It’s more than just a Walgreens

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By Peggy Zabicki

Your correspondent in West Lawn

3633 W. 60th Place •  (773) 504-9327

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I finally visited our newly opened Walgreens at Pulaski and 59th Street.  The cashiers are friendly and the store is very neat and clean and organized.   It doesn’t have the inviting look of a chock full store with the “you never know what you’re going to find” look that it used to have but I will give it time.  We’ve already given it years.  What’s a few more?

I had a conversation about this with a friend who lives far away from West Lawn.  I complained that the Taj Mahal could have been built in the time it took to rebuild our Walgreens.  He said, “What’s the big deal?  It’s just a Walgreens.”

He didn’t understand.  He couldn’t.  It was more than a Walgreens to the people in our neighborhood.  One of my neighbors told me it was the only place she could walk to in order to get prescriptions filled.  Another neighbor said he always stopped at Walgreens on his way to Pete’s Fresh Market next door. Between the two stores he got everything he needed.   Another neighbor said she went there often and got to know the employees.  She said that some of them knew her as well and that they were like family to her.

When our Walgreens was destroyed by criminals, neighbors watched the flames shooting from the roof.  I could see the black smoke in the sky from my front porch.  The next day there was nothing left.  There was nothing left of our hope that things would get better.  Things actually got worse.  More buildings were vandalized.  Businesses were forced to close and many never reopened.  We lost so much.

Peggy Zabicki

Now our Walgreens is back.  It will take time for the store to have the personality it once did.  Oh, it has the usual Walgreens style unguents and ointments, school supplies, grocery items, make up, and greeting cards.  There is even an aisle with wine and other alcohol products.  I saw a bottle of champagne.  It was actually a very good price.  I bought it.  I’m keeping it in my fridge.  After all, you never know when you will need to celebrate something.

Here’s an important reminder.  The 40th Annual National Night Out Against Crime will take place on Tuesday, August 6 at West Lawn Park, 4233 W. 65th Street.  The fun starts at 3:30 pm.  There will be kiddy train rides from 4 to 5:30pm and a peace march at 6:30pm.  The movie Paw Patrol will be shown at dusk.  There will be face painting, lots of food, raffles, and music by DJ Freddy.  Come out and support our 8th District Police.

Mark your calendars.  13th Ward Alderman Marty Quinn is hosting a Senior Celebration on Friday, September 20 at West Lawn Park field house.  The fun starts at 9:30am and goes to 1pm.  There will be a free breakfast plus vendors and music all for those of a certain age!

Alderman Quinn is also hosting a Tax Appeal Seminar.  This will take place on Wednesday, August 14 from 5 to 7pm at the Balzekas Museum at 6500 S. Pulaski, 2nd floor.  Call 773-581-8000 for more information.

St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish and School is having a blood drive on Sunday, August 4 from 9am to 1:15pm at 6435 S. Kilbourn. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome.  Call the church for more information at 773-767-1246.  All donors will be entered to win a two night stay at Wilderness Resort.

Midway Baseball and Softball Association is now taking registrations for Fall Ball.  Kids ages 4 through 18 years old are invited to join.  Games will be played at Madigan Park located at 4701 W. Marquette Road.  Visit their website at www.midwaybaseballsoftball.com

West Lawn Little League Association is ready for Fall Softball registration for girls ages 7 to 16 years old.  They are also holding Travel Ball Team tryouts on August 7 and 8 at 6pm.  The tryouts will take place at Hubbard Field located at 4152 W. 61st Street.  Call for more information at 773-499-6808.

Congratulations to Boy Scout Troop 1441 of the Pathway to Adventure Council, sponsored by St. Mary Star of the Sea Holy Name Society.  The troop recently held their Court of Honor to present Rank Advancements and Merit Badges to scouts who are on their way to receive the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.  Best wishes to all the scouts taking on this challenge.  Call Ed Melkonian at 312-316-5825 for more information on Boy Scouts.

The Calvary Senior Club would like to extend very happy birthday wishes to Major Kincade and Elaine LeBron.   May the dear Lord bless each of you with a wonderful birthday and much happiness and health in the coming year.