South Holland Living Nov/Dec 2023

Nov | Dec 2023

The Christmas Spirit

Winter Festivities and Ways to Give Back

Winter Wonderland Friday, December 1, 2023 6:00-8:00pm H o l i d ay f e s t ivities a nd a c tivities at Vet e r a ns Memor ia l Pa r k

s o u t h h o l l a n d .o r g

FROM YOUR MAYOR VILLAGE BOARD President Don A. De Graff Clerk Dr. Sallie Penman

Dear South Holland Residents and Friends, It’s hard to believe that we are already approaching the beginning of our 2023 holiday season. Time seems to move so much faster when we are actively engaging in meaningful life experiences and fun activities.

Coming together to plan, to prepare, and to experience life really seems to make time fly. Our strategic plan, “Coming Together 2030,” is off to a such a great start after only 10 months into 2023.

As Thanksgiving season approaches, I’m reminded of how thankful I am for all of the specially planned, highly anticipated, and well-executed community events and discussions that have already taken place as part of our strategic plan. There’s an infectious spirit and enthusiasm that is clearly evident by so many community leaders and residents who are planning and participating in these wonderful events.

Yes, we have so much to be thankful for here in South Holland.

We also know, however, that it’s important for us to realize and pray for those for whom time moves very slowly. There are many people throughout our world today whose life experiences are very disheartening, very painful, and often life-threatening. The war in Ukraine and now the distressing war in Israel takes our breath away as we witness these daily news reports. It breaks our hearts to hear of the seemingly never-ending migration of so many refugees from so many places around the world who desire a safe place to live.

As a community of Faith and Family, let’s pray together for those who need God’s intervention to provide much-needed peace in war-torn areas in our world today. May it be our prayer that they will experience a meaningful and fun time in their lives, where their time also can begin to fly by quickly.

Enjoy this special edition of our South Holland Living magazine. It captures so many of the fun fall events we’ve experienced together and gets us prepared to enjoy more enjoyable times as we approach our Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. Through it all, please remember to pray for those in need and to give thanks for all God has provided us here in South Holland!

Don A. De Graff Mayor

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 Josh Bootsma Carrie Steinweg Ronda Williams Photographers Lawrence Bickerstaff Josh Bootsma Manuel Corazzari Michelle Hamstra Jenni Hoekstra Angela Jackson Designer Jenni Hoekstra Printed in South Holland at Park Press 930 E 162nd Street ©2023 Village of South Holland

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VILLAGE NE WS WHAT ’S HAPPE NI NG A RO U ND SO U T H HO L L A ND

YARD WASTE PICKUP The South Holland Public Works department would like to remind residents that Republic Services will stop picking up yard waste from their totes on November 30 through the winter months. Pickup will resume April 1. From December through March, the yard waste totes can be used for regular garbage.

SNOW ORDINANCE Please be aware of the Village’s snow ordinance, which states that vehicles shall not be parked on any street if snow exceeds two inches or more. This helps us plow the streets effectively and efficiently.

When shoveling snow in a driveway, we recommend depositing the snow to the right side (when facing the street) to minimize plows from blocking you in.

NEW SHBA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The South Holland Business Association (SHBA) and the Village of South Holland are pleased to announce the selection of Shanetta Davis as SHBA’s new Executive Director. Shanetta, a South Holland resident of 15 years, has served on the SHBA Board since 2022 and previously served on the Village of South Holland Economic Development Commission for 3 years. Her commitment and immersion in the South Holland business community have made her a trusted and respected figure, and a natural choice for SHBA Executive Director. Congratulations to Shanetta!

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D ID YOU KN OW? HO ME S A F E T Y T I P S F O R W I NT E R

Winter in S outh Holland can be a fun and beautiful season, but it can also get ver y, ver y c old.

It’s impor tant to be proa ctive in ord er to prepare for the frigid t emps that are rig ht around the c orner (whether we like it or not!).

M ark Van Kley, director of S outh Holland’s Public S afet y S uppor t S er vic es (also known as PS3), has provid ed the following tips on how t o prepare now to make sure your home and vehicle are safe and warm this winter.

WINTERI ZE YOUR HOME: • Insulate walls and attics.

• C aulk and weatherize doors and windows.

• Install storm windows or c over windows with plastic.

PRE VE NT FROZE N PIPE S: • Locate and insulate the pipes most susc eptible to freezing—t ypicall y those nea r outer walls, in crawl spa c es or in attics.

• Wrap pipes with heat tape or thermostaticall y c ontrolled heat cables. Be sure to use products approved by an ind epend ent testing organizati on, and onl y for the use intend ed (exteri or or interi or). C losel y follow all manufa cturers’ installati on and operati on instr ucti ons.

• S eal any leaks that allow c old air insid e where pipes are located.

• Disc onnect gard en hoses and shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outsid e fauc ets.

• M ake sure you know how to shut off the water in case pipes burst.

PREPA RE F OR PO SSIBLE I SOLATI ON IN YOUR HOME F OR SE VERA L DAYS: • Have emergency heating equipment (firepla c es, wood burning stoves or spa c e heaters) and ample fuel so you can keep at least one room of your house warm.

Always ensure proper ventilati on to avoid carbon monoxid e poisoning.

• NE VER use an outdoor grill to heat your home or to c ook food indoors.

• Keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure your famil y knows how to use them.

PREPA RE YOUR VEHIC LE F OR THE WINTER: • Winterize your vehicle or have your vehicle ser vic ed by a reputable d ealer, garage, or mechanic.

• C heck your wipers, tires, lig hts, and fluid levels regularl y. M ake sure the brakes and transmissi on are working properl y. Lubricate door and tr unk locks to prevent them from freezing.

• Prepare a Winter S torm S ur vival Kit and carr y it in your vehicle. A kit is impor tant even for shor t trips. If you have an a ccid ent or vehicle breakdown, you may be waiting several hours for assistanc e to arrive.

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OUT A ND AB OUT FAC E S FROM E V E NT S A RO U ND T HE V I L L AG E

FUN RUN 5K More than 300 participants ran or walked the streets of South Holland for the Fun Run 5K. Participants dressed in costumes, accessories and bright clothing and were greeted with “fun stations” like a live band, streamers, a hula hoop artist, and the Jets Cheerleaders. Nearly $3,000 was raised for Tabitha House for Women.

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OUT A ND AB OUT FAC E S FROM E V E NT S A RO U ND T HE V I L L AG E

EDUCATION FAIR The South Holland Education Commission brought back the Education Fair this year! Hundreds of students attended this event, which featured a backpack giveaway, free dental and vision exams, food made by the South Holland Fire Department, and more. Several South Holland organizations had a booth at the Fair, to present resources for parents and students for the new school year.

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OUT A ND AB OUT FAC E S FROM E V E NT S A RO U ND T HE V I L L AG E

CONCERT IN THE PARK South Holland residents enjoyed a Ravinia-style concert on a beautiful summer evening at Veterans Memorial Park. The Chicago-based band Talk of the Town performed a wide array of cover songs, from Motown to 80s to modern-day pop hits. Attendees danced and sang along the entire evening.

STEPPIN’ AND LINE DANCING

The South Holland Recreational Services department held the 2nd Annual Steppin’ and Line Dancing event at Veterans Memorial Park. Instructors led attendees through dance moves, accompanied by DJs who provided music throughout the day. Many families made a day of it, enjoying food and fellowship along with the dancing.

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OUT A ND AB OUT FAC E S FROM E V E NT S A RO U ND T HE V I L L AG E

LUNCH WITH FIREFIGHTERS The South Holland Fire Department invited the community to the fire station for lunch and tours of the station, ambulance, and brand-new fire engine. Many families attended and learned about the life of a firefighter/EMT while enjoying hot dogs, ice cream, and other treats.

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OUT A ND AB OUT FAC E S FROM E V E NT S A RO U ND T HE V I L L AG E

MASTER CHORALE LUNCHEON The South Holland Master Chorale kicked off its 2023-24 season with a concert at Christ Our Savior Parish in South Holland. The theme of the concert was “Of Hope, Healing and Discovery.”

Following the performance, Chorale members and attendees were treated to a reception.

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CA LE NDA R OF E VE NTS

Christmas Bingo

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C OFFEE WI TH F IREF IGHTER S 9am, Fire S tati on 1, 1 6230 Wausau Ave Resid ents can meet and talk with members of the S outh Holland Fire D epar tment on the first S aturday of ever y month.

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C OMMUNI T Y POLIC ING MEE TING November 1 4: 7pm, D ec ember 1 2: 10am, S outh Holland C ommunit y C enter, 501 E 170th S t The S outh Holland Polic e D epar tment hosts a C ommunit y Policing Meeting on the sec ond Tuesday of ever y month, alternating mornings and evenings. This is an oppor tunit y to address any questi ons or c onc erns for the Polic e D epar tment.

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VILLAGE OFF IC E S C LO SED All Village offic es will be closed i n obser vanc e of Veterans D ay.

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WINTER SPOR TS SHOWCASE 2-6pm (free cheer sessi on 1 2:30pm), S outh Holland C ommunit y C enter, 501 E 170th S t Boys and girls ages 3-10 will learn the fundamentals of baseball, basketball, football, and socc er. Registrati on is require d; register at southholland.org or at the C ommunit y C enter.

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SOUTH HOLLA ND MASTER C HORA LE C HRI STMAS C ONC ER TS D ec 3: 4pm, S t. John Neumann C hurch, 17951 Di xie Ave, Homewood D ec 10: 4pm, C hrist Our S avi or Parish, 880 E 1 54th S t, S outh Holland The S outh Holland M aster C horale is hosting two holiday-themed c onc er ts in D ec ember.

The theme of both c onc er ts is “Holiday Joy & Fanfare,” featuring D aniel Pinkham’s “C hristmas C antata,” holiday favorites, and sing-alongs.

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WINTER WONDERLA ND 6-8pm, Veterans Memorial Park, 500 E 1 60th Pl The annual holiday extravaganza features a tree lig hting c eremony, trolley rid es, an ic eless skating rink, a craft tent, refreshments and more. Visits wit h S anta are for S outh Holland resid ents onl y and advanc e registrati on is required; register at the C ommunit y C enter. southholland.org

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MAYOR’S C OFFEE 7pm, S outh Holland C ommunit y C enter, 501 E 170th S treet Resid ents can hear from and speak with M ayor D on D e Graff. C offee and refreshments will be ser ved.

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SHPD C HRI STMAS BINGO 1 2-3pm, S outh Holland C ommunit y C enter, 501 E 170th S t The S outh Holland Polic e D epar tment is inviting resid ents aged 55+ to enjoy a day of Bingo, food and prizes. Visit southholland.org to register.

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

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A NGEL TR EE GI VI N G Join the Li brar y a nd o u r C hi ca go la nd Prison O utrea ch par tne r fo r the a nnu a l gi v i ng tree.

Gr ab a tag and he lp a lo ca l f a mi l y i n need rec e ive a C hri stm a s p r e se nt by D e c ember 1st.

S T EA M LA B 6pm Join Ms. C amil l e in th e Teen C l u b for M at h L ab a c tivities and fun experime nt s .

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S PA D E S & S I T C OMS 7pm Adu l ts are invited to join us for a c om mun i t y g aming event. Find a par tner and en j oy s om e rounds of S pad es. Lig h t refresh me nt s an d a c l assic sitc om wil l be sh own. Reg is t r at i on requ ired.

HOME S C H O O L M EE T UP 11am A re you a hom e scho o l f a mi l y lo o k i ng to meet others ? Vi si t th e L i b r a r y a nd le a r n a ll abou t the resourc es av a i lab le to yo u a nd you r fr i e nds.

Tuesday, December 5 7:00pm South Holland Community Center 501 E. 170th Street 12 NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2023

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ALARM PERMITS

If you h ave a se curi t y al arm system for y ou r re sid e nc e or busi ness and have not yet re giste re d for a permit or renewe d your p e rmit for 2024, pl ease do so at south h olland. al armreg.c om or at the S outh Holland Pol ic e D epar tment 1 6330 S outh Park Ave

D e adline is Januar y 1, 2 024

FAITH IN

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LOVE THY NEIGHB OR How to care for others during the holiday season

By Rev. Dr. S heila J. Grant, S taff C haplain at Universit y of C hicago Ingalls Memorial Hospital The holiday season is filled with lots of joy. Thanksgiving brings famil y and friends together from near and far, for the best meals, picture taking and after-dinner football games. C hristmas brings with it all of the beautiful d ec orati ons—lig hts, tree trimming and even c er tain music.

It brings the anticipati on of giving and rec eiving gifts. It is a time of joyful hustle and bustle as people shop for the best presents at the best pric es and for the tree that is just rig ht.

This is the experienc e for a great many people in our c ountr y and abroad during the holiday season, yet there are those who will not have these experienc es and who a ctuall y dread the onset of the holiday season.

Jesus said, the two greatest c ommandments are first to love the Lord with all your hear t, soul, mind and strength, and sec ond, to love others as much as we love ourselves (M ark 1 2:3031). C ompassi on is d erived from how much we follow that sec ond c ommandme nt. If we love others the way we love our selves, we will treat them with a great amount of c ompassi on and care.

There are many reasons that may prevent someone from feeling joy in the holiday season. Perhaps it is the first holiday season without their loved one. Perhaps they do not have famil y and friends to enjoy the season with and the holidays are a painful remind er that they do not have anyone. M aybe their famil y has suffered some sor t of trauma or disaster, either in the current holiday season, or

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one pri or. There is a myriad of reasons that people do not enjoy the holiday season.

There is even a term for this called “holiday d epressi on.”

This holiday season, let us remember to love our neig hbors as Rev. Dr. Sheila J. Grant ourselves.

Perhaps you have a c oworker who does not have famil y in the area and cannot go home; a dinner invite mig ht be just what they need. Perhaps you c ould make a dinner basket for someone with all of the trimmings and d eliver it to their door. If you know someone who is grieving, maybe you c ould give them a beautiful plant with a kind note, or just a quiet c onversati on over c offee. Be creative in your c ompassi on, or use humor and smiles just to brig hten someone’s day.

M aya Angelou said a person will forget what you did for them, or what you said, but they will never forget how you mad e them feel. There is no greater feeling than to feel that someone cares.

This holiday season, give someone a gift that will last far longer than anything that c omes in a box; give them the gift of love!

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B RI N GI N G

Holiday Cheer 10 WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

By Ronda Williams

A s the end of the year approa ches, the holiday season is a time for spreading lov e, joy, and giving ba ck to our c ommunities. Volunteering can be a fulfilling way to enc ourage those who need suppor t during the holidays. Here are 10 ways you can make this holiday season a time of warmth and c ompassi on.

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1. Food Drives and Pantr y Volunteering: S outh Holland has several food banks and pantries that rel y on volunteers to sor t, pa ckage, and distribute food to families in need. C onsid er lending a hand at pla c es like Restorati on Ministries, where y our help can make a real impa ct.

3. S eni or C enter Visits: S pend time with eld erl y resid ents in one of several seni or c enters located in S outh Holland. A simple visit to chat, play games, or help with a ctivities can brig hten their day and reduc e the sense of isolati on some seni ors feel during the holiday season.

2. Toy Drives: Par ticipate in local toy drives like “Toys for Tots” or organize a toy c ollecti on at your workpla c e or on your block with neig hbors. D onating new, unwrapped toys can bring a smile to a child’s fa c e during the holidays. The S outh Holland Fire D epar tment and the S outh Holland Public Librar y both host an annual drive to suppor t children and families.

4. Homeless S helter S uppor t: Volunteer at homeless shelters, such as the S alvati on Army Harbor Lig ht C enter, to help provid e meals, distribute warm clothing, and assist with vari ous programs aimed at aiding those without homes during the winter months.

LO C AT I O N S IN S O U T H H OLLA N D A ND SURROUND ING A REA LOOKI NG F O R V O LUNT EER S • Restorati on Ministries • restorati onministries.net • S alvati on Army • satr uck.org • S outh S uburban Pads • sspads.org • S outh S uburban Humane S ociet y • southsuburbanhumane.org • S outh Holland Librar y • shlibrar y.org • C elebrate S eni or Living • c elebrateseni orliving.org/c elebrate-south-holland/ • Big Brothers Big Sisters • bbbs.org

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5. C lothing Drives: C ollect gentl y used clothing and distribute it to shelters, churches and local families in need. Warm winter c oats, hats, and gloves can make a significant differenc e during the chill y Illinois winter.

6. Holiday Me als: Offer to prepare or ser ve meals at local c ommunit y c enters or churches hosting holiday dinners. M any organizati ons need volunteers to ensure ever yone can enjoy a warm holiday meal.

7. Volunteer at Local Schools: S outh Holland’s schools often appreciate volunteers for vari ous a ctivities, from tutoring stud ents to assisting with special holiday events. C onta ct your local school or the district to inquire about volunteer oppor tunities .

8. Youth Mentoring Programs: Join a mentoring program like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan C hicago, which operates in the C hicagoland area. Be a positive influenc e on the lives of young people, providing suppor t and guidanc e during the holiday season and beyond.

9. Vir tual Volunteering: If you prefer to help from the c omfor t of your own home, c onsid er vir tual volunteering. You can write letters, make phone calls, or par ticipate in online fundraising campaigns to suppor t local charities and organizati ons.

10. S pread Awareness: Use your voic e to raise awareness of local organizati ons and causes. S hare their stories on social media, enc ourage friends and famil y to get involved, and c onsid er hosting a fundraiser or donati on drive.

The end of the year is a time to reflect on our blessings and extend a helping hand to those less for tunate. You can make a meaningful impa ct by volunteering your time, resourc es, or exper tise. These 10 ways to give ba ck during the holiday season provid e a path toward making your c ommunit y a better pla c e, ensuring that ever yone can experienc e the warmth and generosit y of the season. Let’s c ome together to make S outh Holland’s holiday season brig hter for all its resid ents.

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FROSTY

ADVENTURES 5 WINTERTIME ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY IN SOUTH HOLLAND

By Carrie Steinweg

DeAnna Mahaffey

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1. Winter Wonderland Mark your calendar for December 1 for the Village of South Holland’s annual Winter Wonderland, a holiday extravaganza that is sure to get you into the holiday mood. It’s the official kick-off of the holiday season, held at Veterans Memorial Park, featuring the tree lighting ceremony, iceless skating rink, trolley rides, train rides, kids’ activities, music, refreshments and more. Don’t forget to register in advance for a visit with Santa (available to South Holland residents ages 12 and under) at the South Holland Community Center beginning November 17. This magical event, which runs from 6-8pm on December 1, is free and fun for all ages.

2. Winter Sports Showcase The 5th Annual Winter Sports Showcase takes place December 3 at the South Holland Community Center, where kids age 3 to 10 will have an opportunity to learn skills in several indoor and outdoor sports (baseball/softball, football, basketball, and soccer). There will also be a free cheer session from 12:30-1:30 pm. Pre-registration is required at southholland.org or at the Community Center.

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3. Iceless Skating Rink Due to popular demand, the Iceless Skating Rink is returning for the 2023-24 season! Located in the lot behind SoHo Sweets, the rink is constructed using panels of synthetic ice. Skates are required and can be rented on site ($2 for kids and $3 for adults, with cash and credit card accepted.)

After spending some time on the ice, head into SoHo Sweets for a snack and a warm beverage—they serve coffee, tea and hot chocolate! Visit southholland.org/skatesoho for hours and more information, including the opening date for this season.

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4. Sledding When the snowflakes start to fall, be sure to get outside and enjoy it while it lasts. What is more fun than sledding down a hill over fresh, newly-fallen snow? Unsure where to go in South Holland for some fun winter play? Bundle up the kids and take them out for a safe, sledding adventure at Municipal Park, located at 164th and South Park Avenue. Spend a fun day in the snow making memories that will last a lifetime.

Photos courtesy of Sand Ridge Nature Center 5. Sand Ridge Nature Center Don’t spend the cold-weather days being a couch potato. Sand Ridge Nature Center (15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland) is a lovely place for a fall or winter hike. Take in the beauty of a crisp day with leaves crunching below your feet as you walk the grounds, or enjoy a quiet jaunt through the fresh snow—either as a solitary activity or on an organized, guided hike.

On November 18, the center hosts Sand Ridge Heritage Day, where you can explore the heritage and history of the Calumet Region. It will include regional activities, educational displays and guided walks.

If you’re feeling a little sluggish after that big holiday meal, make plans to visit Sand Ridge Nature Center on Friday, November 24, to participate in the “Walk Off That Turkey” event. Get moving, take in the fresh air and enjoy a guided one-mile fitness walk.

For more fall and winter events, visit fdpcc.com to view the events.

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Christmas Bingo with the South Holland Police Department Thursday, December 8 12pm-3pm South Holland Community Center 501 E 170th St Join the South Holland Police Department for Bingo, food and prizes!

For South Holland residents aged 55+ 60 maximum participants Please register with Officer Megan Norris by email only (no phone calls, please) mnorris@southholland.org

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PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit #4 South Holland, IL

A n nu a l H o l i d ay

Ac c epting toys N ovember 1-D ec ember 8 D ON ATI ON DROP-OFF SI TE

S O U T H H O L L A N D F I R E D E P A R T M E NT • S T AT I O N # 1 1 6 2 3 0 W AU S AU AV E S O U T H H OL L A N D , I L 6 0 47 3 QUE STI ON S? C O N T AC T T H E S O U T H H O L L A ND F I R E D E P A R T M E NT AT 7 0 8 . 3 3 1 . 3 1 2 3 .

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