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By Peggy Zabicki
Your correspondent in West Lawn
3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327
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As the weather gets warmer, we start looking forward to saving money by turning off the heat in our homes, putting away the winter boots, finding last year’s sandals and spending more time outside.
We also have to face the fact that crime increases in the summer months. Gangs are out there on the street. There are signs of gangs all around: bent street signs, graffiti, gunfire and more.
Young people with no sense of direction or hope for the future often join gangs. They are looking for a substitute family. Gangs provide teens a way to feel a sense of belonging. They also offer them street protection. Sadly, some kids are born into gang families.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. LOS Youth, 3919 W. 63rd St., continues to offer activities and support to our neighborhood youth as an alternative to making poor choices. LOS Youth inspires young people by providing life skills, mental health services and positive activities.
LOS Youth is currently offering classes to youth age 13-18 in event planning and community involvement. After completing the program the students will receive a youth leadership certificate. This certificate is an excellent addition to a job application or college application. The hours spent in this program can also serve as required volunteer service hours for high school students.
Learn more about this opportunity by calling (773) 424-5294 or by visiting LOS Youth. They are open Monday through Saturday.
St. Mary Star of the Sea Church Boy Scout Troop 1441 is having a pancake breakfast and fundraiser on Sunday, April 14 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 6435 S. Kilbourn. The cost is only $8 per person and includes pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice. All are invited.
St. Nicholas of Tolentine School, 3741 W. 62nd St., will host a taco night on Friday, April 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. Dinner includes three carne asada tacos, rice, beans and dessert. Pre-sale tickets are $12 each, $15 at the door. Call for more information at (773) 735-0772.
St. Nicholas of Tolentine is organizing a White Sox baseball night on Saturday, May 11. All are invited to attend the White Sox vs Cleveland Guardians game. Tickets are $28 each. You can also buy a round trip bus ticket for $5. If St. Nick’s sells 250 tickets, their choir will have the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at the game. Call for information on ordering your tickets. Go Sox!
Would you like to connect with Polish people? My good friend, Richard, invites you to join the Polish American Culture Club. This organization provides activities and educational opportunities to connect with others and learn more about Polish customs. They have regular meet and greets, dinners, picnics, lectures with guest speakers and authors, bingo, bake sales, holiday parties and monthly meetings. The club also provides educational grants to students.
The Polish American Culture Club has members from all over Chicago. Their meetings are held in a central location, connecting North and South Siders. For more information, call Richard at (847) 209-1385.
Did you get a chance to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at 6413 S. Cicero last week? Thirteenth Ward Ald. Marty Quinn and Mayor Brandon Johnson were there to announce the September 2024 opening of a new Starbucks. Even though there are at least two other Starbucks nearby on Cicero, a new business is more than welcome at that rather bleak, empty lot.
Hopefully, the Starbucks restaurant and drive-through won’t add to the often standstill traffic. I have seen many drivers take a detour right at that spot to avoid the congestion at nearby 63rd and Cicero.
A good friend and neighbor called me, asking about the new business. She added her two cents by stating she was disappointed and thought a different business would be more appropriate. She said, “When I am done shopping for bargains next door at Continental Sales, I would rather have a Krispy Kreme or a Top Notch Burger.”
Both of those suggestions are making me hungry, but they are too far away! Perhaps a quick visit to Tony’s Beef, 7007 S. Pulaski, is in order. They are open until 10 p.m. every night.