Events in and around Blue Island

Happy Independence Day!

The above image shows the Blue Island Pleasure Club parade float from July 4, 1909. Thank you to Blue Island Historical Society for the image, and congratulations on all your recent newsworthy accomplishments! In case you missed it:



And we hear that BIHS was recently selected for a Landmarks Illinois grant to facilitate continued restoration of The Albee House... way to go!!
Chamber
Fireworks Festival
Thank you to all who made the Blue Island Fireworks Festival so special -- City of Blue Island Illinois, Blue Island Police Department, Blue Island Fire Department, Blue Island Homeland Security & Emergency Management Agency, Mad Bomber Fireworks Productions, Cook County School District 130, Sanchez & Sons Party Rentals, Natural Law, Blue Island Beer Company, Napleton Lincoln of Blue Island, El Campeon Pina Colada, Pollo Locuas Restaurant, Teens of Blue Island and Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, Renato Delgadillo - State Farm Agent, Happy Jacks & Jay Dogs, American Legion Post 50, Blue Island, IL., Beggars Pizza, Council Oak Montessori School, Moraine Valley Community College, Jewels2U, Gabi's Funnel Cake, ATM on the Spot, ACI Enterprises Inc, First Midwest Bank, DMasti Catering, All American Recycling, EB Bronson, William Cazares and all who attended! We appreciate your support so very much. It was a wonderful evening!

Lunch & Learn with Blue Cap
Please join us for a special Lunch & Learn with Blue Cap Executive Director Pat Thies and Director of Community Relations Jill Hart. Learn more about Blue Cap's latest programs and projects, and their innovative approach to maximizing donations with grant, state, and federal dollars.
When: Wednesday, August 28, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Cap, 1962 Broadway
RSVP: Reservations required. Please email [email protected].

MetroSouth

Save MetroSouth Shirts
Some of our hardworking nurses, physicians and staff at MetroSouth have produced a "Save MetroSouth" t-shirt that they are selling for $5. If you are a business and would like 10-20 shirts to display and sell, please email [email protected] and we will get you in touch with the group, and promote your business and a location to buy the shirt.  If you'd like to purchase a shirt, Flowers By Cathe will have them soon, so be sure to stop in! 

MetroSouth Summit
The City of Blue Island, in conjunction with State representatives, regional medical practitioners, area first responders, local community leaders, and the Blue Island Chamber of Commerce, will discuss the impacts of the proposed MetroSouth Hospital closure, including identifying impacts to the region, as well as opportunities to mitigate these impacts, while ensuring critical healthcare needs of the community are met.

The goal of this summit is to produce an action plan to be presented to the State Health Facilities Service Review Board at their public hearing and upcoming board meeting.

Register to attend by emailing [email protected].
When: Thursday, July 11, 2019, 1:30 p.m. 
Where: East Annex, 2434 Vermont St.

MetroSouth Public Hearing
After receiving Blue Island's demand for a public hearing on the proposed closure of MetroSouth Medical Center and the need for a fully functioning hospital in the region, the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board has agreed to conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, July 24th at St. Benedict Church. The hearing will run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break at noon.

If you would like to speak at the meeting about the importance of the hospital facility and why we need to save our hospital, please email [email protected] with the subject line: "HOSPITAL."  Please include your name, email, phone number and the subject of your testimony.
When: Wednesday, July 24, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Where: St. Benedict Church, 2339 York St. 

MetroSouth Petition
There is an online petition in circulation called "Save MetroSouth." Learn more by clicking here and don't forget to share!

Reading & recreation
Blue Island Public Library

July 5
3:00 p.m. - Family Friendly Movie
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
July 8
1:30 p.m. - Rules of the Road Refresher Course
3:00 p.m. - Oculus Rift Teen Hour
6:00 p.m. - Creative Nonsense
July 9
12:00 p.m. - Speedy Architect Challenge
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
6:00 p.m. - Songwriters Circle Weekly Meetup
July 10
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours

Where: 2433 York St.

Blue Island Park District



Kids Party At The Park
It's a party at Hart Park, and if you're a kid, you're invited! Join Blue Island Park District for an evening of playground fun, bounce houses, cold treats and organized play. Prefer to chill? bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy the night partaking in more leisurely activities. This free event is for children ages 4-16. Children ages 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required.
When: Friday, July 12, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where: Hart Park, 12325 S. Western Ave.

Splash For Cash
Splash for Cash is a once-a-year underwater treasure hunt at Memorial Park Pool. Treasures include tokens redeemable for tasty treats, and as the event name says, CASH! Treasures will be available in all pool sections, including the shallow area for younger participants. Goggles and a collection receptacle are recommended. Participation is free for Pool Pass holders, and just $5 for non-pass holders, and includes admission at the Evening Swim Session following the hunt.
When: Saturday, July 13, 5:00 p.m.
Where: Memorial Park Pool, 12804 Highland Ave.

Wednesday Unwind
Wednesday Unwind is a program designed for girls ages 6 to 10 years of age. Enrollment includes 6 weeks of themed  Wednesday night activities and fun.
When: Wednesdays, June 26 - August 7, 5:00 p.m.
Where: Memorial Park, 12804 Highland Ave.

Learn more about Blue Island Park District at www.blueislandparks.org. 


Blue Island 
Open Hours at the Albee House
Blue Island Historical Society invites 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. *Albee House will be closed on Friday, July 5. Open Hours resume on Monday, July 8.*
Where: Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave.

Friday Grill at D'Masti 
Prepare your taste buds - D'Masti's famous Friday Grill is BACK, serving up your summer favorites, hot and fresh from the grill. 
When: Returns Friday, July 12, 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. *There is no Friday Grill on July 5, but D'Masti is open with delicious lunch specials as usual!*
Where: D'Masti To Go Sandwich & Gourmet Food Shop, 11915 Western Ave.

Live: Sara Kreyer & Chris Moran
Stop by O'Connell's Pub Time this Friday and enjoy the warm weather and live music with Sara & Chris in the beautiful beer garden.
When: Friday, July 5, 8:30 p.m.
Where: O'Connell's Pub Time, 12924 Western Ave.

Karaoke Fridays
This Friday night in Blue Island, unleash your inner rock star with two times the Karaoke fun. Cuzin's welcomes B*A*Star Karaoke and nightly drink and food specials, and across the way, Front Row on Olde Western invites you for a little karaoke crooning courtesy of JJs Roadhouse.
When: Friday, July 5, 9:00 p.m. 
Where: Cuzin's, 2825 W. 127th St. & Front Row, 13312 Olde Western Ave.

Sunday Punch & Seafood Boils
Back for another Sunday Most Fun Day are Sunday Punch & Seafood Boils at Maple Tree Inn Bistro. We can smell what Chef Er-rock is cooking... shrimp, andouille sausage, snow crab, frog legs, and mussels, with corn and potatoes tossed in garlic butter... you choose a size and heat level or build your own custom boil. Pair it with Emily's rotating line up of delicious summer punches, just $6. 
When: Sundays, doors open at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Maple Tree Inn Bistro, 13000 S. Western Ave.

Live: Joe Monahan
It's a Sunday Funday with Joe Monahan performing
country & western favorites, classic rock and Irish ballads.  Food and drink specials too! 
When: Sunday, July 7, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. 
Where: Cuzin's, 2825 127th St. 

Live: Reece Krider
Stop by O'Connell's Pub Time on Sunday evening, order your favorite libation and a bite to eat, and head outside for live music with Chicago singer and guitarist Reece Krider. 
When: Sunday, July 7, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Where: O'Connell's Pub Time, 12924 Western Ave.

Farmer's Market 
Blue Island's Monday Farmer's Market is back! Enjoy shopping and eating with Zeldenrust Farms, Farm Fresh Eggs from Warrick Farm, Pollo Locuas, Tupperware, Jewelry, Avon, Snow Cones & homemade tamales from District 130 honor students, a bounce house for the kiddos, and more. 
When: Mondays, 3:00 - 6:30 p.m. 
Where: York & Western

Cruise The Island
The weather forecast calls for shiny rims and flashy trim at Korbakes Wine & Liquors' weekly Cruise Night. This is a family friendly event and all makes and models are welcome. Cruise Night Tip: Bring your lawn chairs and stop by any Blue Island restaurant or the Farmer's Market to pick up dinner on your way there!
When: Mondays, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where: Korbakes Wine & Liquors, 12747 Western Ave.

Enrollment Coffee at COMS
Council Oak Montessori School invites families to attend one of their summer Enrollment Coffee sessions. The events give parents and students the opportunity to learn more about the school and staff,  as well as meet currently enrolled students and their parents. You must have an appointment to attend - c all 708-926-9720.
When: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Council Oak Montessori School, 2521 Grove St.

Trivia Bedlam
Do you know what Blue Island loves even more than showing off our creative talents? Showing off our SMARTS. Battle it out with your fellow big-brained Blue Islanders and friends at Blue Island Beer Company's monthly trivia night, hosted by Heather Bedlam.
When: Wednesday, July 10, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave.

Art, History & Literature
Lincoln-Davis Civil War Roundtable
July's Roundtable features Bill Teschner portraying General Sherman.   Optional dinner buffet ($10) at 6:00 p.m., with program ($5) beginning at 7:00 p.m. Following the program, enjoy coffee, dessert, gifts, and raffles. All are invited!
When: Tuesday, July 16, 7:00 p.m. 
Where: Country House Restaurant, 5400 W. 127th St., Alsip

Live Music Mondays
Enjoy live music in the BAC courtyard every Monday evening this summer. Visit the Beverly Arts Center website for a list of musical guests
When: Mondays, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. June 3 - August 12, 2019.
Where: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111 th  St., Chicago 

Community
Eisenhower Football Golf Outing
Enjoy a beautiful day of golf for a great cause at the Eisenhower Football Golf Outing at The Meadows. Event includes golf scramble with cart, boxed lunch, drink specials, dinner from Hog Wild, and raffle and door prizes. Sponsorship opportunities also available. Contact Head Coach Sheamus Murphy at [email protected].
When: Saturday, August 3, 12:00 p.m.
Where: The Meadows Golf Club, 2802 W. 123rd St.

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   


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