Lift your red Solo cup for Toby

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By Peggy Zabicki

Your correspondent in West Lawn

3633 W. 60th Place •  (773) 504-9327

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The recent death of country singer Toby Keith made me appreciate how he used his gift of music to make people happy. This is something we can remember him by. I thought of his fun song about the red Solo drinking cup. Keith sang “Oh red Solo cup, I lift you up, Let’s have a party.”

The Solo/Dart Company released their famous red cup in the 1970s. Who hasn’t enjoyed a beverage in this bright red, sturdy cup?  Unfortunately, the cups are not recyclable; so when I’m done drinking from them I extend the life of the cups by using them for rooting plant cuttings and for making sand castles at the beach with the kiddies.

Even though the cups aren’t recyclable, you can still bring your used and clean Styrofoam products to the Solo/Dart company at 7575 S. Kostner to be recycled. I really appreciate this service. Their collection bins are located just west of Pulaski on 76th Street. You will see a big cage on the right as you travel west past Daley College toward the Ford City movie theater. All Styrofoam is accepted except Styrofoam packing peanuts.

Peggy Zabicki

The West Lawn Conservation Club will be planting seeds that are pollinator friendly at traffic circles around our neighborhood. If you would like to help plant the seeds or would like to know more about their native seed library, send an email to westlawnconservationclub@gmail.com.

The president of the West Lawn Conservation Club, Adolfo Gustavo, took photos of the recent damage done to some small trees that had been planted a year ago in front of the West Lawn Branch Library, 4020 W. 63rd St. A reckless driver crashed in front of the library. The young trees were off to a fine start, but one of the trees was completely knocked over and uprooted. Adolfo said that it can’t be saved and will have to be replaced. Drunk drivers take not only human life but plant life as well. I’m very grateful that no one at the library was hurt during the crash.

The West Lawn Branch Library will be hosting a free concert presented by the Chicago Artopia Organization. Guitar duo Hermelindo and Samuel Ruiz are the featured musicians. The concert will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 20th at 7 p.m. Call the library for additional information at (312) 747-7381.

The next CAPS Beat 823 meeting will take place on Wednesday, Feb 21 at 7 p.m. at the police station, 3420 W. 63rd St.

Driving is more challenging than ever because of reckless drivers. Car crashes happen almost every day. We have all seen drivers run red lights and stop signs, drive well over the speed limit and even drive down the wrong side of the street. Between avoiding irresponsible drivers and dodging potholes, keeping safe behind the wheel is harder than ever. Hopefully, the problem of law breaking drivers can be addressed at the upcoming CAPS meeting.

The Quinn and Guerrero-Cuellar Service, 6500 S. Pulaski, asks that you report all potholes in streets and alleys by visiting their service office or calling them at (773) 581-1313 or (773) 581-8000.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy week.