Events in and around Blue Island

The above image is from a 1918 Editorial Series titled "Buy In Blue Island." This particular article continued... 

"If you have read Maeterlink's 'The Life of a Bee,' then you will know the 'Spirit of the Hive' -- the spirit of working together -- co-operation.

The 'Spirit of the Hive' is the spirit that Blue Island must have to grow as it should.

Instead of the cry, 'This means YOU,' let the real boosters say 'This means ME' and then act accordingly. Then helping Blue Island will not be an idle thought, without form and void, but a spirit that will bear fruitful results."

Read more from the series by clicking the image above. Scans provided courtesy of the Blue Island Historical Society. Thank you!
Chamber


Best of Blue Island Awards Dinner
Join us for a cocktail party, live jazz by 360 Degrees, and a sit-down dinner, followed by the very popular "Best of Blue Island" awards.
When: Saturday, March 30, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Beggars Pizza, 12700 S. Kedzie Ave.

Program Launch: Hero Meals 
For generations, many Blue Island Business Owners have donated time and money to make sure Blue Island's first responders are well fed on the holidays when most of the nation is home celebrating with family and friends. 

We're proud to continue this tradition using the expertise, manpower, and collaborative spirit of our membership to launch Hero Meals. 


B2B
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

Lunch & Learn: Supplier Diversity
Illinois community colleges, state universities and assisting agencies invite you a networking event focused on creating successful partnerships and meaningful business relationships. 
When: Thursday, March 21, 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Joliet Junior College U-Building Auditorium, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet
RSVP: jjc.edu/IHESD 

Reading & recreation
Blue Island Public Library

February 28
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
March 1
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
March 2
Chili Cookoff Canceled
12:30 p.m. - Hearthstone Fireside Gathering 
March 4
5:00 p.m. - Origami Butterflies
6:00 p.m. - Creative Nonsense
March 5
10:00 a.m. -  ESL Computer Classes /Clases de Computación ESL
2:30 p.m. - Hearing Screening
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
5:00 p.m. - Youth Open Maker Hours
6:00 p.m. - Songwriters Circle Weekly Meetup
7:00 p.m. - Book Discussion: Shakespeare, The World as Stage
March 6
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
5:00 p.m. - Wednesday Night Movie: Night of the Living Dead (1968)

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 
Trivia
Whaddayaknow? Trivia is coming to Kelly's Irish Saloon, every Thursday beginning today. Great prizes for winning teams and drink specials all night. Stop in with some friends and show off that big brain of yours. 
When:  Thursday, February 28, 8:00 p.m.
Where: Kelly's Irish Saloon, 13312 Olde Western Ave. 

Open Hours at the Albee House
Blue Island Historical Society has expanded their open hours to three days a week, and invited the Chamber to set up a pop-up office there so we can be more accessible to the community and our business owners. Visit the house to learn more about area history and view historic artifacts and photos, and don't forget your merch money - from ornaments to books, postcards to commemorative shirts, 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.

Mardi Gras at Maple Tree Inn Bistro
It's Mapletree Inn's favorite time of year! Chef's Selections and specialty cocktails available all weekend before the mother of all Mardi Gras parties on Tuesday. In addition to live Dixieland jazz from the Mudcats, diners will enjoy a special full course menu, Hurricanes, Zombies, beads, masks, and what we like to think is the official "WE'RE BAAAACK" celebration for our good friends at Maple Tree Inn. Cheers! 
When: March 1-3 and March 5; Seating begins at 3:00 p.m. for Mardi Gras Party with last seating at 10:00 p.m. 
Where: Maple Tree Inn Bistro, 13000 Western Ave. Reservations: Click Here or call 708-388-3461

Early Bird Pool Passes
Get your Summer 2019 Pool Pass for Memorial Park Pool with maximum savings when you take advantage of the Early Bird Pool Pass program. Layaway plans available. 
When: Passes go on sale beginning March 1 at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Blue Island Park District, 12804 Highland Ave.

Fursonalities Pet Photo Contest
Give the furriest member of your family the recognition he or she deserves by entering them into the Blue Island Park District's Fursonality: a photo contest for dogs. Submissions will be entered for a chance to win a 2019 Bark Park membership, and have their photo featured on Blue Island Park District's 2019 Bark Park ID tags, and most importantly, dog-gone good bragging rights. 

Submit a photo along with Dog's Name, Breed, Parent's Contact information to info@blueislandparks.org by 5 pm on March 1. One photo per dog please. Public voting begins March 4 through March 8.

Live: Weary Bones Bluegrass Band
It may not be St. Patrick's Day yet but you'll be feeling extra lucky when you stop by Blue Island Beer Company Friday night. Enjoy fun-loving, hard driving traditional bluegrass music provided by Weary Bones Bluegrass while you sip your favorite hometown brew. 
When: Friday, March 1, 6:30 p.m. 
Where: Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave.

Ladies Clothing Swap With Karaoke On Top
Bring in your gently worn clothing, accessories, and housewares and swap for new-to-you stuff from other ladies! Fitting room space and display assistance provided. Unclaimed items will be donated to Almost Home, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the needy, poor, homeless, and broken. The cherry on top of the good feels is a lil' karaoke provided by JJ's Roadhouse. 
When: Friday, March 1, Swap begins at 7:00 p.m. and karaoke at 9:00 p.m. 
Where: Kelly's Irish Saloon, 13312 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.

Party Gras
Natural Law invites you to get a jump start on your Mardi Gras with Party Gras. Lots of beads, masks, food and fun with special Shrimp Po' Boy Sliders and the official drink of New Orleans, the Hurricane.  
When: Friday, March 1, 10:00 p.m.
Where: Natural Law, 13404 Olde Western Ave. 

Dr. Seuss Birthday Party
The National Honor Society from Eisenhower will once again be hosting a party to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Designed for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, this event is free and includes Dr. Seuss-themed games and crafts, story time, cake, and a free book to take home. Enter at back of school and proceed to the cafeteria. 
When: Saturday, March 2, 9:00 a.m.
Where: Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, 12700 Sacramento Ave.

Cookie Boys 2019 Showcase
"Come party and listen to great music." Who are we to argue with an event poster making that promise? DJ Magic is on the 1s & 2s and the kitchen will be spinnin' fresh selections until 1:00 a.m. 
When: Saturday, March 2, 9:00 p.m. 
Where: Natural Law, 13404 Olde Western Ave. 
Cover: $5

Fat Tuesday at the RIPH
In addition to artfully crafted beverages and the raddest craft beer selection, the Dohertys will be serving up a menu of Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, Mini Muffalettas, Fried Pickles, mini King Cake, mini Upside Down Hummingbird Cakes and more! 
When: Tuesday, March 5, 4:00 p.m. 
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave.

Entertainment
Live: The Big Lagniappe
Celebrate Mardi Gras in true New Orleans fashion with music from The Big Lagniappe. Show starts at 7:30 but food from Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe will be available for purchase starting at 6:30. 
When: Friday, March 1, 6:30 p.m. 
Where: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111 th St., Chicago Tickets: Click Here

Castle Concert Series: Larry Gray
Chicago bassist Larry Gray performs at the historic Givins Castle as part of an ongoing live music series to raise funds for maintenance and restoration of the property. Suggested donation of $20 payable at the door. Learn more by calling 773-719-7059. 
When: Saturday, March 2, doors at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Givins Castle, 10244 Longwood Dr., Chicago

Hair Band Party
Get out your acid washed denim and your Aquanet - it's a Hair Band Party at 115 Bourbon Street this Saturday. Bang your head to your favorite jams from Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Poison, Van Halen, Def Leppard, Guns N' Roses, and more. 
When: Saturday, March 2, 10:00 p.m. 
Where: 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115 St., Merrionette Park

Spaghetti Dinner & Bake Sale
The Blue Island/Crestwood Rotary Club will host their annual Spaghetti Dinner 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

Friday Fish Fries
It's almost Fish Fry season! Get your fill at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Friday Fish Fries beginning on March 8. 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. from March 8 through April 19 
Where: Fraternal Order of Eagles 1332, 2427 Grove St.

Art, History & Literature
The Pullmans of Prairie Avenue
Glessner House Executive Director and Curator Bill Tyre will give a photographic tour and lecture in celebration of George M Pullman's home on Prairie Avenue. The Pullman Choir will give a choral celebration of George Pullman's birthday. Birthday cake will be served. 
When: Sunday, March 3, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. 
Where: Historic Pullman Foundation, 11141 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago

Children's Community 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, March 9, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: TBA

Lincoln-Davis Civil War Roundtable
March's speaker is  Jim Pula on "Under the Crescent Moon with the XI Corps."  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, March 19, 7:00 p.m. 
Where: Country House Restaurant, 5400 W. 127th St., Alsip

Community
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 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