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There are a lot of good things happening in West Lawn. We have plenty of grocery stores to shop at. Some neighborhoods don’t have any grocery stores. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in crime at some of our grocery stores. I got a call from a resident who told me that she shops early in the morning and every time she goes to a Jewel Food Store in our neighborhood, she sees people come in, get plastic bags, stuff them with food, and simply leave the store. Customers and staff see this happening, but no one stops the thieves. This is one reason, along with our current economy, that food prices have risen so dramatically over the past few years.
For those who need extra food and can’t afford the rising costs, we have the Love Fridge on 66th Street just east of Pulaski. It is open 24/7. Their motto is, “Take what you need, give what you can.” Once a month, there are food give-a-ways that take place there. We have all seen the long lines that go around the corner. For the past couple of years, food prices have gone through the roof, making grocery shopping a huge financial burden.
While the Love Fridge has helped many people, there is a new problem to deal with. More than one reader has called me to let me know about it. Some people get their free bags of groceries and as they walk down nearby streets to their cars or to walk to their homes, they look through the bags and discard what they don’t want by throwing it on lawns, streets, and in the alleys. What a shame to ruin perfectly good food. One neighbor told me she had to clean up squished produce that had been thrown on her lawn. This also creates a rodent problem, which has gotten worse lately.
For every good thing there seems to be a bad side. Do we need to tell people not to steal from grocery stores? Do we need to tell people not to throw food on the ground? Apparently, we do. I hope those in charge will take action.
This is all so sad and surprising. You wouldn’t think that something good would result in something bad, but nothing is certain these days except death and taxes as the saying goes. If you recently got your property tax bill and discovered like many Chicagoans that your taxes doubled or tripled, you can file an appeal. Stop by 13th Ward Alderman Marty Quinn’s office at 6500 S. Pulaski, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for help.
Alderman Quinn is hosting a Senior Celebration on Friday, September 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fun takes place at the West Lawn Park Fieldhouse at 4233 W. 65th Street. There will be brunch, vendors, and music. Call 773-581-8000 for more information.
The next 8th District Police CAPS meeting for Beats 813 and 833 will take place on Tuesday, September 24, at the West Lawn Park Fieldhouse. All are invited to meet with your neighbors and police, to share our concerns and work together to prevent crime.
St. Mary Star of the Sea Church and School is hosting a Trivia Night for those 21 and older on Saturday, September 28, at 6424 S. Kenneth in Duggan Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m. and games begin at 7 p.m. There will be a cash bar with beer, soda pops and water. No outside beverages are allowed, but you can bring your own snacks. The cost is $100 per table with a maximum of 10 persons per table, but 10 are not required. There will be cash prizes and Split the Pot, and other raffles. Drop off a reservation and your payment as soon as possible to the school office or rectory in an envelope marked “Trivia.” Tickets will be held at the door. Make checks payable to St. Mary Star of the Sea. Questions? Call the Rectory at 773-767-1246.
This sounds like fun and we could all use more of that these days!
Thank you for all your calls this week. I appreciate every one of them.
