HAPPY NEW YEAR! From Everyone at The Shopper
Wednesday • December 24, 2025
South Holland Library Board Announces Retirement of Trustee Elaine MacKenzie
The South Holland Library Board regretfully announces the retirement of Elaine MacKenzie, an esteemed trustee who has served diligently for 12 years, effective November 2025. Since her election in 2013, Elaine has not only been a vital part of the board but has also taken on the role of Board Secretary, contributing significantly to the library’s growth and community engagement. Elaine, a lifelong resident of the south suburbs, has enriched the South Holland community through her active participation in various local activities. She has been especially involved in the South Holland Gardening Club, reflecting her passion for nurturing both plants and community spirit. An accomplished elementary school teacher, Elaine served in the south suburbs for several decades, shaping young minds and inspiring future generations. Elaine conveyed in her last board meeting that she enjoyed serving on the Library Board and it was a rewarding experience. She’s proud of the achievements
and improvements of the library during her time on the board. It was her pleasure to serve the community by being on the board. As Elaine steps down from her position, Vanessa Bradley, President of the South Holland Library Trustee Board, oversaw the transition with swearing in the appointment of her successor at the November 2025 meeting. The board is pleased to announce the appointment of Jimmy J. Stewart as the new trustee, who will serve until the 2029 election. Jimmy J. Stewart is a vibrant member of the community and a local artist known for his captivating abstract modern art. He has showcased his work at several library events, including the popular “Nervana” event, illustrating his strong connection with the library’s mission. In addition to his artistic contributions, Jimmy is recognized as an accomplished actor, speaker, and facilitator, actively promoting creativity and engagement within the community. Vanessa Bradley and the other trustees were excited to welcome Mr. Stewart to the board. He has a passion for art and commitment to community engagement that will undoubtedly enrich the Library Board and further the mission to serve the residents of South Holland. The board has also appointed Janice Newman as the new Board Secretary, ensuring continued effective governance and communication within the board. The South Holland Library encourages community members to explore the diverse array of upcoming activities and programs that cater to all ages. For more information on events, resources, and additional details about the library, please visit our website at https://shlibrary.org/. The South Holland Library Board extends its heartfelt congratulations to Elaine MacKenzie on her well-deserved retirement and warmly welcomes Jimmy J. Stewart as the newest trustee in our continued commitment to enhancing the educational and cultural fabric of our community.
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Connecting Hoosiers Expert tips for live Christmas tree disposal to Holiday Support & Essential Resources LISLE, Ill. (Dec. 17, 2025)—Fresh Christmas trees don’t last forever, and the tree care experts at The Morton Arboretum recommend planning ahead for proper disposal once it’s time to take them down. “To prevent a fire hazard, it is crucial to safely and appropriately dispose of your evergreen tree as soon as it shows signs of drying out, which can include needles dropping in droves, brittle branches, and no water uptake by the tree,” said Plant Knowledge Specialist Sharon Yiesla. The Arboretum’s Plant Clinic provides free advice by phone and email for those with questions about how to care for trees and plants, including live Christmas trees. Yiesla offers these recommendations for proper tree disposal: 1. Prevent fire hazards. Dispose of a tree once it shows signs of drying out to prevent it from becoming a fire hazard. When the tree is drying out, needles will become brittle and many will start falling off, branches will also become brittle, and the tree will no longer take up water. Yiesla cautioned against burning an evergreen tree in a fireplace or woodstove, as doing so can cause buildup that increases the chances of a chimney fire. 2. Recycle. Bare evergreen trees can be recycled at participating facilities. Check with local municipalities or waste management companies about tree recycling or disposal arrangements, including whether trees will be picked up at a certain time and location or should be dropped off at a recycling site. Recycled trees are chipped into mulch or compost. Some municipalities offer the option to take home the fine-smelling mulch for gardening. 3. Clear the branches. “Only the tree itself can be recycled,” Yielsa said. “Remove all decorations, and if using a plastic tree bag to transport the tree to a recycling location, take it off outside.” If not fully bare, a tree will go to a landfill rather than being recycled. Flocked trees—those
covered in white synthetic powder imitating snow—can’t be recycled. They must be thrown away in regular trash. Anything containing wire, like live garlands or wreaths, can damage a facility’s shredding machinery and should also be discarded in the trash. 4. Consider the garden. People can lay branches cut from their live Christmas tree over their garden beds to protect plants. Doing so insulates the soil so it won’t heat up during winter warm spells and cause plants to emerge prematurely from dormancy. This is most useful in full-sun garden beds. Remove the branches in the spring, when it is normally expected to see early spring flowers and bulbs emerging. 5. Shelter wildlife. “If space permits and neighbors don’t mind, leave the tree in your backyard as a windbreak for birds and wildlife during winter,” Yiesla said. “In spring, cut up the tree and dispose of it through your municipality’s landscape waste disposal program.” Private property owners with a pond in their yard could also place the tree trunk in the water to provide a hideout for fish. The Morton Arboretum Plant Clinic is generously sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts.
As the holiday season approaches, Indiana 211 is reminding Hoosiers that help is only three digits away. Whether families are seeking holiday meals, toy assistance, winter shelter, or support with basic needs, Indiana 211 is available to connect residents with local, trustworthy resources across all 92 counties. Holiday and Winter Resource Support • Hoosiers can contact 2-1-1 or search online at in211.org for statewide assistance programs including: Holiday Meals & Food Programs • Christmas meal sites • Emergency food pantries • Holiday food box programs • Community meals with extended winter hours Winter Shelter & Warmth Resources • Warming centers and overnight emergency shelters • Severe Weather Contingency shelters • Utility assistance agencies for heating support Holiday Giving Programs • Toy distribution • Holiday clothing drives Mental Health & Crisis Support • Immediate emotional support • Connections to local counseling, warm lines, and crisis teams • Referrals for grief support resources If you or someone you know is currently experiencing thoughts of suicide, or a mental health or substance use crisis, please call 988 to reach Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and speak with a trained crisis specialist 24/7.