The Blue Island Historic Preservation Commission, along with the Blue Island Historical Society and The Forum, celebrated this year’s Cavalcade of Pride winners on Saturday, September 19, at a banquet held at Memorial Park Field House.  This event offers an opportunity for Blue Islanders from every ward to be recognized for the wonderful efforts you make to keep our community strong and beautiful.  Most of these nominations come from neighbors, making this recognition extra special.  These are our stars for 2009:

Winners were treated to a dinner catered by Stefanelli & Sons, and went home with fall bouquets from Flowers by Bartle.  Laura de Los Santos presented a lecture on the “History of Mexican American Workers” mural that once graced the wall at Broadway and Olde Western – a fascinating look at the artists and politics that surrounded the mural’s creation in the 1970s.  Tom Hawley and Tom Mantel were recognized for their Driehaus Award from Landmarks Illinois.

Special thanks to Park District staff for their help with such a wonderful facility – it was a fantastic night and the room looked beautiful.

See past winners at our Cavalcade of Pride page.

A public meeting regarding the former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) Site will be held tonight at the First Lutheran Church, 2519 Grove Street, from 5:30-7:30 PM.

The meeting will be hosted by Stantec who will perform the future remediation efforts at the site.

All are welcome to attend.

A big Blue Island CONGRATS to Tom Hawley and Tom Mantel for being honored with the most prestigious historic preservation award in the state: Landmarks Illinois’ Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award.  Mr. Hawley and Mr. Mantel are being recognized for the amazing restoration of the Dr. Aaron Heimbach House.  Designed by architect Bertand Goldberg (of Marina City fame) and built in 1939, this landmark International Style home is a unique addition to Blue Island’s architectural diversity.  Rare, original blueprints were consulted to guide the preservation efforts.

Landmarks Illinois is hosting an awards ceremony to celebrate nine statewide winners.  The Heimbach House is the state’s only restoration winner!  The awards take place on Saturday, October 3, at the exclusive Chicago Club, 81 E. Van Buren St.  Tickets are only $40 for Landmarks members, and $50 for non-members.  The event opens at 4:30 pm with a cocktails and hors d’oeuvres reception, with the awards ceremony scheduled for 6 pm.  Visit Landmarks Illinois to get your tickets now – RSVP by September 25.