| Minding
Our Business

The Times They Are a Changin’
by Candace Carr
The Blue Island Arts & Culture
Committee held its first fundraiser
on Thurs, April 22nd at Tenochtitlán
Restaurante. Anyone who was there
can tell you; the turnout was fantastic!
Young and old, men and women,
black, white, Hispanic, a true crosssection
of Blue Island. I think it’s
safe to say that everyone had a great
time.
After a long period in which I felt
hopeless and helpless regarding the
state of our city, and the detrimental
effect that the recession has had
on it, I now feel a renewed sense of
hope. There were many, many young
people who attended. By young, I
mean younger than me, of course. It
was great to experience a sea of new
faces that are ready, willing, and able
to make Blue Island a better place to
live.
Just a few of the comments I heard
and saw the very next day:
“What a coup!”
“I couldn’t believe how many
people showed up!”
“This is what Blue Island is all
about.”
“Ya know what? I love Blue Island.
Love it. The rest of Chicago? You’re
just jealous. It was a beautiful night...”
Truthfully, I have not seen this
much energy and excitement since
the early days of Main Street. Back
when we believed that it was possible
to re-energize our city. Back when
we first moved our business into Blue
Island. Back when I had hope.
Recently, an older woman (older
than me) stopped in at our new location.
“I blame the older generation
for the deterioration of the city. We
got scared, and many of us moved
out, but I’m not leaving. I think this
city could be great again.” I think so,
too. And so do many of the young
people.
If, some day this week, you can’t
figure out where or how to spend
your $5.00 in Blue Island, send it
to the Blue Island Arts & Culture
Committee. Good things are afoot,
be part of it!
CARR home-garden-holiday
2357 York Street
in Blue Island, my kind of town!

Never doubt that a small group
of thoughtful, committed citizens
can change the world.
Indeed, it’s the only thing that has
-Margaret Mead
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