Events in and around Blue Island

Congratulations to the Best of Blue Island!

Woman of the Year (a tie!): Raeann Cantelo-Zylman & Kelli Ferguson Shimko
Man of the Year: Tom Cheatle
Business of the Year: Maple Tree Inn/Maple Tree Inn Bistro
Volunteer of the Year: William Cazares
Lifetime Achievement Award: Rick Fiske

Thank you to all who attended, sponsored, and supported the Best of Blue Island Awards 2019. To learn more about this year's winners, click the image above. 
Chamber
Lunch & Learn
A Second Helping with Howard Coppari, City of Blue Island Community Development Manager
When: Thursday, April 11, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave.
RSVP: Advance registration strongly encouraged by emailing sara@blueislandchamber.org.


Business Breakfast
Special Guest: Progress Center For Independent Living
When: Thursday, April 25, 8:00 a.m. 
Where: City Hall East Annex, 2434 Vermont St.

Lunch & Learn
Special Guest: MWRD Commissioner Spyropoulos
When: Thursday, May 9, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave. 
RSVP: Advance registration required by emailing sara@blueislandchamber.org

B2B
Job Fair
Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, in conjunction with the City of Blue Island and Villages of Alsip, Merrionette Park, and Robbins, invite businesses and organizations to participate in their first ever job fair. Click here to register online. Questions may be directed to Malinda Majoch at malinda.majoch@chsd218.org.
When: Saturday, May 4, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, 12700 Sacramento Ave.

Reading & recreation
Blue Island Public Library

Celebrate National Library Week April 7-13 at Blue Island Public Library! 

April 4
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
5:00 p.m. - Cover Letters & Coffee
April 6
12:30 p.m. - Hearthstone Fireside Gathering
April 8
1:00 p.m. - How To Make A Balloon Arch
1:30 p.m. - Rules Of The Road Refresher Course
5:00 p.m. - Origami Butterflies
April 9
6:00 p.m. - Songwriters Circle Weekly Meetup
7:00 p.m. - Artist Trading Cards
April 10
10:00 a.m. - Curso de Costura
3:00 p.m. -  Geek Out! Tech Fair Event
April 11 
11:00 a.m. - Convert VHS To DVD
4:00 p.m. - Simple STEAM Project
7:00 p.m. - Vegetable Gardening Workshop
April 12
11:00 a.m. - Air Plant Terrariums

Where: 2433 York St.

Blue Island Park District  

Early Bird Pool Passes
Get your Summer 2019 Pool Pass for Memorial Park Pool and save when you take advantage of the Early Bird Pool Pass program. Layaway plans available.
When: Passes on sale now!
Where: Memorial Park, 12804 Highland Ave.


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Blue Island 
Thursday Night Trivia
Play Whaddayaknow? Trivia every Thursday at Kelly's Irish Saloon. Great prizes for winning teams and drink specials all night. Stop in with some friends and show off that big brain of yours. 
When:  Thursdays, 8:00 p.m.
Where: Kelly's Irish Saloon, 13312 Olde Western Ave. 

Zumba
It's not a workout -- it's a party! Find out what all the Zumba buzz is about. For just $15 a month, you can Zumba away Monday-Friday, and zoom your way to healthier living. 
When: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.
Where: Salvation Army Crossgenerations Worship & Community Center, 2900 127th St. 

Open Hours at the Albee House
Blue Island Historical Society and the Chamber of Commerce invite you to Open Hours at the Albee House. Visit and learn learn more about area history, view historic artifacts and photos, and don't forget your merch money - proceeds from your purchase support Blue Island Historical Society's ongoing education and preservation initiatives. 
When: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave.

Friday Fish Fries
Fraternal Order of Eagles
Appetizers include breaded cheese ravioli w/marinara sauce ($5). The main menu offers fried shrimp ($14), fried catfish, cod and perch filets ($13 each) and whitefish and chicken tenders ($10 each). All dinners come with fries or baked potato and coleslaw; add mac and cheese for $2. Side dishes include jalapeno poppers ($6), onion rings ($5), mac & cheese or jalapeno mac & cheese ($3), and extra fries ($1.50). Women's Auxiliary Bake Sale treats available for dessert, along with entertainment most nights. Call ahead to-go orders available at 708-388-9739. 
When: Fridays 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. through April 19 
Where: Fraternal Order of Eagles 1332, 2427 Grove St.

St. Benedict
Stop by St. Benedict Church Hall for lunch, dinner, or carryout meals of baked or fried fish, cole slaw, french fries, and beets - just $10 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. 
When: Fridays 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 - 7:30 p.m. through April 12
Where: St. Benedict Church Hall, York & Gregory

Cuzin's
Cuzin's invites you to All You Can Eat Fish Fry and other Lenten Specials Available March 8th through April 19th. Wild caught Alaskan Pollock, Jumbo Shrimp, Pepper & Egg, and more. Their full Lenten Menu  can be viewed by clicking here.
When: Fridays through April 19
Where: Cuzin's, 2825 W. 127th St.

Don't forget to check out the yummy Lenten Specials at D'Masti, Maple Tree Inn Bistro, La Vieja Castilla, Giuseppe's, and more! 

Open Kitchen: Pub House Rock
The kitchen will be hopping this Friday and Saturday night at Rock Island Public House with heaping helpings of the Dohertys delicious menu of classic Pub Food. Enjoy craft beer and drinks alongside your favorite pub grub: Herb Pesto Mac & Cheese, Fried Pickles, Calabrian Chili, Calamari, and the Cod Sandwich of your dreams. 
When: Friday, April 5, 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 6, 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. 
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave.

Tim Rogner: 20 Years of Allister
On Friday night, Blue Island Beer Company welcomes Tim Rogner for a special night of storytelling and acoustic songs from his 20 years as lead vocalist and songwriter for Chicago punk rock group Allister - a group that started by playing basement parties at EIU, eventually playing in front of huge crowds at stadiums in Japan. Come back on Saturday at noon for the bottle release of Barrel Aged Lost Weekend Rye Barleywine! 
When: Friday, April 5, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 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: Sean & John
Make plans to stop by O'Connell's Pub Time Friday night for live music with Sean & John plus great food and drink specials. Make a date to come back Saturday night for Queen of Hearts benefiting St. Benedict School.
When: Friday, April 5, 9:00 p.m.
Where: O'Connell's Pub Time, 12924 Western Ave.

Fifty Years of Abbey Road!
Professor Moptop and Phil Angotti celebrate Abbey Road with the Professor teaching a class on the Beatles epic album from 1969, followed by a performance of the album by Phil and some of his friends!
When: Sunday, April 7, 3:00 p.m.  
Where: Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave.

Live: Whiskey & Harmony 
Celebrate "Sunday Funday" with Whiskey & Harmony at Cuzin's Blue Island. W&H will be playing all your favorite pop, rock, and country hits while you enjoy delicious food and drink specials from the friendly folks behind the bar at Cuzin's.
When: Sunday, April 7, 3:00 p.m.
Where: Cuzin's, 2825 W. 127th St. 

Legislative Training
Progress Center for Independent Living in Blue Island invites you a 10 week session on making a difference in the legislation process, lobbying, and making your vote count, with a focus on disability advocacy. Click here for more information
When: Mondays, April 1 though June 30, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Progress Center For Independent Living, 12940 S. Western Ave., 3rd Floor

Entertainment
Blue Island Sessions Live: Allen Epley
Blue Island Historical Society, in collaboration with the chamber, Blue Island Arts Alliance, and my B.I., invite you to an evening of live music featuring Chicago musician Allen Epley of The Life and Times and Shiner. Your ticket includes a tour of the Bertrand Goldberg-designed Aaron Heimbach house, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres. Proceeds benefit Blue Island Historical Society.
When: Saturday, April 27, doors at 6:00 p.m.
Where: 13020 Greenwood Ave.

Castle Concert Series: Come Sunday
Jazz band "Come Sunday" performs at Givins Castle as part of a live music series to raise funds for maintenance and restoration of the  historic property in Beverly. Suggested donation of $20 payable at the door. Learn more by calling 773-719-7059. 
When: Saturday, April 27, doors at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Givins Castle, 10244 S. Longwood Ave., Chicago

Spring Celebrations Expo
Are you going to Prom this spring? Are you planning a shower, wedding or 1st communion? Need gifts for Mother's Day or for these special spring events? Make plans to stop by Three Sisters Antique Mall for two floors filled to the brim with inspiration and vendors perfect for planning your special day. In addition to dresses, jewelry, purses and accessories, the Spring Celebrations Expo features guest vendors specializing in makeup, hair, cakes, catering, floral arrangements, photo booths, and more. No special events coming up? Join in on the fun anyway for great sales, plus complimentary food and drinks for all guests.
When: Sunday, April 14, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. 
Where: Three Sisters Antique Mall, 13042 Western Ave.

Art, History & Literature
Lincoln-Davis Civil War Roundtable
April's speaker is  Larry Tagg on "The Generals of Shiloh."  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, April 16, 7:00 p.m. 
Where: Country House Restaurant, 5400 W. 127th St., Alsip

Jack & The Beanstalk
Join Jack and his dancing Spanish Cow Carmelita, as they try to save their village from a crazy Giant! Audience participation encouraged. This show is geared for families with children ages 2-10.
When: Weekdays at 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and Weekends at 1:00 p.m. through May 10, 2019 
Where: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111 th  St., Chicago 
Tickets: Call (773) 205-9600 or visit www.ChicagoKidsCompany.com

Community
Spring Tree Planting
Blue Island students, teachers, residents, and friends are invited to dig into Blue Island's Tree Campaign:

PRACTICE! Experts from CSA, US Forester and Morton Arboretum will offer hands-on training to plant up to 15 trees on school property. 
When: Tuesday, April 9, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. 
Where: Eisenhower High School, 12700 Sacramento Ave.

PLANT! All are invited to join community members in planting up to 65 parkway trees at predetermined sites within 8 blocks of Eisenhower High School. 
When: Saturday, April 13, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: TBA


Drain The Keg for Chicago River Day
Those big-hearted Browns are at it again, welcoming all who wish to support the forthcoming planting and beautification efforts at the Waterfall Park. Here's how it works: Dave & Jen tap a special keg of craft beer, with every glass purchased from it going toward plants and materials needed for the May 11 project. Take it from us -- beer purchased and consumed for a good cause is extra tasty and refreshing!
When: Saturday, April 13, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. 
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave.

Blue Cap Food Pantry Information
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

Food Pantry Collection Boxes
Collection boxes for Blue Cap's Food Pantry can be found at the Blue Island Library, 2433 York St., First Midwest Bank, 12015 S. Western Ave., Council Oak Montessori School, 2521 Grove St., John D. Rita Rec Center, 2805 141st St., and Access Family Health, 13000 Maple Ave., Blue Island, IL 60406.

They accept non-perishable food, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo/conditioner, shaving cream, disposable razors, toilet paper, tissue, laundry detergent, dish soap, multi-purpose cleaners, disinfectant wipes, and baby diapers and wipes.

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