Events in and around Blue Island

Happy 53rd Birthday Blue Cap! 

Today is the 53rd Anniversary of Blue Cap opening it's doors in 1967! 25 students were in the first class, 5 of whom are still supported in Blue Cap's Adult Day, Senior, and Residential Programs. Congratulations Blue Cap, and thank you for providing exceptional care for our community members over the years. Click the image above to view images and the full article from 1967. 

Chamber

Love Your Library Business Breakfast
Whether you're a business owner or manager, a community organization, or a resident, this breakfast is for you! Find out about all of the amazing programs and services provided by the Blue Island Public Library and enjoy a sweet start to your Valentine's Day. 
When: Friday, February 14, 8:00 a.m.
Where: Blue Island Public Library, 2433 York St. 

Best of Blue Island Awards
Save the date! The 68th Annual Best of Blue Island Awards Dinner is just around the corner. For sponsorship and advertising opportunities, email [email protected]
When: Saturday, March 14, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Beggars Pizza, 12700 S. Kedzie Ave.

Vendor Opp
Veterans Middle School is hosting their annual winter Craft Fair on February 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Interested vendors are asked to contact Raeann Zylman at [email protected]

Reading & recreation

Blue Island Public Library

January 16
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
3:30 p.m. - Pokemon GO Trading Post & Battles 
6:00 p.m. - Free Movie Streaming with Kanopy 
January 17
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
January 18
1:00 p.m. - Board Game Day
January 20
Library closed in observance of Martin Luther King Day
January 21
11:00 a.m. - Scrap Vinyl Tee
3:00 p.m - Open Maker Hours
3:30 p.m. - Canvas Painting with a Glitter Finish!
6:00 p.m. - Family Story Time
6:00 p.m. - Songwriters Circle Weekly Meetup
J anuary 22
11:00 a.m. -  La Hora del Cuento/Story Time
11:00 a.m. - Medicare 101 Spanish
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
6:30 p.m. - Clay Fortune Cookie Craft
January 23
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
4:00 p.m. - Let's Play: Fortnight Edition Duos Competition
6:00 p.m. - Medicare 101 


Where:  2433 York St.


Blue Island Park District

 

South Suburban Co-Ed Basketball 
League Play began on January 11 at the John D. Rita Recreation Center, and there are still a few spots left to join the season! Visit   blueislandparks.org  for more information. 

Blue Island Little League Registration
Registration for the 2020 Season of Blue Island Little League will be held on January 18, 25, and February 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Fieldhouse. New players must provide a birth certificate at time of registration. 

Divisions include:
T-Ball - Ages 4-6
Farm - Ages 7&8
Minor - Ages 9-10
Major - Ages 11-12

Questions? Contact Jaime at 708-263-9572. 
Blue Island 
BIHS Open Hours
Blue Island Historical Society invites you to Open Hours at the Albee House. Visit and 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:  Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave.

Yoga + Craft Beer + Birthday Wishes
New year, same awesome you, why not get bendy and have a craft beer or two?  Join Blue Island's own Alex Lehman and friends for an all levels yoga class at Rock Island Public House, the delightful destination that rewards your smart choices with a free beer after class. Bring your mat and your best birthday congratulations -- Rock Island Public House turns 7 this weekend! Congratulations Dave and Jen Brown and staff! We're grateful for your dedication to the community, your generosity and leadership, and for providing a place that isn't just about drinking better - it's about being better, and because of you, we are. 
When: Saturday, January 18, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave.

Live: Phil Angotti and Professor Moptop present: The Rutles! 
Spend an evening with Chicago legend, Phil Angotti at Blue Island Beer Company as he presents The Rutles! with special guest Joe Camarillo, John San Juan and Casey McDonough. Professor Moptop will also be on hand for a tribute to Neil Innes.
When: Saturday, January 18, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave. 

Chili Showdown
It's Rock Island Public House's annual chili showdown with The Chicago Stock Yard Kilty Band! All are welcome to enter a chili for competition, or, you can just bring your appetite and get ready to vote for your favorite. Each bottomless bowl is $5 with proceeds going to the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter. This is a family-friendly event.
When: Sunday, January 19, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave. 

Entertainment
COMS Concert
Council Oak Montessori School invites you to a free concert with award winning singer, songwriter, and musician Sarah Marie Young. After the concert, guests are welcome to stay for lunch at the school for a cost of $10 for Adults and $8 for children not currently enrolled at COMS. 
When: Friday, January 31, 11:00 a.m.
Where:  Council Oak Montessori School, 2521 Grove St. 

Live: Make it a Double
Mark Frystak and Hayley Skreens sing and strum their way back into Blue Island's hearts with a return performance at Blue Island Beer Company. Keep up on the latest drafts on tap and events in the hopper by subscribing to the Beer Co.'s weekly newsletter here
When: Friday, January 31, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave. 

TOMTPR 3D January Edition
These Old Men They Play Records are bringing their monthly Vinyl Worship residency to another dimension of earmazing, plus 16 handles of fresh craft beer selections and Open Kitchen grazing. 
When: Friday January 31, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave. 

Live: Susan Williams Duo
Check out the Susan Williams Duo of Susan Williams and Jon McDonald as they hit the Natural Law street-side stage for a mix of blues and classic rock. 
When: Friday, January 31, 9:00 p.m.
Where: Natural Law Cocktail Club & Eatery, 13404 Olde Western Ave. 

Hockey Skills Challenge
Show off your saucer pass skills and slap shots at Double Play Saloon's annual Hockey Skills Challenge. After you've worked up an appetite, it's time for a bowl of Double Play's famous chili and an ice cold beer, eh?
When: Saturday, February 1, 3:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Where: Double Play Saloon, 13011 Western Ave. 

Big Night at the RIPH
Butter *Upon* Bacon invites you to enjoy a Big Night at Rock Island Public House, a 5-course meal of traditional Italian cuisine.The RIPH is offering a curated beer pairing option as well -- seats are limited -- reserve yours by clicking here
When: Sunday, February 9, seatings at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave. 

Art, History & Literature
Lincoln-Davis Civil War Roundtable
The new year kick's off with a January Roundtable featuring Mike Ward on "Artillery in the Civil War."  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, January 21, 7:00 p.m. 
Where: Country House Restaurant, 5400 W. 127th St., Alsip

Art at The Albee House
Art at The Albee House is pop-up gallery featuring local artists takes at the Blue Island Historical Society's Albee House for 2 weeks. The event will kick off with an opening reception, artist meet-and-greet, drinks, & hors d'oeuvres. A suggested donation of $5 will be collected at the door. 
When: Saturday, February 1, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave. 

Concerts at the Castle Series
In February, the Concert at the Castle Series returns with a February 1 appearance by folk artist Jamie O'Reilly and a February 22 performance by violinist Anne Harris. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. A $32.50 donation is suggested with proceeds going toward maintenance of the historic Givins Castle. Wine, cheese and other refreshments will be provided at intermission.
When: Saturday, February 1 & 22, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Givins Castle, 10244 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago


Community
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.

Open House & Curriculum Fair
St. Benedict School invites you to their annual Catholic Schools Week Open House & Curriculum Fair. This event is a great way to explore the school, meet staff and current families, and learn more about the St. Benedict experience and how it can benefit your family. 
When: Sunday, January 26, 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Where: St. Benedict School, 2324 New St.

Parkway Tree Pruning
As part of Blue Island's ongoing Tree Canopy Replacement and Care efforts, a Tree Pruning of the City's parkway trees will be conducted by Openlands treekeepers and arborists. Volunteers are requested to provide assistance to the Openlands staff. Click here to register. If you know of an area of trees in need of pruning, please contact Val Kehoe at [email protected]
When: Friday, February 7, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Group will meet at Blue Island Public Library, 2434 York St.

Black Culture Nite
You're invited to attend Black Culture Nite, a celebration presented by Neighborhood Watch Group #37. The evening includes dinner, the documentary "History of Afro American Jazz" and live entertainment. 
When: Friday, February 21, Dinner at 6:00 p.m., Program and Entertainment at 7:00 p.m.
Where: City of Blue Island East Annex, 2434 Vermont St. 

Medicare Consultations
Progress Center for Independent Living is pleased to offer complimentary Medicare Consultations by appointment at their offices in Blue Island and Forest Park. Click here to learn more. 

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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