10 Resolutions You Can Keep LOCAL!
Get Fit: the classic. After the holidays, don’t we all want to lose a few pounds? Curves offers a free week to get started. And did you know MetroSouth Medical Center has a Fitness Center? Open to everyone 6 days a week, call 708-597-2000 to learn more. And the Blue Island Park District offers something for everyone, from Belly Dancing to Zumba, from Kickboxing to Yoga!
Go Green: Walk and Bike! Pair this one with “Get Fit” and you have a resolution two-fer! Now doesn’t that feel good? Taking transit is another great way to get around town, so next time you’re headed to the Loop for work or play, hop on Metra. Over 100 trains depart and arrive in Blue Island daily!
Save Money: Great Lakes Bank has been in business in BI for 115 Years! You don’t last that long if you don’t know how to do once thing well—save money. See the bankers at Great Lakes or any of our other banks, such as First Midwest or Charter One and stash your cash here in the Island!
Learn Something New: Head straight over to Moraine Valley’s Blue Island campus, when they opened all new classrooms and a student lounge this past fall. Looks fab! Nearly 70 courses are offered, and tutoring is available in math, English, computers, and literacy. The Spring 2012 semester starts January 21.
Eat Healthier: Feed yourself, your family, and friends right in 2012 by joining one of Blue Island’s Community Gardens. Located at Memorial Park and the Tommy A. Brown Sports Association, gardeners will start in the spring with seedlings. Or inquire about a CSA in town, like last summer’s bounty from Genesis Growers.
Spend More Time with Family: You can’t go wrong here. We like time together outdoors at the Hart Park Ice Rink. The arts provide an enriching experience for both you and your kids, so plan for a night of live theater with Stray Dog Theatre Compay, visit Cornerstone Gallery at their next open house or just stroll by our fav pop-up, 12840 Gallery. Support the music program at Eisenhower HS by attending their next concert. Or look for lectures, book signings, and more at the Blue Island Library and Historical Society.
Be Less Stressed: Slow down. Why drive to the big box store? Think first: can I buy it in Blue Island? See the Chamber of Commerce website for a list of member businesses and you might be surprised how far your dollar goes in BI! Reward yourself with a sweet treat at Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream. Who can be stressed with a smile on their face?!
Volunteer: It’s hard to beat the good feeling of helping others. Give a call to any of our local institutions, such as the Salvation Army. Want to help our kids succeed? Volunteers are needed at District 130, where you can help read to students, assist in the library, act as a mentor, help out in the main office, assist in the lunchroom or at recess, and much more.
Clean Up the Clutter: Overwhelmed at home or in the office? Head down to Jebens on Olde Western. With 135+ years of experience, there isn’t a problem these pros haven’t seen—and they have the supplies to do it right. Not the DIY type? Hire a local carpenter to build the closet of your dreams!
Support Blue Island: want to do more for your hometown? There are so many ways! Get to know your neighbors better by starting a cooking club. Shovel the snow this winter for someone you know could use the help. Share a great story or photos of Blue Island on facebook. Review our restaurants and shops on yelp!
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together” (Van Gogh). There are many ways, most of them simple and small, that we can do our part to help build community. Let’s all resolve to make Blue Island a better, healthier place to live in 2012.
