Monday, September 22, 2014

Local Loyalty - Malicki's Piggly WIggly on Washington Ave. Part 1 of 2

Welcome back!
Today, I have so much to share, 
I hope to be able to relay it adequately through words 
and do it justice.
I want to introduce you not only to a stand out, 
awesome store, but to the guy behind it and all he does. 
Ralph Malicki owns and operates 
5201 Washington Ave.
Open 6am-10pm daily 
Most of us grew up with this familiar, cute pig. 
I want to introduce you to a guy who does so much, 
but prefers to not take the spotlight. 
Ralph wants to help bring positive change to Racine.
When we sat down and spoke, I asked him what we can do. I'm only one person, he's only one person, what can we do?
He asked me an off-the-wall question - 
"How do you eat an elephant?"
I'm sure my expression was amusing, 
as these thoughts came to mind - 
"hmm, lots of tenderizer?"
"would it taste like chicken?"
then trying to come up with the right answer, 
all I could offer was 
"one bite at a time", which thankfully was correct. 
Yes, there is so much to do.
Yes, there is so much negative to turn around.
Yes, there is much need
If we don't start, if we do nothing but wring our hands,
nothing changes.    
If we do nothing but add to the negative voices, 
we're only hurting, not helping. 
Help your neighbors. 
Help those you hear of that have needs. 
Smile at someone when you pass them walking in or out of somewhere. Hold a door door for somebody. Such simple things can make the difference in somebody's day. 
"Do good"
"Start somewhere"

Ralph is very active in the community, with his time, his resources, and even his workers, who also are encouraged to be active in the community.    
Ralph was just honored for his commitment to the community, 
read about it from Racine County Eye - 

This is somebody I look up to and want to grow up to be like. 
May we all learn from, and try to be more like Ralph and others trying to bring positive change to our town. Look at all Beth David accomplishes. She, too, is just one person, but people are happy to help with anything she sets out to do.

If you live in a house that needs work, you work on it.
We live in a community that needs work. We all need to work on it.
Being negative and standing back pointing and criticizing will get us nowhere.  We need to be positive, or be quiet. 
Soap box getting put away, for today... :)
More on Malicki's Piggly Wiggly next week! 

8 comments:

Beejay said...

I was happy to see you mention Beth David in this blog. She has done so much for the city and is such an advocate. She doesn't complain about the issues, she gets involved.

She has also mentioned Ralph Malicki on her site. People like this make a difference in neighborhoods and help to bring change about.

These are the role models we should strive to have the youth emulate, not the overpaid sports players that may or may not be worthy of being called role models.

And now, LM, I'm off MY SOAPBOX.



Toad said...

"Be positive or BE QUIET" YOU must be kidding? I don't live there anymore, but If I did, I certainly wouldn't be quiet. I will admit I LOVE Piggly Wiggly though, but will NEVER forgive them for closing Taylor Ave. and Grove Ave. NEVER. Just Sayin. Don't like It DELETE IT.

OrbsCorbs said...

Since moving to this neighborhood, Malicki's Piggly Wiggly has become my favorite grocery store. There are a lot of food stores in this area, and Festival Foods is about to open another one. Walmart Neighborhood Mart is cheaper, but the service is terrible and the produce dept. is an insult. Malicki's Piggly Wiggly cares about the community and it shows.

lizardmom said...

Ralph didn't own the one that closed, but he's making a big difference with the one he has, and for that, I"m forever grateful, it's my absolute favorite grocery store

drewzepmeister said...

Tender Heart and I do much of our grocery shopping at the Pig's of Erie.

BL Basketcase said...

I wonder if they sell cakes there. Just sayin..

Tender Heart Bear said...

I do a lot of my shopping at the Piggly Wiggly on Erie St. by our house and I have to say they are so nice here. I have not gone to the one on Washington Ave. at all.

Daddy Orbs- I know what you are talking about with the new Walmart. A lot of the people that work there do not care about the customers. My daughter use to work there but she even said that some of the management didn't even care about the employee's.

Toad said...

I don't think your going to care too much for Festival Foods. They are based out of LaCrosse, but EACH store Is different, In the case of prices. Ours Is VERY high, but LaCrosse Is much lower. They don't have the same sales, and generally a a very clean store, but expensive. They like to marinate meat. Chicken, Beef, Pork, you name It. They call It "Dad's chicken" or "Ma's spoon roast etc." I don't like marinade. It's a In, and Out problem. On the other hand "Porkus Shakus" doesn't mess with their meat. What you see, Is what you get, and they are ALWAY'S nice. BTW, "Porkus Shakus" Is short for Piggly Wiggly.