Events in and around Blue Island

Happy Valentine's Day!

Thank you Blue Island Historical Society for the scan of a postcard that celebrates young love in the city we love, and the slightly obsessive way young lovers used to communicate.  The angst of waiting weeks for a response in the mail from your beloved was certainly enough to create a little drama, and so very different from our on-demand methods of connecting with each other today! 

In celebration of Valentine's Day, the Chamber will be surprising 14 Blue Island businesses with a little love in the form of Chamber Bucks, good toward event registration, sponsorships, paid advertising opportunities, and more! Follow the adventure on Facebook by liking and following our page.

Speaking of love... 

Don't forget to vote in the 2019 Best of Blue Island Awards. Official voting closes February 22, with the winners being announced at the Best of Blue Island Awards Banquet at Beggars on March 30, 2019. 
Chamber


Join us for a special Lunch & Learn with guest speaker Howard Coppari, Community Development Manager for the City of Blue Island.

When: Wednesday, February 27, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave.
Cost: Members $15 | Non-Members $20. Purchase your tickets in advance by clicking here. 

MEISS Expo


The 2019 Minority Entrepreneurship Interactive Solution Symposium is hosted by Village of Robbins Mayor Tyrone Ward, and brings together public and private sector influencers to help provide resources to minority entrepreneurs in the South Suburban Chicagoland area. Register for the event, reserve booth space, and learn more  by clicking here.  
When: Friday, March 1, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Robbins Community Center, 13800 Trumball Ave., Robbins

Reading & recreation
Blue Island Public Library

February 14 
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
February 15
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
February 18
6:00 p.m. - Creative Nonsense
February 19
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
5:00 p.m. - Youth Open Maker Hours
7:00 p.m. - Adult Craft Corner: Charger Plates
7:00 p.m. - Super Moon Viewing With Moon Pies
February 20
10:00 a.m. -  Círculo de Conversación en Inglés/English Conversation Group
12:00 p.m. -  Clases de Crochet con Mirna
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
5:30 p.m. - Book Discussion For Kids
February 21
11:00 a.m. - Understanding Gmail, Google Doc, and Google Drive
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
7:00 p.m. - Emancipation to Inauguration: Chicago's Black Experience

Where: 2433 York St.

Blue Island Park District  


Spring Fashion Show
Sign up your fashionista-in-training for the Blue Island Park District Spring Fashion Show. For girls ages 6-10.  Classes held on Tuesdays from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. beginning on March 5, 2019. Fashion Show will be April 14, 2019. Program fee is $55.

Mother Son Date Night
This year's Mother Son Date Night is Mario Kart themed and packed with opportunities to make memories that you'll cherish long after the night is done. For boys ages 4-10 and their mothers. Resident fee is $15/couple and $8 for each additional child, and Non-resident fee is $20/couple and $12 each additional child.
Event is scheduled for Friday, March 6, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Where: Memorial Park, 12804 Highland Ave.


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Blue Island 
On The Wings Of Love
Come canoodle with your lovebird at Natural Law on Valentine's Day and enjoy Mini Martini Flights featuring Purple Unicorn, Gummy Bear, Creamsicle, and Twilight Martinis for $14. Super fresh seasonal delights are what's cookin' in the Natural Law kitchen, served up late for your Valentine's Day date.
When: Thursday, February 14, 3:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Where: Natural Law, 13404 Olde Western Ave.

Valentine's Weekend at Maple Tree Inn Bistro
Make your reservations now for Valentine's Weekend at Maple Tree Inn Bistro. Specialty Chef Selections all weekend long plus full bistro menu. Reservations strongly encouraged at   http://mapletreeinnrestaurant.com/
When: February 14 & 15, doors open at 5:00 p.m.; February 16 & 17, doors at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Maple Tree Inn Bistro, 13000 S. Western Ave.

Beer & Chocolate Pairing
Chocolatier Jared Brown returns to Rock Island Public House for a special evening of chocolate and craft beer pairing. At $20 per person, this event is the perfect way to celebrate your love or lack there of! 
When: Thursday, February 14, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave.

Open Hours at the Albee House
On Friday afternoons, Blue Island Historical Society opens the doors to the Albee House and invites you to take a trip back in time. To help you stay on time and in the know all year long, BIHS produced a special calendar for 2019 with important events and meetings already filled in, and 12 months of beautiful historic photos and facts.
When: Fridays, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave.

Open Kitchen: Burger Bonanza
It's a Burger Bonanza at Rock Island Public House on Friday and Saturday evenings this month. Cuban, Asian Teriyaki, a killer Breakfast Burger with allllll the fixins' and a delicious Veggie Burger that even meat-lovers won't be able to resist,  prepared and served up (with love) by the Dohertys.  
When: Friday & Saturday, February 15-16, 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. 
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave.

Black Culture Nite
Join Neighborhood Watch Group #37 for Black Culture Nite 2019, taking place this year at the Calumet Township Community Center. There will be a meet and greet from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. followed by live entertainment.  Click here to view the event flyer for more details!
When: Friday, February 15, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Calumet Township Community Center, 12633 Ashland Ave., Calumet Park 

TOMTPR February Edition
These Old Men They Play Records promise to spin their way into your heart and soles at Rock Island Public House on Friday night with their signature song selections on vinyl played just for you.
When: Friday, February 15, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave.

Karaoke Fridays 
This Friday night in Blue Island, unleash your inner rock star with B*A*Star Karaoke at Cuzin's! The fun begins at 8:00 p.m.,but arrive early and enjoy delicious food and drink specials. 
When: Fridays, 8:00 p.m. 
Where: Cuzin's, 2825 W. 127th St.

Live: Porche and The Porche Band
Porche and The Porche Band take the stage at Kelly's Irish Saloon Friday to croon a mix of blues, R&B, rock, and gospel that promises to make your eardrums swoon. 
When: Friday, February 15, 9:00 p.m.
Where: Kelly's Irish Saloon, 13312 Olde Western Ave.

The Office Trivia and DJ Party
If you're Threat Level Midnight when it comes to playing trivia and piling up seasons of The Office knowledge - this night is for you! Cash prizes for the winning team followed by some fancy footwork on the dance floor by everybody. 
When: Saturday, February 16, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Double Play Saloon, 1 3011 Western Ave. 

Pinewood Derby
Rock Island Public House is hosting their first ever Pinewood Derby, complete with three divisions and spoils to the winners in each! More information available here
When: Sunday, February 17, 12:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave.

Entertainment
5th Annual Pig Roast
It's a Pig Roast With A Purpose this Sunday afternoon! Imagine Diving invites you to join them for fresh roasted pig, burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, sides and desserts, along with some guaranteed fun: Home Team Caricature drawing silly faces, B.A. Star providing music, and Sean Rudd twisting balloon creations! All proceeds benefit Imagine Diving's innovative programs designed to help people of all abilities enjoy the therapeutic and recreational benefits of SCUBA. 
When: Sunday, February 17, 12:30 - 4:00 p.m. 
Where: Oak Lawn Masonic Lodge, 9420 S 52nd Ave, Oak Lawn 
Cost: $15 | $10 for ages 12 and under

Children's Choir
A new Children's Choir is forming in Blue Island! Children in Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to join the choir. For more information, contact Tamela Martin  at tamela0302@yahoo.com or 708.629.6327.
Next Rehearsal: Saturday, February 23, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Public Library Tech Annex, 2433 York St.

A Fairytale Tea Party 
Join Rapunzel and her friends for an enchanting afternoon filled with tea, treats, shopping, crafts, story time, singing, dancing, and more! This event is geared for children 12 and under. 
When: Saturday, February 23, 1:00 p.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Middle School, 12320 Greenwood Ave.
Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for children. Email rzylman@district130.org or ncyson@district130.org for tickets. 

Movie Night: Exit Zero
Blue Island Historical Society invites you to a free screening of Exit Zero, a documentary film that explores family, class, and history in postindustrial Southeast Chicago. Free popcorn will be served, and soft drinks and water will be available for purchase.
When: Saturday, February 23, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave.

Art, History & Literature
Lincoln-Davis Civil War Roundtable
February's speaker is  Lee White on "Bushwacking on a Grand Scale: Chickamauga."  Optional dinner buffet at 6:00 p.m., with program beginning at 7:00 p.m. Following the program, enjoy coffee, dessert, gifts, and raffles. All are invited!
When: Tuesday, February 19, 7:00 p.m. 
Where: Country House Restaurant, 5400 W. 127th St., Alsip

Sleeping Beauty
Will the Princess Sleep for 100 years? Or can her true love save her with a Kiss? This Chicago Kids Company features colorful scenery and costumes, sing-along songs, and plenty of audience participation. Geared for children ages 2-10. 
When: January 16 - February 22, 10:30 a.m. weekdays and 1:00 p.m. weekends 
Where: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago
Tickets: For tickets call (773) 205-9600 or visit www.ChicagoKidsCompany.com. 

Call For Artists
Kelly's Irish Saloon is seeking artists for their Spring Artisans Fair taking place April 28 from noon to 7:00 p.m. Interested artists should email portfolio examples/links to cara.ann.brumley@gmail.com. Spots are $15 and the deadline to apply is February 24, 2019.
When: February 24, 2019, artist application deadline. Saturday, April 28, 12:00 - 7:00 p.m., Spring Artisans Fair
Where: Kelly's Irish Saloon, 13312 Olde Western Ave. 

Community
Spaghetti Dinner & Bake Sale
The Blue Island/Crestwood Rotary Club will host their annual Spaghetti Diner and Bake Sale, featuring good food, raffles and prizes for a great cause. Tickets at the door or in advance from any rotary members. 
When: Sunday, March 3, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Elk's Club, 4428 Midlothian Turnpike, Crestwood

Raffle Basket Donations Requested
Calling all local businesses! Blue Island-Robbins Neighborhood Network is hosting their annual mixer next month, and they have put out a request for basket donations. Our wonderful Board Vice Chair Kim Murphy Gunaka of First Midwest Bank also serves on the board for BIRNN and is your contact for basket donations. Learn more about the event and the fantastic work of BIRNN by clicking here , and thank you for your support!

Blue Cap News
Job Opening
Blue Cap is hiring a full-time Direct Support Professional for their new Autism Program. Click here for more details

Food Pantry
Blue Cap offers a Food Pantry serving Blue Island and Robbins residents who provide a valid ID or piece of mail proving residency. The Food Pantry is open on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
When: Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Where: Blue Cap on Market Street at rear of building

Guildhaus Fundraiser
For more than 30 years, Guildhaus in Blue Island has helped those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction -- and now they need our help to keep fighting the good fight. Learn more and donate online at