The buck stops…at the store?

By Peggy Zabicki

Your correspondent in West Lawn

3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327

Has anyone been to the new Dollar Tree at 8444 S. Pulaski? I haven’t been there yet, but I hope to visit this week. Let me know your opinions if you’ve gone there. I do like the looks of the outside of the store and that big parking lot.

According to the Wall Street Journal, some Dollar Tree stores plan on raising the prices on a few of their items because of inflation and problems with staffing the stores. The price increases on select items are projected to go up only to $1.25 to $1.50. Most items will remain at $1.00.

Prices in general sure have gone up lately. I actually prefer honest increases rather than the practice of downsizing a product.

For example, look at some products we’ve been buying over the years at grocery stores. Spaghetti sauce used to come in 32-ounce jars. Now, the average size is about 21 ounces. Ice cream used to come in half-gallon containers. Now it comes in 1.5-quart containers. Customers don’t always notice these changes. This is a dishonest way to raise prices, in my opinion.

Dollar Tree might want to consider changing their name to Dollar Plus Tree. I guess the buck stops here.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the delicious food at Mabenka restaurant, 7844 S. Cicero, Burbank. I recently dined there with my friends, Terry and Rose. The generous portions of hearty Polish-style soups, main dishes, pierogi and daily specials are still the same flavors we know and love.

The menu looks different. It is a bit smaller than their old menu, which was so huge it was like reading War and Peace. I am so glad that Mabenka is open again. This restaurant is truly a longtime neighborhood treasure. Mabenka is open seven days a week. Call them at (708) 423-7679.

The Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, 6500 S. Pulaski, invites all to join them at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16 for a program about Lithuanian American heritage. This informational event will showcase stories, maps and information about the Lithuanian experience and will be presented in English. Call (773) 582-6500 for more information or send an email to [email protected]

Looking for Taekwondo classes for your kids? Look no further than Yong In Martial Arts, 6232 S. Pulaski. Taekwondo helps children develop discipline, self-esteem and confidence. The school also offers adult classes in Taekwondo and Hapkido. Call them at (773) 767-2646.

The West Lawn Branch library is still closed. Librarian Jose Gallegos told me the district chief said the library will not open until the first week of December. I do appreciate Jose keeping us informed as we wait. Thanks, Jose!

Congratulations to West Lawn residents Mireya Robledo and Rebecca Ann Romero, who will be running in the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 10. The starting line is at Grant Park, at Columbus Drive and Monroe. I am proud of these ladies. The qualifications to be accepted in the marathon are strict. Go, ladies, go!

On the day after the marathon, the Columbus Day Parade will take place on Monday, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. on State Street. I hope to go to the parade. For all who can’t make it, WLS-TV (Channel 7) will have a live broadcast. Happy Columbus Day and Happy Italian American Heritage Month to all!

Thank you to Vinnie for your thoughtful phone call. I appreciate your kind thoughts and information.

Happy Birthday wishes to Calvary Lutheran Senior club members Juanita Verran (Oct. 8), Ruth Wagner (Oct. 12). Loretta Willholt (Oct. 12) and JoAlice Revas (Oct. 13). May the dear Lord bless each of you with good health and happiness.

Thank you for all your calls and texts this week.