When Crawford was renamed to honor Pulaski

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By Peggy Zabicki

Your correspondent in West Lawn

3633 W. 60th Place •  (773) 504-9327

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Did you know that Pulaski Road used to be called Crawford Avenue? I asked several people this question, thinking I had some great piece of information. Turns out that every single person I asked already knew that.

Well, did you know that Crawford Avenue used to be called 40th Avenue? In 1913 it was renamed Crawford Avenue, and in 1935 it was renamed Pulaski Road in honor of General Casimir Pulaski.

Last Monday, March 4 was Pulaski Day, the day we honor the great accomplishments of Casimir Pulaski and his service to our country during the Revolutionary War. Even though Chicago Public School students no longer have the day off on Pulaski Day as they used to, I hope the students will be taught about him in school. If not, the Chicago Public Library is a good place to learn about Pulaski, but not on Pulaski Day. The libraries are closed that day.

The West Lawn Branch Library, 4020 W. 63rd St., continues to host Yoga For Adults on Fridays at 9:30 a.m. All levels are welcome. Call (312) 747-7381 for more information.

We are very fortunate that the West Lawn Branch Library hosts so many classes, concerts and special events. You can also go to the library to read books. Did you know that the West Lawn branch has 20,000 books? They are open seven days a week (except for special holidays like Pulaski Day).

The Chicago Artopia Organization will present a piano concert by Chenxing Huang on Sunday, March 10 at 7 p.m. The concert will be held at the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, 6500 S. Pulaski. All are welcome. Admission is free.

The Love Fridge located just east of the corner of 66th and Pulaski recently had another big food giveaway thanks to some generous donations. You may have seen the long line of people going up the street and around the corner. Clearly, people are having trouble making ends meet because of astronomical food prices these days. The Love Fridge helps so many in need. It truly is people helping people.

The bridge on Cicero Avenue at 68th Street finally has all the lanes open. Construction is finishing up and barriers are being removed.

I have been told that the Walgreens at 59^th and Pulaski is almost complete and will be open soon. I will believe it when I see it. I am hoping that at least my grandchildren will see it open at some point in the future.

I have been seeing old used tires abandoned on streets, alleys and at underpasses. I tried to report this problem online at City of Chicago 311 but I find this website a bit difficult to navigate. So instead, I got in touch with 23^rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares about the problem of old tires. She said if anyone sees these tires they can call her office at (773) 582-4444 to report it. Thank you, Alderman Tabares. I appreciate this service to our neighborhood. The alderman also said we can get more information about recycling old tires by sending an email to mimi.simon@cityofchicago.org.

The Calvary Seniors are having their annual St. Patrick’s Day luncheon at noon Tuesday, March 19. If you would like to attend, please call Elaine as soon as possible at (773) 424-3031 to let her know you are coming. She is taking luncheon orders and making a head count, so registering ahead of time is needed. Elaine will provide all the information you need regarding food choices and costs. There will be bingo and raffles as well. This lively group welcomes all seniors to join them for an afternoon of fun.

The Calvary Seniors would like to extend happy March birthday wishes to Fran C. and Kathy B.  Belated February birthday wishes go to Kathy B’s hubby, Don!  May the coming year bring joy and good health to all.

I would like to wish happy birthday to my family members born in March: little Roman, Moe, Steve, Mike, Ellie, Theo, Johnny and Sam. Love to all.

Thank you, dear readers, for being in touch and for all the questions and information you sent me.