH HOLLAND
VEHICLE STICKERS
Any vehicle registered to a South Holland address is required to have a South Holland vehicle sticker. This applies whether the vehicle is parked on the street, in a driveway, or garage. The 2026-27 vehicle stickers are available starting now and must be displayed before July 1.
Sticker Prices
Passenger Car: $40 ($20 seniors)
Truck C and higher: $95 Truck and motor home: $55 ($27.50 seniors) Motorcycle: $30
Stickers are available at the Customer Service Center, 16220 Wausau Ave. You can also purchase your tickets online at southholland.org/vehiclestickers.
GRASS MAINTENANCE
The Village asks that grass be trimmed so as not to exceed 6 inches in length. Also, as we enter the summer months, it is important to keep trees and bushes trimmed so as not to obstruct the sidewalks or streets. This is especially vital for any shrubbery that may block the line of site for motor vehicles. These steps help keep South Holland looking clean, bright and beautiful.
SHAWN MICHELLE’S NOW IN SOUTH HOLLAND
The Village of South Holland is proud to welcome Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream, an award-winning and nationally recognized brand, as it expands from Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood into the south suburbs. It is now located at the former SoHo Cafe, 16129 South Park Ave.
In addition to its signature ice cream and dessert offerings like peach cobbler and butter cakes, Shawn Michelle’s will also be serving coffee and food options. The Village is excited to welcome Shawn Michelle’s and invites residents and visitors alike to experience what has made this brand a standout across the country.
GUIDELINES FOR PRIVATE GATHERINGS
As we enter the summer season, we kindly remind residents who plan to host gatherings to do so with consideration for their neighbors. Any residential event with more than 50 attendees requires a Large Residential Gathering Permit, which can be found at southholland.org. There is no fee for this permit. Hosts must also provide written notification to all neighbors within 500 feet of the event. Please also be mindful of the Village’s noise ordinance, which states that noise should not be audible beyond 75 feet from its source.
South Holland is a safe, family-friendly community rooted in respect, courtesy, and neighborliness. We encourage you to enjoy this festive season with friends and family in ways that reflect these shared values.
FACES FROM EVENTS AROUND THE VILLAGE
EASTER EGG HUNT
South Holland children filled Veterans Memorial Park for a festive Easter Egg Hunt on a beautiful spring day. Kids ages 1-10 scoured the grounds for eggs filled with candy, then celebrated with face painting and photos with the Easter Bunny.
OUT AND ABOUT
FACES FROM EVENTS AROUND THE VILLAGE
PANCAKES WITH THE POLICE
The South Holland Police Department welcomed residents to a community breakfast at the Heritage House. Police Chief Shawn Staples kicked off the morning with a presentation on public safety and the SHPD’s ongoing community engagement efforts, followed by an open Q&A and plenty of good conversation.
OUT AND ABOUT
FACES FROM EVENTS AROUND THE VILLAGE
ARTISTS’ GALLERY
More than 25 talented artists showcased their work at the 2026 South Holland Artists’ Gallery, hosted at the Community Center. The event launched with a reception celebrating the artists alongside their friends and family, with the public gallery opening its doors the following day. Attendees enjoyed a rich variety of work spanning paintings, photography, digital art, and woodcarving.
OUT AND ABOUT
FACES FROM EVENTS AROUND THE VILLAGE
COMING TOGETHER 2030 MEETING
The Village brought together leaders from the community’s five key sectors—churches, schools, businesses, service organizations, and neighborhood groups—to review the latest progress on the Coming Together 2030 strategic plan. The gathering featured updates from each group, followed by an opportunity for attendees to connect and network.
The Village of South Holland would like to thank our generous sponsors of the 2026
AJ Tires
Divine Food Market
Excel Printing and Mailing
Laren Montessori School
Providence Bank & Trust
Reliance Safety Lane & Service
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
4th of July
May
17 and 31
SOUTH HOLLAND MASTER CHORALE CONCERTS
May 17: 4pm, Thorn Creek Reformed Church, South Holland; May 31: 4pm, St. John the Evangelist, St. John, IN
Enjoy a free concert by the South Holland Master Chorale. The Chorale will be accompanied by a pianist, organist, and the SHMC Chamber Orchestra.
May 22
SOHO SHOPS AT TOWN CENTER GRAND OPENING
Noon-8pm, 16114 South Park Ave
The SoHo Shops at Town Center is officially opening! Come explore 10 one-of-a-kind storefronts, meet the makers behind the products, and celebrate South Holland’s newest destination! The grand opening kicks off at noon.
May 25
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
11am, South Park Ave
South Holland will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade, which kicks off at 11am from 170th Street and South Park Avenue. A remembrance ceremony, commemorating those who have given their lives for our country, will follow the parade at Veterans Memorial Park.
June 2
MAYOR’S COFFEE
7pm, South Holland Community Center 501 E 170th St
South Holland residents are invited to have coffee with Mayor Don De Graff. This informal meeting provides the opportunity for residents to meet with Mayor De Graff and other Village officials to ask questions, share comments, and express concerns. Coffee and refreshments will be served.
June 6
COFFEE WITH FIREFIGHTERS
9am, Fire Station 1, 16230 Wausau Ave Coffee with Firefighters is held on the first Saturday of every month. South Holland residents are encouraged to stop by the Fire Station for conversation, a tour, and a cup of coffee with our local firefighters.
June 6
SOUTH HOLLAND
AMAZING RACE
10am-noon, Town Center Commons 16117 South Park Ave
Residents are invited to be a part of a scavenger hunt through South Holland! Participants will follow clues to local community groups and businesses, completing a unique challenge at each stop along the way. Visit southholland.org for more details and to register.
June 9
COMMUNITY POLICING MEETING
10am, South Holland Community Center
501 E 170th St
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.
June 12
SUMMER BINGO
11am-2pm, South Holland Community Center
501 E 170th St
The South Holland Police Department is hosting a summer bingo event for South Holland residents ages 55 and up. Food will be provided, and prizes will be awarded. Visit southholland.org for details and to register.
June
18
SOUTH HOLLAND MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERT
7pm, Veterans Memorial Park, 500 E 160th Pl
Join the South Holland Municipal Band for a concert in South Holland’s premier park! Entry is free; bring a chair or blanket and enjoy live music from the longest-running municipal band in the south suburbs!
June 20 COMING TOGETHER ON JUNETEENTH
Noon-4pm, Veterans Memorial Park 500 E 160th Pl
Join the South Holland Ministerial Association and the Village of South Holland for a celebration of African-American history. The event includes inspirational speakers, live music, historical displays, vendors, food trucks, and more!
July
4
4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Daytime Festivities: Noon-4pm Fireworks Show: Gates open 6pm Veterans Memorial Park, 500 E 160th Pl Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in South Holland this Independence Day! Enjoy food, live music, and a slew of fun activities, culminating with an extra special fireworks show in the evening. South Holland residents can enter the fireworks show for free; non-residents will be charged $10 ($8 in advance). Daytime festivities (noon-4pm) are free to all. Visit southholland.org for more information.
AT THE LIBRARY
The following programs are held at the South Holland Public Library, 16250 Wausau Ave, unless otherwise indicated. Visit shlibrary.org for a list of all upcoming events.
May 14
THINK FAST NOSTALGIA TRIVIA
5:30pm, Thornton Distilling Co., 400 E Margaret St, Thornton
Join us for a fun trip down memory lane at Thornton Distilling Co.! Come compete, reminisce, and enjoy a lively trivia experience! Ages 21 and over.
June 1-July 25
SUMMER READING
Summer Reading is a seasonal program that encourages people of all ages to keep reading during the summer through fun challenges, events, and rewards offered by the library. This year’s theme is “Plant a Seed, Read.”
June 6
SUMMER READING KICKOFF 12pm
Join us for our Summer Reading Kickoff Party, where our “Plant a Seed, Read” theme comes to life with nature-inspired activities, hands-on fun, and everything you need to grow your love of reading all summer long.
June 9 and 10
AARP SAFE DRIVERS COURSE 12-4pm
Refresh your driving skills and possibly qualify for a discount on your insurance. There is a fee of $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members, payable at the first class. Attendance at both sessions is required. Registration is required.
The South Holland Ministerial Association and the Village of South Holland Presents
Saturday, June 20
Noon-4pm
Veterans Memorial Park | 500 E. 160th
FAITH IN
Motion
LORD, SHOW US YOUR GARDEN
By Reverend Wanda E. Simpson, Staff Chaplain at Ingalls Memorial Hospital
I begin my spring/summer seasons by going with my friends to the Woldhuis Farms Sunrise Greenhouse, located in Grant Park, Illinois. The plan is always to purchase only the specific plants we need for our individual gardens and leave. Once we arrive at the nine-acre, fully covered facility, all caution is cast to the wind. First, we choose the plants we need, and then we choose the plants we want. We are like kids in a candy store. However, personally, I don’t know if I am more excited about purchasing the plants or being with my friends and going out to lunch with them after. I find that both are cheerful occasions that bring the entire day together. We give one another advice on when, how, and where to place our specific plants in relation to our homes. Finally, when we each go to our individual abodes, we are on our own. It is then that I begin to ask God for His guidance not only in planting, but in the survival of my garden so that it will represent His majesty by producing beautiful flowering leaves throughout the summer.
I can only imagine how beautiful the Garden of Eden must have been after the Word spoke it into existence. I picture the many different kinds of shrubs, trees, flowers, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. It was during this time that water rose from the ground through the vines and roots from which the plants received their nourishment. Before the bite of the apple, I’m sure that Adam and Eve enjoyed the beauty and abundance
of food and waterproducing plants. We tend to think that they were only in the garden for a few days, but let us not forget 2 Peter 3:8: “But beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like one day.” The variety of plants in the Garden of Eden flourished because of their connection to one another through the vines. John 15:5 states, “I am the true vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me, and I in him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing.”
Once I have planted all of my foliage, I water them daily until the roots have taken hold of the soil and connected to each other under the dirt. Despite the differences, like my friends and me, the plants begin to flourish, and like us, they look toward the Son (SON) from whom comes our help. God has given us many signs and wonders from the very beginning to show us His existence and our existence through Him, in spite of our differences.
Reverend Wanda E. Simpson
SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2026
Veterans Memorial Park 500 E 160th Place
FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL
- NOON-4PM
Games • Inflatables • Roller Skating Rink
Food Vendors • Live Music • And More!
Tents and grills are not permitted. The park will close at 5pm to prepare for the fireworks show, and will reopen at 6pm.
FIREWORKS SHOW/AMERICA’S 250TH
Food Trucks / Live Music / America 250 Displays
Park Opens: 6pm
Fireworks Begin: Shortly After Dusk
ENTRY FEE (Fireworks show only):
South Holland Residents: FREE Non-SH Residents: $10 at the door, $8 in advance (purchase at southholland.org or at Community Center)
CLASSROOM FROM THE COURTROOM to the
ONE STUDENT’S PATH TO PURPOSE
By Josh Bootsma
Photos courtesy of Mario Reed
Unity Christian Academy senior Aiden Robinson wants his professional future to involve helping people. As he was considering what internship he wanted to pursue, he thought again about an area that has always interested him: law. Just a few weeks after a Google search and an email connected him to The Law Offices of Attorney Mario A. Reed in South Holland, Aiden was working as an intern at the firm.
A similar process played out for each of the seniors at Unity Christian Academy last fall. As part of their senior year at the South Holland high school, students like Aiden spend a full quarter of the school year interning in a profession of their choosing.
“It’s a part of the UCA educational experience that’s very unique and important,” says Kenyatah Austin, UCA’s Post-Secondary Liaison. “Our students want to pursue a variety of post-secondary
Aiden Robinson, a senior at Unity Christian Academy, interned for South Holland Attorney Mario Reed.
pathways, and our responsibility is to help them prepare for decisions about their future. Our internship program is integral to this process.”
Attorney Mario Reed remembers feeling “ecstatic” when he saw Aiden’s request.
“The toughest part that I run into in the practice of law is that I need help. There’s a maximum capacity that I have,” Reed says.
Aiden’s introduction to law wasn’t gradual. On his first day he went to court with Reed at the Daley Center in Chicago. There, he met Judge James P. Murphy, a Cook County Circuit Judge in the probate division.
“It was a crazy introduction. But it was a good way to start off,” Aiden says.
Among the many things Aiden learned from Reed—who specializes in estate planning, probate, real estate, and business law—one of the most memorable has been the way he interacts with and walks alongside people.
“He just deals with a wide variety of people, and it’s interesting to see how such a vast range of knowledge is required for what he does,” Aiden says.
Attorney Mario Reed and Aiden Robinson
In the spring of 2019, Attorney Reed left government work to open his own law firm. For the first three months, The Law Offices of Mario A. Reed was located at his dining room table in his South Holland home. It was a visit to Aurelio’s on 170th Street that first got him interested in the property at 625 E 170th Street, where his office is now located.
“In my opinion, there is no better southern suburb in Chicago, if you have a family, to be in than South Holland,” Attorney Reed says.
Beyond the bounds of the courtroom, Reed calls himself the “Education Esquire,” regularly hosting seminars and events to educate the public about planning for the future and keeping one’s affairs in order.
During his internship, Aiden has overcome the language barrier that comes with the legal profession. “That was one of the main things I was chasing after, to understand the law and not be so intimidated by it,” he says. “I feel like that’s one of the main barriers for people.”
Aiden learned the language not only in conversation, but by doing. He filed court documents on behalf of Reed, including real estate closing documents and a motion to reconsider. He also helped prepare case briefs.
From Unity Christian Academy’s perspective, Aiden’s internship had exactly the effect the school hopes all students feel—an empowering experience that brings clarity to future aspirations. One of the school’s core values is flourishing, which it describes as a “desire for our students to experience and contribute to flourishing by building up their community and using resources well, with faith that God will finish the work.”
For Aiden, he now has a vision for how he can build up his community.
“I feel a relatability to people [who need legal help],” he says. “They’re asking the same questions I was asking. I really care about helping those people because I know we’re not that different. … My prior understanding of the law wasn’t enough for me to feel confident in my future. But now I know I do want to go to college, I know what I want to get out of college, and I have goals for after college.”
SOUTH HOLLAND’S AMAZING
RACE
AN ADVENTURE THROUGH SOUTH HOLLAND… NO RUNNING REQUIRED
When most people hear the words “Amazing Race,” they picture frantic airport dashes and globetrotting chaos (from the popular TV show by that name). But South Holland’s spin on the familiar format is something altogether different.
On June 6 from 10am to noon, Town Center Commons will transform into the starting line for the South Holland Amazing Race, a walkable scavenger hunt that winds through the heart of the village along South Park Avenue. Teams of two to five will follow clues to local businesses and community organizations, tackling a unique challenge at each stop before racing to the finish line for a chance to win cash prizes.
The event is an initiative of Coming Together 2030, South Holland’s community-building effort
that unites the village’s five key groups—churches, schools, businesses, service organizations, and neighborhood groups—to coordinate resources and services for the betterment of the entire community. That spirit of collaboration is woven into the race itself: while a handful of stops are local businesses, most are tents set up by South Holland’s service organizations, giving participants a firsthand look at the groups quietly doing good work throughout the village.
Even though the word “Race” is in the event title, “it’s not a 5K,” organizers are quick to clarify. “You don’t need to be a runner.” What participants do need is a good pair of walking shoes, a competitive spirit, and at least one teammate who’s good at decoding clues under pressure. The entire course stays within a two-mile radius of Town Center.
The event is open to anyone ages 10 and older, making it a rare opportunity for families, friend groups, and co-workers to compete together on equal footing. With a registration fee of just $5 per person, the barrier to entry is low, and the prizes are rewarding. The first-place team takes home $250, second earns $100, and third walks away with $50.
RACE
The South Holland Amazing Race isn’t just a game. It’s a chance to see familiar storefronts and neighborhood organizations in a new light, and to discover who’s working behind the scenes to make South Holland stronger, all while doing something enjoyable with people you care about.
Spots are capped at 60 participants, which means the window to register is narrow. Teams can register and find full event details at southholland.org.
THEN&NOW
SOUTH SUBURBAN COLLEGE REFRESHES ITS TRIBUTE TO SOUTH HOLLAND’S STORY
By Kyli Williams
In 1994, South Suburban College created a Historical Wall to honor the Village of South Holland, the longstanding home of the institution. At the time, the display stretched wall-to-wall with black-and-white photos capturing the village’s earliest days.
More than 30 years later, in March 2026, the college unveiled an updated version. The refreshed display highlights not only South Holland’s history, but also its growth, diversity, and everyday life today.
Originally founded in 1927 as Thornton Junior College, the school began as an extension of Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois. As its reach expanded across the south suburban region, the institution was renamed South Suburban College in 1988 to reflect the broader community it serves.
South Holland has seen just as much change. Established in 1846 by Dutch farmers seeking religious freedom, strong community ties, and opportunities for small business ownership, the village has grown into a diverse and active suburb. Through that growth, it has remained grounded in its core values: Faith, Family, and Future.
The Historical Wall is part of a larger effort by the college to recognize communities across the Chicago
Southland. Similar displays throughout campus highlight the stories of neighboring cities and villages, helping preserve local history while making it accessible to the public.
Before the update, the South Holland wall offered a glimpse into a very different time. Photos of onion fields stretching for acres, horse-drawn buggies traveling along dirt roads, and families ice skating on the frozen Little Calumet River captured scenes that feel far removed from today’s pace of life.
Many of those original images remain, now joined by new photos highlighting South Holland’s most recognizable landmarks, local businesses, and everyday community life. Together, these additions create a display that blends past and present in a way that feels both reflective and current. Relocated to the first floor, the exhibit is also easier for visitors to find and enjoy.
The South Holland Historical Wall is open to the public during South Suburban College’s regular hours, Monday through Saturday from 6am to 10pm. Admission is free, making it an easy and meaningful stop for anyone interested in the village’s story.
Tuesday, June 2 | 7:00 PM
South Holland Community Center
