Ramones are gone, but memories still jumpin’

By Peggy Zabicki

Your correspondent in West Lawn

3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327

On this day (Aug. 6) in 1996, the Ramones (a famous punk rock band) performed for the last time. The concert took place at the Palace in Hollywood.

On that day in Chicago at my house, my kids and I were jumping on our indoor trampoline to the songs of the Ramones. Our favorite song was I Wanna Be Sedated.

We had actually been jumping and dancing to the Ramones for several years before that. It was good fun. I can’t imagine how anyone could listen to this music and not get on their feet or sit and dance in their minds. Somehow, in some way, you can always dance.

In my mind I am dancing with joy because the ASTRRONGU Youth Council continues to meet every week Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This dedicated, positive youth outreach group offers tutoring, community service hours, field trips, giveaways and more.

Their meetings are conveniently located at the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, 6500 S. Pulaski. Call for registration information at (773) 234-2225 or email at [email protected]

Queen of the Universe School, 7130 S. Hamlin, is seeking a physical education teacher to work two days a week at their school and two days a week at Our Lady of the Snows School, 4810 S. Leamington. The position has full-time benefits. Interested candidates should email Queen of the Universe Principal Linda Kelly at [email protected]

It is also fall registration time at Queen of the Universe. They offer PreK through eighth grade classes, financial aid and scholarships. Call them at (773) 582-4266.

St. Mary Star of the Sea School, 6424 S. Kenneth, is also open for fall registration. Call them at (773) 767-6160 for more information and to schedule a tour.

St. Mary Star of the Sea Church is now collecting canned foods, pasta, rice, toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, diapers and baby food to be distributed to various community groups. The donation bins are located at the rectory entrance, 6435 S. Kilbourn.

On Saturday, Aug. 28 from 6 p.m. to midnight, St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish is having an outdoor Vegas Night fundraiser. I bet this event will be lots of fun. Call the church for more information at (773) 767-1246.

A paper shredding and prescription drug drop-off event is set for 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 62^nd and Lawndale. Please remove all staples from the paperwork, and keep your prescription meds in their original containers.

This useful public service is sponsored by 23^rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares, in partnership with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and the Chicago Lawn (8^th) District Police.

On that same day, you might as well head over to Kennedy High School, 6325 W. 56th St., and drop off unwanted electronics like TVs, radios, tape players, etc. Their collection event will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This useful public service is provided by 13^th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn and State Rep. Angelica “Angie” Guerrero-Cuellar (D-22^nd). Call (773) 581-8000 for details.

A nice West Lawn neighbor called to thank me for sharing the library information last week. She let me know that the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 W. 63rd Place, is also another great library to visit as we wait for the West Lawn Branch at to re-open.

I’m glad she called. The Clearing Branch is a terrific place to go. The building is modern and inviting and has lots of parking. The inside has an interesting set up and design. You will want to spend several hours there. Call them at (312) 747-5657 for more information.

I also want to thank her and all of you who called or texted me last week with words of support and encouragement in regards to the negative way I was treated at the 7-Eleven at 59th and Pulaski. I shared my experience in last week’s newspaper and received an overwhelming amount of positive words from thoughtful readers. I really appreciate all of you.

I would like to wish a blessed and happy birthday to Ann from St. Mary Star of the Sea Church. Ann recently celebrated her 100th birthday! Congratulations and best wishes to you!

Celebrate life!