It’s time for kids to take a break from the TV and the computer and go back outside!

On May 19, 2011, Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed the month of June as Leave No Child Inside Month in the State of Illinois.

One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is a love of nature. Blue Island Model Community partners encourage local families to come out to a June Leave No Child Inside Month event and rediscover with your family the joy and wonder of outdoor exploration!

Blue Island Park District

Get outside, have fun and make friends at a Park District event this June. Camp out under the stars. Attend Summer Camp. Sign up for a youth program.

Chicago Wilderness Alliance Events

The Chicago Wilderness alliance is celebrating by offering a series of free, family events featuring lively activities — like catching-and-releasing fish, playing with mud, and building a fort – designed to nurture children’s sense of wonder and appreciation for nature and to help parents and caregivers feel more comfortable guiding outdoor play and recreation during future trips to local parks, preserves, and nature areas.

Complete details, including event descriptions, hours, and directions can be found on the Leave No Child Inside website or follow @lnci on twitter for timely event updates.

Want to improve the health of your community?

Join the Alliance for Healthy and Active Communities (AHAC) for their quarterly meeting - June 23, 2011!

From networking to learning opportunities to cutting-edge tools and strategies, AHAC is a growing network for those looking to make suburban Cook County a healthier place to live, work and play.

Date: June 23, 2011
Time: 12:30 (Orientation for new attendees and those wanting to learn more about AHAC)
1:00 – 4:00pm General Meeting
Location: Oak Park Library, Veterans Room, 834 Lake St, Oak Park 60301

Visit AHAC online to register or for more information.

6/23 Quarterly Meeting Topic – Learn how to effectively make changes in local policy

Featuring Leslie Zellers, JD of the Public Health Law & Policy, learn how to effectively make changes in local policy at our next meeting in June. Using local and national tobacco examples, this interactive presentation will provide proven tools and techniques for changing policy. Strategies discussed can be adapted for policies to promote healthy eating or active living.

Leslie Zellers, JD is Legal Director of the Technical Assistance Legal Center (TALC), a project of Public Health Law & Policy (PHLP) and the Public Health Institute. To learn more about PHLP or download resources, visit http://www.phlpnet.org/ (more…)

The Salvation Army and Community Development Department is sponsoring a lead safety workshop: Healthy Homes, Healthy Kids, Healthy You.

When: Sat, May 14,  10a-2pm
Where: Salvation Army, 2900 W. Burr Oak (127th)
Cost: FREE

Who Should Attend: Families, Building Contractors, Home Improvement Specialists, Do-It-Yourselfers

The hazards of lead paint in older homes are a real concern for our community. For families with young children, elevated blood lead levels can have a dramatic impact on student behavior and achievement.

MetroSouth will be on hand to perform blood tests, and experts from the CDC will be available for analysis. Additionally, we are hosting workshops for contractors and do-it-yourselfers demonstrating how to safely renovate old homes. Special presentations for building contractors and home improvement specialists will demonstrate the EPA’s lead rules, which went into effect last year. (more…)

June 6th, 1944, is now known as World War II’s “Longest Day”. It started at 6:30am and ended at midnight with Allied forces having established a beachhead in German-occupied France. John ‘Doc’ Morrissy will take us through a visual exploration of D-Day with films and photos. Free tickets available at Blue Island Public Library main desk (708) 388-1078.

WHEN
Wednesday, May 25, 7:00pm

WHERE
Blue Island Public Library, 2433 York Street

FOR MORE INFO
(708) 388-1078
www.blueislandlibrary.org

This event is brought to you by the Blue Island Historical Society and the Blue Island Public Library. (Picture from the Army Signal Corps Collection in the U.S. National Archives)