Events in and around Blue Island

The 2020 Census is fast approaching! For all the latest information on Census jobs, the Census process, and how your participation helps Blue Island receive our share of important funding from the Federal Government, click the image above.

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 sara@blueislandchamber.org
When: Saturday, March 14, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Beggars Pizza, 12700 S. Kedzie Ave.

2020 Census
The 2020 Census is fast approaching! Bookmark this page for all the latest information from the City of Blue Island on Census jobs, the Census process, and how your participation helps Blue Island receive our share of important funding from the Federal Government:

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 rzylman@district130.org

Reading & recreation
Blue Island Public Library

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 
January 24
3:00 p.m. - DIY Pom Pom Bookmarks with Matching Cherry Keychain
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
January 25
1:00 p.m. - Game Day
January 27
10:00 a.m. - Drop-in Tech Help Hour
1:00 p.m. - Knitting & Crocheting Club
6:00 p.m. - Painting with Watercolors
January 28
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
3:30 p.m. - Decorating Birdhouses
6:00 p.m. - Family Story Time
6:00 p.m. - Songwriters Circle: Weekly Meetup
6:30 p.m. - Clear the Clutter!
January 29
10:00 a.m. - Seniors and Caregivers Listening Session
January 30
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
3:30 p.m. - Pokemon GO Trading Post & Battles
6:00 p.m. - Classic Movie Night: Casablanca

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.

Trivia
Summon your smartest buds for Trivia at Rock Island Public House this evening courtesy of Quiztory Dept. It's free to play and the prizes are surprises -- what's not to love?
When: Thursday, January 23, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave.

Live: Good Day, Sir at Blue Island Beer Co. 
South Side rockers Good Day, Sir bring the party down to Olde Western for a set that's sure to please the ears. For an optimum listening experience, be sure to visit the bar and add beer.
When: Friday, January 24, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave. 

Brunch Invasion
Brunch with Butter *Upon* Bacon returns this Sunday at Rock Island Public house. Follow the RIPH on social media to view the latest food and craft beer offerings and then wipe that drool off your chin, silly! 
When:  Sunday, January 26, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave. 

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.

Gerry Burns Telethon!
Blue Island's resident keymaster sets up shop in BIBC's taproom for music and fun! For more info and to RSVP,  visit the event page on Facebook.
When: Sunday, January 26, 3:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 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. 

Live: Mary Lane & The No Static Blues Band
Save the date - Legendary Chicago Blues Hall of Fame singer Mary Lane takes the stage at Front Row Valentine's Day weekend with The No Static Blues Band. 
When: Saturday, February 15, 9:00 p.m.
Where: Front Row, 13312 Olde Western Ave. 

Art, History & Literature
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
On February 22, the Concert at the Castle Series returns with a 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 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.

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 valkehoe62@gmail.com
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 


Like us on Facebook