Sip ‘n Paint set for Balzekas Museum

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By Peggy Zabicki

Your correspondent in West Lawn

3633 W. 60th Place •  (773) 504-9327

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The LOS Youth Organization will be hosting a special art event called Sip ‘n Paint for adults over 21. This event will take place on Saturday, April 13 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, 6500 S. Pulaski. Participants will create works of art as they sip wine. The cost is $20 per person and includes art materials and two drinks. Call to register at (773) 424-5294.

Headquartered at 3919 W. 63^rd St., the LOS Youth Organization provides education, life skills, counseling and mental health services for young people. They also have a variety of activities that inspire creativity, not only for our neighborhood teens but for adults as well.

The West Lawn Branch Library, 4020 W. 63rd St., is hosting a program called Open Crochet on Sunday, April 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. Crocheters are invited to bring a crochet project to work on while they sit and chat with others. The library will also provide yarns and crochet hooks for those who would like to start a new project. This program is for those age 18 and up.

Peggy Zabicki

The library is also hosting classes on sewing machine basics for teens and adults. The next class takes place on Sunday, April 21 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Participants will learn how to make a tote bag. By the end of the program, you will be certified to use the library’s sewing equipment during the library’s open-sewing hours.

This is a popular program, and spaces fill up quickly; but you can be placed on a waiting list if all spaces are filled. Call (312) 747-7381 or visit in person for more information.

While you are at the library check out a new work of art by James Jankowiak on permanent display in their media room. This art installation consists of panels painted in lovely muted colors depicting animals, people and a variety of objects.

James Jankowiak was born and raised in the Back of the Yards  neighborhood. He attended the Art Institute and Columbia College. He teaches art at Jones College Prep and other high schools. His work has been exhibited at the Illinois Holocaust Museum, Northwestern University and the Chicago Cultural Center.

Many years ago I was invited to read some of my poetry at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. They host so  many events, like book readings, art exhibits and concerts. It is worth the trip downtown just to walk around inside this exquisite building.

Back to our neighborhood. West Lawn Conservation Club president Adolfo Gustavo shared some information on how to get free milkweed seeds from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Milkweed plants are so important to us because they provide nutrition to Monarch butterflies. After visiting the milkweed plants, butterflies will then pollinate fruit and vegetable plants, which then reproduce and provide food for us. We need Monarchs and they need us. Get your free seeds by visiting mwrd.org.

Did you know that you can grow milkweed plants in large flower pots? You don’t even need a backyard to grow them.

Speaking of plants, St. Mary Star of the Sea Church will be having their annual spring plant sale on May 10 and 11 starting at 8 a.m. at the rectory garage. 6435 S. Kilbourn. There will be geraniums, begonias, impatiens, marigolds and pansies for sale, in addition to veggies like tomatoes, peppers and cucumber plants. Most are only $1 each. Due to the popularity of the plant sale, pre-orders are suggested. Place your order ahead of time by calling Barbara at (708) 269-8833.

Everyone is looking forward to gardening and spending more time outside.  However, our outdoor safety continues to be at risk. Lately, we have seen car accidents and tragedies in West Lawn due to reckless drivers. The latest is the hit-and-run death of Chuck Mills at the corner of Pulaski and 64th. What will it take to make this area safer for pedestrians?

The next CAPS Beats 813/833 meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 at West Lawn Park, 4233 W. 65th St. Get together with your neighbors and police and help plan on what we can do to prevent these senseless tragedies.

My condolences to the family of Chuck Mills, his many friends and fellow employees.  May his memory be a blessing.