Thank you, Ald. Silvana Tabares

By Peggy Zabicki

Your correspondent in West Lawn

3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327

As a resident of the 23rd Ward, I often feel a bit isolated. Most people in the 23rd Ward live in the Garfield Ridge and Clearing neighborhoods, north and west of the airport.

It was that way for decades, until just after the 2010 Census, when ward boundaries were redrawn and (against the wishes of then-23^rd Ward Ald. Michael R. Zalewski) a lot of precincts east of Midway were tacked onto the 23^rd Ward.

As a West Lawn resident, I live too far away to walk to the 23rd Ward’s main office at 6247 S. Archer. I have to drive or take two buses. Those of us in West Lawn, especially those living east of Pulaski, are actually closer to the 13th Ward office than the 23rd Ward office.

This problem created by the politicians who re-drew the ward boundaries made us feel disconnected until last week, when 23rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares opened a second office at 63rd and Pulaski. I can actually walk to her new office.

I went to the grand opening of her new office last Saturday. It was fun seeing my neighbors, talking with Silvana and looking at all the amazing artwork decorating the walls of her new office. I met some of the artists. Most of them are local residents.

Visit the new office at 3954 W. 63rd St. Call (773) 582-4444 for office hours. Let me know what you think of all the artwork. Thank you, Alderman Tabares, for all you do!

There was another grand opening last week. A new skateboard shop called Prosper Skateshop opened its doors. Prosper is located at 6050 S. Pulaski.

I met the owner and longtime West Lawn resident, Homer. He is friendly and knowledgeable. His store has a huge collection of skateboards and accessories for everyone from beginner to advanced level. Homer also does skateboard repairs.

I remember when my oldest son used to skateboard. He encouraged me to get on his board and try it. There was a lot of screaming involved, as I recall. I did not inherit a skateboard gene. My youngest son, Joe, also liked skateboarding. He used to go to the old skateboard area at West Lawn Park. It has since been torn down. Such a shame. There were so many youngsters who loved that skateboard area.

Prosper Skateshop owner Homer is now working with 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn on opening up a new skateboard area in West Lawn Park. They have a design completed. An empty location in the park where the old batting cage used to be has been selected for a new skateboard area. I hope they can make this happen. Our young people need something to do at West Lawn Park.

In the meantime, call Prosper Skateshop for store hours and information at (773) 277-0950. Even if you don’t skateboard, perhaps you have a young person in your life that would like a skateboard gift. One of my grandsons is now skateboarding!

The West Lawn Branch Library, 4020 W. 63rd St., has lots of activities for teens this summer. I mentioned a few last week. On Thursday, July 28 from 4 to 5 p.m. the library will host a manga and anime discussion group about these Japanese print and animated cartoons, which are so popular with young people.

On Monday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m., the library will present a workshop for adults covering basic principles of personal finances. This event will go over how to get started in investing and what you need to know about it. Call the library for more information at (312) 747-7381.

St. Nicholas of Tolentine School, 3741 W. 62nd St., will be showing the movie Sing 2 on Thursday July 28 at 8:30 p.m. All are invited to this free family event. They will even have free popcorn. The movie will be shown outside in the church courtyard.

The CAPS meeting for Beats 813 and 833 is set for Tuesday, July 26 at 7 p.m. at West Lawn Park, 4233 W. 65th St.

Ald. Marty Quinn will meet with neighborhood seniors at the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, 6500 S. Pulaski, on Friday, July 29 at 9 a.m. Seating is limited. Call Barb before July 26 at (773) 581-1313 to register.

Thank you for your calls and texts last week!