Are you a licensed contractor or apprentice? Do you think you need more skills to compete in today’s job market? You might be eligible for 2 weeks of FREE hands-on training that will help you:

• • Learn basic deconstruction techniques on a residential structure
• • Expand your career/business opportunities in the emerging deconstruction industry
• • Be a part of the green jobs movement
• • Earn a training stipend of approximately $1,500

The Deconstruction Training Program will occur in 2-week sessions that will be repeated 6 times at different residential buildings between February and May. For additional information, please contact us at training@delta-institute.org or (312) 554-5759.

What Is Deconstruction?

Deconstruction is the systematic disassembly of a structure to maximize reuse and recycling. For more information, please visit Delta’s Deconstruction & Reuse page, our listing of Deconstruction Resources, or the ReBuilding Exchange‘s website.

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Are you an unemployed or underemployed construction worker? Do you think you need more skills to compete in today’s job market? You might be eligible for 12 days of FREE classroom and on-site training that will help you:

• • Prepare for careers in weatherization, hazardous waste operations, and lead-safe work practices
• • Earn the certifications you need to qualify for employment
• • Receive additional assistance finding a job

The next training will be offered March 21 – April 7, 2011.

For more information, email training@delta-institute.org or call 312.554.5098.

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At the suggestion of Alderman Mark Potaska, the City has begun an initiative to thank people for their extraordinary efforts in volunteering to help others.

The latest awards of Special Recognition were given to: Georgine and Patrick Mitchell for their heroic efforts year after year during the holiday season to provide clothing, food, toys and other items to people who have fallen on hard times. At this time, we would also like to thank everyone in town who volunteered with the Angels, or did their own collections and distributions. Jude Coyle and her family previously received an award for their efforts with Angels Touch.

A Special Recognition Award was given to the American Legion Post 50 for their efforts in organizing the Veterans Day Parade and Memorial Service on Western Avenue.

Lori Campione (aka Mrs. Sarah Claus) received a Special Recognition Award for her years of making Christmas a very special time for kids and adults in town by her portrayal of Mrs. Santa Claus at so many events.

The Police Department awarded Lloyd Lardenoit a Civilian Service Award for his actions leading to the arrest of a burglar at Mother of Sorrows.

Mary Origel is a familiar face in town, and has devoted herself to her church and community. She has served as President of the St. Benedict Womens Club and has been instrumental in the church’s volunteer activities. Mary has served on various city committees, including Historic Preservation.

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The Blue Islanders were on hand to present Mayor Peloquin with a jersey and to introduce the team to the community.

If you know of anyone who goes “above and beyond” in order to make Blue Island a better place to live and freely volunteers their time to help the community or those in their neighborhood, please send the recommendation to “Newsletter,” C. Reihel, 13031 Greenwood Ave, Blue Island 60406 or by email: creihel@cityofblueisland.org – thank you!

“There is no greater joy nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone’s life.”
- Sister Mary Rose McGeady