It’s the season of new life

By Peggy Zabicki

Your correspondent in West Lawn

3633 W. 60th Place •  (773) 504-9327

Spring holy day and holiday observations have either come to an end or will be ending soon. The special foods, the activities for kids, religious traditions, cherished family rituals, the preparation of our homes and places of worship, the special music and holy scripture readings become our main focus. Soon these celebrations are tucked away in our memories.

Sometimes we experience a post holiday letdown. We get so busy we forget about the problems and challenges we put on hold. They return to us. The realities of life hang over our heads and weigh upon our shoulders once again.

Peggy Zabicki

As my focus returned to my daily routines last week, I discovered I somehow didn’t feel the weight of a longtime problem I’d been dealing with. I still have the problem, but I no longer feel weighed down by it. What a breath of fresh air this has become for me. What a gift! Amazing grace!

If we take only one thing from our celebrations, let it be the hope that although our problems are still with us, we can be lifted up and out of them. We don’t have to be burdened by them. Though we are weary, we can receive rest. Our burdens can become light when we recognize that there is a power greater than us. That power gave us the gift of life. I hope that each of you will experience this hope today and always.

Onward to springtime and all of the activities that come with the season of new life.

A friend of mine called and asked me where she can take her kids for swim lessons. Right away I thought of various Chicago Park District swimming pools. None are in West Lawn, but I thought I’d give her a list of close-by pools. I visited the Park District website and found it woefully cumbersome and difficult to navigate. It needs serious updating.

I then checked with Daley College because they have a huge pool. My son, Joe, used to take swim lessons there. I checked their website and found no useful information. I called Daley College for information during normal business hours, but no one was available to take my call. I left a message.

Three days later, a Daley staff member called me at an odd hour and left a message. The staff member stated that I could call during normal business hours or check their website.

I then thought of the British Swim School located in the hotel complex at 6520 S. Cicero, Bedford Park. Success at last!  The British Swim School answers their phones. Their website is easy to navigate and get all the information you need. They have classes for all ages and ability levels. Call them at (630) 833-8145 or visit britishswimschool.com.

Thank you to everyone who called me last week regarding the former Walgreens at 59th and Pulaski. I mentioned this Walgreens in a column a couple of weeks ago.

I was wondering if and when they were ever going to start construction. I emailed them and also left a message on their website. I never received a reply.  I called their main number. The person who answered the phone told me that no information is available.

Thanks to some faithful readers of this column, I found out that construction won’t begin until the fall, due to price increases and availability of construction equipment.

A new health care clinic will be opening very soon at the corner of 63rd and Karlov, the Esperanza Clinic. They will be providing a variety of health services including lab services. The clinic welcomes everyone regardless of their ability to pay for services because they are federally funded. I was unable to find out if they provide senior care or care for patients on Medicaid or Medicare.  If I receive more information, I’ll let you know.

Speaking of seniors, 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn continues to host meetings for seniors. These get-togethers provide an opportunity to connect with Alderman Quinn, connect with other seniors, share information and have conversations about any problems you might be having.

The meetings take place at the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, 6500 S. Pulaski, second-floor ballroom. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, April 29 at 9 a.m. Call (773) 581-1313 to reserve your spot.

St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish is presenting their Casino Night on Saturday, April 23. The fun starts at 6 p.m. and goes to midnight. Go to Duggan Hall at 6424 S. Kenneth. Admittance is free. You must be 21 or older to attend. There will be raffles, blackjack, roulette, Texas Hold’em and much more. Food and alcohol will be available for purchase. All proceeds go to St. Mary Star of the Sea School programs.

The good people at Windy City Hot Dogs recently asked, “Who wants to make magic at Windy City Hot Dogs?”

This longtime West Lawn fast food favorite is currently hiring responsible people to join their work staff. Experience is preferred but not required. Apply in person at Windy City Hot Dogs, 4201 W. 63rd St. I must go there soon. I’ve had such a craving for their scrumptious gyro dinner.

Finally, thank you one and all for all the calls and texts you sent me last week. I appreciate each and every one of them, even the angry call. I’m always surprised to receive the rare negative message, but I’m grateful just the same because it reminds me of how not to be.

A kind word is always better than a mean word.