Chatham-Southeast 12-19-2018

Citizen

KIDZ KORNA PREPARES FOR ANNUAL WEEKEND-LONG TOY GIVEAWAY — PAGE 3 Week of Dec. 19, 2018

| Vol. 54 | No. 38 | www.thechicagocitizen.com

CHATHAM SOUTHEAST

HOLIDAY LIGHTS MAKE AN IMPACT ON CHICAGO’S SOUTH SIDE COMMUNITIES Shortly after Thanksgiving, elaborate displays of holiday lights begin to appear across the city, most notably the Christmas tree and holiday window displays downtown. Outside of downtown, many south side communities also create their own displays to prepare for the holidays including The Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce who recently held their annual tree lighting ceremony.

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The Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce recently hosted their annual tree lighting ceremony. Photo Credit: Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS

ENTERTAINMENT

Don’t Let Small Dollar Loans Ruin Your Holidays

Chicago Park District and Chicago Blackhawks Team Up to Offer Free Ice Hockey Clinics at Six Neighborhood Ice Rinks

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NEWS briefly EDUCATION

CITGO AWARDS 20 STUDENTS THROUGH INNOVATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM CITGO Petroleum Corporation recently presented twenty scholarships to the recipients of its inaugural CITGO Innovation Scholarship Program, an initiative within the CITGO STEM Talent Pipeline. Each student will receive a $2,000 scholarship for undergraduate study. The awards may be renewed for up to three additional years, or until undergraduate studies are completed.

Each recipient was selected on the basis of academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, an essay, unusual personal or family circumstances, and an outside appraisal. Of the 20 recipients, 16 are the first in their family to attend college.

HEALTH

CHARITABLE DONATION HELPS SUPPORT EFFORTS TO SERVE 180,000 MEALS IN 5 AMERICAN CITIES The Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation (APTQI) recently announced its support for Rise Against Hunger, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger by 2030, by donating $25,000 to help feed Americans in need. The donation will be used to support one of Rise Against Hunger’s signature Meal Packaging Events in 5 cities. “As advocates for good health and wellness, we are proud to help address hunger, an issue that impacts individuals and families across the globe,” said Nick Patel, executive director of APTQI. “The APTQI is proud to support Rise Against Hunger’s Meal Packaging Events to continue our commitment to charitable giving.”

Rise Against Hunger operates meal packaging locations in 25 cities throughout the U.S. and five international locations in South Africa, Malaysia, the Philippines, Italy and India. In the past year, more than 398,000 volunteers from corporations, churches, schools and civic organizations packaged Rise Against Hunger meals.

LAW & POLITICS

TAX REFORM LAW MAKES CHANGES TO EMPLOYEE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RULES The IRS is reminding employers that last year’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made changes to several programs that can affect an employer’s bottom line and its employees’ deductions. This includes employee achievement awards.

Under previous law, employers could deduct the cost of certain employee achievement awards. Deductible awards were excludible from employee income. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, there is now a prohibition on cash, gift cards and other non-tangible personal property as employee achievement awards. Special rules allow an employee to exclude certain achievement awards from their wages if the awards are tangible personal property. The new law clarifies that tangible personal property doesn’t include cash, cash equivalents, gift cards, gift coupons, certain gift certificates, tickets to theater or sporting events, vacations, meals, lodging, stocks, bonds, securities, and other similar items.

Holiday Lights Make an Impact On Chicago’s South Side Communities Continued from page 1

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

Shortly after Thanksgiving, elaborate displays of holiday lights begin to appear across the city, most notably the Christmas tree and holiday window displays downtown. Outside of downtown, many south side communities also create their own displays to prepare for the holidays including The Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce who recently held their annual tree lighting ceremony.

The Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization that serves the Calumet Heights and Avalon Park neighborhoods. The organization works to support investment and development within the community.

“This is a predominately black middle-class community and the role of the Chamber is that we have the sole responsibility to manage programs and support efforts to improve the commercial corridors in that area. We have a contract with the city of Chicago that makes us a neighborhood business development center as well as a levy that

makes us a Special Services Area which gives us funding to provide programs, events, and spaces to support the improvement of those business corridors,” said Frankye Payne, executive director of the Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce.

Funds for the holiday decorations that the Chamber has displayed on Stony Island Avenue came from funding they received by being a Special Service area in Chicago.

Special Service Areas are local tax districts that fund expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy within contiguous areas. The enhanced services and programs are in addition to those currently provided through the City, according to the City of Chicago.

“Special Service Areas are basically just a tax increase that is specifically put on businesses, specifically commercial corridors, and those funds go to provide things like holiday decorations and litter removal and things like that,” said Payne. “ Having a Special Service Area as an urban planning tool on the south side of Chicago specifically speaks to a need for services that are often

lacking due to the geography of being on the south side and limited resources.”

The idea for adding holiday decorations on Stony Island Avenue was simply because the Chamber sensed a need for added beautification in the area after summer had ended which correlated with the coming holiday season.

“What’s wonderful about our holiday decorations is that they really came at a time where we were just starting to think about the holiday season,” said Payne. “We knew the holiday season was coming. We knew we really had to shine a light on the positive energy that we have in the community,” said Payne.

The Chamber was very intentional about making sure that the holiday decor they chose was inclusive and relatable.

“Our holiday decor consists of white doves which represent peace and a red ribbon that flows through the island on Stony Island Avenue. We wanted to be very inclusive and to present the overarching theme of peace knowing that it is something that everybody can take hold of and honor,” said Payne.

Recently Launched Online Database Connects Illinoisans To STEM Opportunities

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

The Creating Pathways and Access for Student Success Foundation (CPASS) recently launched a new online database that gathers all of the available Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education programs, resources, and opportunities in Illinois and makes them easily accessible through one online platform. The intention of the database is to provide statewide access to STEM education opportunities for students from minority and underrepresented backgrounds.

The CPASS Foundation was established in 2018 and in many ways is a resurrection of the Chicago Area Health and Medical Careers Program which was a groundbreaking initiative that began in 1979 and provided students with viable pathways to success in health care careers and was instrumental in bringing STEM education to underserved communities at the time.

“The purpose of the Chicago Area Health and Medical Careers Program was to get students interested in health professions. That program went along from 1979 until about two years ago when the state of Illinois had a budget crunch

Creating Pathways and Access for Student Success Foundation Chairman Dr. Eric Whitaker (pictured), recently announced the Foundation’s new online database that will allow Illinoisans to search for STEM opportunities in their area. Photo Credit: Creating Pathways and Access for Student Success Foundation

and the money disappeared. I happened to be a graduate of the CHAMPS Program, that’s what we called it, and I wouldn’t be sitting here as a physician without it,” said Dr. Eric Whitaker, CPASS foundation chairman.

Whitaker is a prominent African American physician, public health practitioner, and health policy expert. As a high school student, Whitaker was one of the first students to enroll in the Chicago Area Health and Medical Careers Program at the

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Illinois Institute of Technology.

“I went to the administration at Illinois Institute of Technology and asked them if I could manage to get the state dollars and set up a new nonprofit foundation would they continue to be supportive by providing faculty and space for classes and they said they would,” said Whitaker. “The difference I would say with this new version is that we have expanded the scope of the program to not only be a health profession pipeline but also a technology pipeline.”

The new online database created by CPASS will be a resource for students, teachers, and parents to find all of the available STEM education programs, resources, and opportunities that are available to Illinois for young people.

Even more so, the database has been designed to make STEM opportunities available to underserved students from an earlier age and increase diversity and minority representation in the healthcare and technology fields.

“As you look at the database, you will realize that there are things all over the state because we understand there are people in the more rural areas who are also African American or Hispanic and may not know about programs that are available to them. We thought it was important to capture things throughout the whole state for that reason,” said Whitaker.

This online portal is meant to be easy to navigate and will also be updated regularly. The database serves as a new foundation for what will become an ecosystem of opportunities which will include the growing number of STEM programs that CPASS will offer.

To learn more and explore the database visit www.cpassfoundation.org.

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

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NEWS

Kidz Korna Prepares For Annual Weekend-Long Toy Giveaway

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

A local nonprofit organization, Kidz Korna, will host their 13th Annual Toy Giveaway Tour from Dec. 21 to Dec. 23 at four different locations on Chicago’s south and west sides. This year’s project theme is A Christmas Giveaway Weekend to Help Cure Violence.

Toys will be given away on Dec 21 from noon to 6 p.m. at the KROC Center, 1250 W. 119th St., on Dec. 22 from noon to 2 p.m. at Faith, Hope, and Charity, 354 W. 71st St., and on Dec 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Prayze Cafe Radio 1570 AM, 60th Street and Michigan, Avenue and also at the Original Providence Baptist Church located at 515 N. Pine Ave. in Austin.

“Kidz Korna has been established since 1995 and we have over 20 years of experience in taking young people from the corners to opportunities, literally,” said Delece Williams, founder of Kidz Korna. “When we first started out, we wanted to just give young people a voice and give them a chance to talk outside of the influence of their parents.”

Since founding the organization in 1995, Kidz Korna has been a part of initiating over 50 youth-centered programs, served of 30,000 youth and their families, and given away over 125,000 toys.

“We have been doing the toy give away for 13 years now. I normally go back to my previous donors or they call me and get me motivated to start collecting toys each year. It’s a lot of work but it’s worth it. For the most part, I have a lot of faithful donors each year that give and they see that the program is growing so each year they try to give a little bit more,” said Williams.

The gifts that will be given away at the event include toys, clothes, and other exciting items that have been generously donated. The only requirement to receive a toy is to have your children with you. Gifts will not be given to adults without children present.

“We just give them gifts as long as they show

Kidz Korna, a local nonprofit organization, will soon host their 13th annual weekend-long Toy Giveaway that will take place at various locations on the south and west sides of Chicago. Photo Credit: Kidz Korna

up. We want the kids and their families to know that we care about them and that we are trying to do something to help their situations,” said Williams.

Normally, on the day of the Toy Giveaways, William said that she is busily running around trying to make sure everything comes together,

but there is always one thing that causes her to pause and that is the people.

“What stops me in my tracks is when people, especially the grandmothers, come to me in tears saying they don’t know what they would have done if they weren’t able to come to our toy giveaway. That really warms my heart

and helps us to realize how people are really struggling around the holidays and I just salute everyone that is trying to play Santa,” said Williams.

To learn more about the Toy Giveaway and Kidz Korna’s year-round projects, visit www. thekidzkorna.com.

Duckworth, Durbin Announce $13.7M to Protect Illinois Families from Toxic Lead U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) recently announced $13,700,000 in federal funding to help provide lead-free housing units to low-income families throughout Illinois. The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Lead Hazard Reduction Program (LHRD), which aims to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in privately-owned housing for rental or owner-occupants, and HUD’s Healthy Homes supplemental funding, which focuses on researching and implementing low-cost, effective home hazard assessment methods.

“Federal funds like these help local communities address toxic lead-based paint, which has been proven to harm children and cause cognitive and behavioral problems,” Duckworth said. “I’ll keep working with Senator Durbin to reduce exposure to this dangerous neurotoxin and ensure safe, healthy housing options for children and families all across Illinois.”

“We know the damage lead can do to developing brains, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, can grow up healthy and reach their full potential. Access to safe housing should not be determined by your zip code,” Durbin said. “Senator Duckworth and I will continue fighting for investments like this to help make sure that families throughout Illinois are protected from the threat of lead poisoning.”

The following recipients will receive funds under this announcement: l City of Chicago: $4,100,000 $3,500,000 in LHRD funding; $600,000 in Healthy Homes funding l City of Moline: $2,400,000 $2,240,000 in LHRD funding; $160,000 in Healthy Homes funding l City of Kankakee: $3,600,000 $3,000,000 in LHRD funding; $600,000 in Healthy Homes funding l Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity: $3,600,000 $3,000,000 in LHRD funding; $600,000 in Healthy Homes funding Duckworth has been outspoken about the need to reduce human exposure to toxic poisons like lead and has introduced several pieces of legislation to address the issue. In September of this year, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) and Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI) joined Duckworth in introducing the Get the Lead Out of Assisted Housing Act to protect families from lead exposure by requiring HUD to inspect for lead service lines, create a grant program to address lead contamination, and allow a crosswww.thechicagocitizen.com

check for lead in water when remediating a home for lead found in paint. She also introduced the Get the Lead Out of Schools Act with U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) to ensure periodic testing for lead contamination in drinking water at schools while also providing schools with additional resources to monitor lead levels and replace outdated water infrastructure systems.

In 2017, Durbin introduced the bipartisan Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act, which would require HUD to adopt prevention measures and update its lead regulations to protect children from the risk of lead exposure. Since the enactment of federal lead policies in the 1990s, lead poisoning rates have fallen dramatically. However, lead poisoning risk continues to fall disproportionally on minority children that live in federally subsidized housing because of outdated and ineffective federal laws and regulations.

In November of this year, Durbin and Duckworth, along with eight of their Senate colleagues, wrote to HUD Secretary Ben Carson, urging the agency to immediately improve its oversight of lead-based paint hazards in federally-assisted housing to ensure that families and children are protected from exposure to lead. The letter came on the heels of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report recommending that HUD take immediate action to improve all of its protocols for identifying and remediating the presence of lead-based paint hazards in federally-assisted housing.

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BUSINESS

Don’t Let Small Dollar Loans Ruin Your Holidays MONEY MATTERS

BY CHARLENE CROWELL

In this wonderful time of the year when family and friends gather in good cheer to celebrate the holidays, nearly everyone has a number of lists. From greeting cards to shopping for gifts, decorations and more, lists are made and reviewed to keep pace with the barrage of seasonal activities.

But if holiday lists seem bigger than budgets, turning to a highinterest, “small dollar” loan can turn joy and merriment into a financial quagmire. The good news is that holiday financial hangovers that predatory lenders give, do not need to be a part of your celebrations.

Just keep walking or drive past the brightly-colored signs advertising high-interest, small dollar loans. Both payday and car title loans can provide quick cash; but the harms these loans create will likely linger well past the winter’s cold. In truth, these predatory loans often lead to consumers paying more in interest and fees than for they money borrowed.

Research by the Center for

High-interest, “small dollar” loans can turn holiday joy and merriment into a financial quagmire.

Responsible Lending (CRL) has found that predatory payday loans drain $4.1 billion in fees from consumers annually -- borrowers who typically are unable to fully repay the original loan, usually in two weeks’ time. With average annual interest rates averaging 391 percent, 75 percent of all payday loans go to borrowers with more

than 10 loans a year.

Like payday loans, car title loans are often marketed as an easy way to get cash without a credit check – but with interest rates that tend to be 20-30 times higher than that of credit cards. The average car title loan of about $1,000 can only be secured by signing a personally-owned car as collateral. Further, the loan may only

PAYING PR AGENTS TOO MUCH FOR PUBLICITY?

Charlene Crowell is the Communications Deputy Director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at: Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.

REAL ESTATE

Fannie Mae Offers Certainty To Lenders That Use LoanBeam Technology

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be a fraction of the marketable value of the vehicle. While the lender holds on to a car title, the borrower is faced with triple-digit interest and, in one of five cases, a whopping 20 percent, the loss of personal transportation.

As harmful as payday and car title loans are, other seemingly harmful small dollar transactions can also cause financial havoc.

If you believe pre-paid cards will always avoid financial rip-offs, think again.

Before paying cash for this convenient form of plastic, read all of the fine print that explains the terms and fees that come with its usage. Terms and options can and do vary significantly. Many include

a range of fees from activation, to learning your current balances, reloading monies and in some cases fees for inactivity. By the time all applicable fees are assessed, the amount of money actually available on that prepaid card can shrink and shortchange how far it can help on purchases.

Similarly, the convenience of debit cards can easily trigger overdraft charges for consumers with slim or no checking account cushions. CRL research has shown that although overdraft fees vary by institution, the average $35 overdraft fee on a debit card is double the amount of the overdraft itself. Banks engage in a range of unfair and deceptive tactics to maximize these fees, which can amount to hundreds of dollars over the course of just a day or two--talk about a holiday damper. Too many overdrafts can lead to involuntary account closures.

This holiday season try adding a full measure of practical sense to help your dollars preserve the spirit and joy of the season – it only comes once a year!

LISETTE GUSHINIERE Owner, LG Consulting

Fannie Mae and LoanBeam recently announced an innovative enhancement allowing mortgage lenders to enjoy a consistent and reliable process for calculating income for self-employed borrowers.

By year-end, LoanBeam customers will be able to use LoanBeam's FNMA SEI 1084 workbook to simplify the self-employment income calculation process and enjoy enhanced certainty knowing the calculation aligns with the Fannie Mae Selling Guide.

"LoanBeam is excited to work with Fannie Mae on this solution," said Kirk Donaldson, LoanBeam's chief executive officer. "We are proud that Fannie Mae committed to aligning the FNMA SEI 1084 workbook to the Selling Guide. It is a great win for our customers," he continued.

"We always put our customers at the center of what we do. Our customers asked us to innovate around self-employed income and we listened," said Henry Cason, Fannie Mae's Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Products. "We are excited to deliver this solution to the market so quickly."

Lenders who want to learn more about using LoanBeam's FNMA SEI 1084 workbook can contact their Fannie Mae Relationship Manager or support@ loanbeam.com (current LoanBeam customers) or sales@loanbeam.com (lenders new to LoanBeam). www.thechicagocitizen.com

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

*To be eligible for the down payment assistance of 3% of the home’s purchase price, up to $3,600, the property must be in one of the following eligible states: MI, IN, IL, KY, TN, OH, WV, NC, GA, FL and either located in a low Income Census Tract or borrower must meet the low income limit threshold based on the qualifying income per FFIEC website. Down payment assistance may be taxable as income and reported to the IRS. Consult your tax advisor. Not available with all loan products.

Loans subject to credit review and approval. Prices and programs subject to change without notice. Fifth Third Mortgage Company, 5001 Kingsley Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45227, 1-877-841-7511, an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act and by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurances. Fifth Third Mortgage Company d/b/a Fifth Third Mortgage Company Incorporated and licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department. Fifth Third Mortgage is the trade name used by Fifth Third Mortgage Company (NMLS #134100) and Fifth Third Mortgage-MI, LLC (NMLS #447141). Fifth Third Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

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CITIZEN ON THE GO! Farewell To The Queen of Jazz Nancy Wilson JEROME PHOTO MRMAGRIOT@AOL.COM

Nancy Wilson died this week after a lengthy illness in her home in California at the age of 81.

Wilson had a long relationship with appearing at the Crown Propeller Lounge 866 E 63rd St. There she met Ramsey Lewis, and most likely Sid McCoy a prominent Jazz DJ who named her “the baby” for his audience. In my opinion her landmark album was with Cannonballl Adderly.

Wilson’s’ landmark hit “Guess Who I Saw Today” is still a jazz icon, Wilson was the recipient of 3 Grammy Awards. Wilson was married twice and had 3 childrens.

Wilson became the host of National Public Radio’s “Jazz Profiles,” a documentary series featuring jazz legends and comJerome Simmons Citizen’s Photographer L-R TV Personaility Merri Dee, Ramsey Lewis, Nancy Wilson and the and Nancy Wilson Ramsey Lewis during mentary. late radio personalty Yvonne Daniels recording of their National Public Radio Show. .

SUPREME COURT JUSTICE P. SCOTT NEVILL SWEARS IN NEW LAWYERS

Supreme Court Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr., will preside over the afternoon ceremony. .Guests of the second First District ceremony will include Illinois State Bar Association Second Vice President Dennis Orsey, Urie Clark, president of the Cook County Bar Association; Radhika Lohia, president of the Asian American Bar Association; and Thomas Clancy of the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar. Stephen D. Phillips will move for admission of the class. John S. Mrowiec will second the motion.

Supreme Court Justice P.Scott Neville presided over 1 of 5 swearing in ceremonies at which 1,200 new lawyers became members of the Illinois Bar Association There were two sessions held at McCormick Place recently. There are 96,000 lawyers in Illinois.

Supreme Court Justice P..Scott Neville.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

L R Melanie Anewishki CEO Keith Stanley O’Connor, Andrea Middleton, Samuell Miller Jr. Heidi Jones and Stacey Anewishki COO The four in the middle retiired after20 years at Featherfist a social service organization..

Rev Joseph Gordon Pastor of Carter Temple C.M.E. is joined by breezy Clause and Dianna Doss.

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ENTERTAINMENT

RCA Inspiration Celebrates Two 2019 Grammy Award Nominations for Koryn Hawthorne and the Walls Group RCA Inspiration celebrates two GRAMMY® Award nominations in the categories of Best Gospel Performance/Song and Best Gospel Album for the 61st GRAMMY® Awards, with nods for their chart-topping releases from Koryn Hawthorne and The Walls Group. Koryn Hawthorne garners her first-ever GRAMMY® Award nomination, with her recordbreaking #1 smash “Won’t He Do It” nominated for Best Gospel Performance/Song. The Walls Group are nominated for Best Gospel Album for their #1 hit album The Other Side (Fo Yo Soul/RCA Inspiration), marking their third career GRAMMY® nomination. Additionally, multiple GRAMMY® winning Fo Yo Soul/RCAI artist Kirk Franklin receives his 23rd career GRAMMY® nomination as an artist and songwriter, for his featured performance with Tori Kelly on her song “Never Alone,” which is nominated for Best Gospel Performance/Song, Phil Thornton, RCA Inspiration SVP and General Manager says, “Congratulations to Koryn, The Walls Group, and Kirk on their GRAMMY® nominations! We appreciate the recognition from The Recording Academy honoring their impact on Gospel over this past year with these nominations.”

The 61st Annual GRAMMY® Awards will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, February 10th, 2019 on CBS.

The Walls Group

Kirk Franklin

Koryn Hawthorne

Chicago Park District and Chicago Blackhawks Team Up to Offer Free Ice Hockey Clinics at Six Neighborhood Ice Rinks

The Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Park District are partnering again this winter to offer free hockey clinics at six neighborhood ice rinks across the city.

The Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Park District are partnering again this winter to offer free hockey clinics at six neighborhood ice rinks across the city.

Parents of children, ages 5 to 12 years old, are encouraged to enroll their young ones in this year’s clinics.

The free Blackhawks clinics will take place Wednesdays and Saturdays and are going on now through Feb. 6, 2019.

Skates and equipment will be made available to participants for free. Upon arriving at the rinks for their scheduled clinics, participating kids will also receive a keepsake Chicago Blackhawks jersey.

“The Chicago Park District is excited to team up with the Chicago Blackhawks for yet another year of offering our children access to instructors, equipment and facilities with the goal of teaching them how to play the sport with pride,” said Chicago Park District Superintendent & CEO Michael P. Kelly. “This longstanding partnership has allowed us to continue to grow www.thechicagocitizen.com

the presence of the sport in neighborhoods citywide.”

Online registration is required before attending one of the clinics. Parents are also encouraged to arrive 2030 minutes before the clinic begins to better facilitate the distribution of equipment and jerseys. For more information and to register, parents should visit www. chicagoblackhawks.com/cpdclinics.

Earlier this year, the Chicago Park District, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Blackhawks opened a Hockey Rink at Norwood Park in Chicago’s 41st Ward.

The new 75’ x 160’ rink features a SportCourt surface for both street and roller hockey use, creating accessibility across multiple seasons. The rink, located at 5801 N. Natoma Avenue, will serve as a public park amenity and will be programmed by the Chicago Park District. While the Chicago Blackhawks may hold occasional clinics and camps at the rink, its primary purpose is for residents to use at their own discretion.

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IT’S NOT THE

THE LEADING LADY GETS HER CLOSEUP.

Call 1-800-xfinity, visit an Xfinity Store or go to xfinity.com

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Xfinity On Demand requires Xfinity TV service. ©2018 Comcast. All rights reserved.

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The best connections have always been wireless, and you can stay connected this season with Xfinity. Watch Netflix and YouTube right on your TV. Even stream your holiday favorites on any device with the Xfinity Stream app, powered by the best WiFi experience. Plus, save money when you switch to Xfinity Mobile. That’s how Xfinity makes the holidays simple, easy, awesome.

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Holiday Season News

Great Holiday Gift Ideas for Music Lovers (StatePoint) Shopping for some music lovers this holiday season? Here are some great gift ideas to help your favorite musicians play and compose music.

Music Composition Tools Assist both aspiring and accomplished songwriters in their efforts with music composition tools. You can choose to go analog or digital, depending on the style of your gift recipient. For traditionalists, consider a beautiful leather-bound music composition book. For a modern music maker, consider composition software that assists in the creation and sharing of music notation.

Instruments For both beginner or seasoned musicians, consider the gift of a portable keyboard to help hone their skills at home or on-the-go. Wherever your gift recipients are on their musical journey, and no mat-

ter what budget you have to work with, you shouldn’t have to compromise on sound quality. For instance, for a modest sum, you can gift the CT-X700 from Casio, which features the AiX Sound Source, 600

life-like instrument tones, hundreds of built-in rhythms and effects for a full band sound, and a lesson system that displays proper fingering and notation. A six-track recorder allows musicians to capture their inspiration, a great feature for songwriters.

Rehearsal Time Know someone in a band? A soundproofed rehearsal space can be a dream come true for musicians (and their neighbors). Gift your recipient a rehearsal space rental. Whether you pay for one session or several months’ worth of rehearsal time, this is a thoughtful way to support a musician’s efforts.

By gifting the instruments, tools and space needed to learn, write and practice music, you can show a musician you care this holiday season.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Pixelot / stock.Adobe.com

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

(StatePoint) We’ve all been there before. Procrastinated or overscheduled our holiday season to the point where we leave ourselves little to no time to shop for loved ones. But great gifts don’t necessarily need to be planned months in advance.

These last-minute ideas will bring cheer to the season for gift-givers and recipients alike.

• A Gift Basket: A gift basket is easy to prepare and, if created by you, won’t feel last-minute at all. With a few customizations for an individual’s preferences, this is an extremely thoughtful gift. Shopping for a person with a sweet tooth? Hit up the candy aisle and get most of your items from there. (StatePoint) ‘Tis the season of friends, family Shopping and entertaining! If you’re planning on hosting for a food- guests -- whether for an entire week of family ie? Prepare a basket of interesting herbs and spices from around fun or a one-night celebration -- now’s the time to get your home in the holiday spirit. the world. The possibilities are endless. After you’ve arranged “Preparing a home for the holidays doesn’t the items nicely, spiff it up with a few bows and flourishes in your have to require adding extensive decorations gift recipient’s favorite colors. or undergoing a total remodel to update • A Timepiece: If you’re stumped for a gift for that pragmatic, favorite spaces,” says Jennifer Kis, director of stylish someone that will be appreciated for both its beauty and marketing communications for Progress its functionality, consider a great timepiece in a classic design Lighting. “Small changes through lighting can create a festive and comfortable environment that will complement a variety of styles, such as those from with minimal effort and investment.”

Casio’s Vintage Timepiece Collection. Featuring stainless steel Here are three easy tips to try: bands in such different metallic color combinations as gold and Update Entryways and Foyers. Your entryblack, and rose gold and silver, they are equipped with an LED- way is your opportunity to make an exceptionlit display face, a countdown timer, a 1/100th second stopwatch, al first impression and set the tone for the rest offer functional features during the holidays as well as a daily alarm, hourly time signal and auto-calendar. of the interior. Add drama to your foyer with a and beyond. Added illumination will improve grouping of striking, oversized pendant lights This throwback accessory is both useful and fashionable, adding safety and enhance security, while bringing a in lieu of a traditional chandelier. new bold look to the front of your home. To a bold, retro-inspired look to any outfit.

Pay Attention to Shared Spaces. Popular create instant curb appeal, hang a large • Movie Night: Everyone loves a trip to the movies, and these spaces where friends and family are likely to lantern on either side of your front door, or days, it’s easier than ever to send a loved one to the theater gather most during the holidays include great install a post lantern at the front of your walkagain and again. With a MoviePass membership of just $9.95 a rooms, living rooms and dining areas. A large way. month, you can give the gift of unlimited theater-going to your statement chandelier in a common living For more design inspiration and to view space creates a focal point and also ensures favorite cinephile. on-trend lighting collections, visit proThis holiday season, don’t show up empty-handed or re-gift there is enough illumination for card games, gresslighting.com. movies and coffee and cocoa by the fireside. something generic lying around the house. There are plenty of In a few easy steps, you can light up your Illuminate Walkways to Enhance Curb home for a warm and welcoming holiday seathoughtful gifts that can be prepared at the last minute and your Appeal. Simple outdoor lighting techniques son. recipient will be none the wiser. can improve a home’s appearance and also PHOTO SOURCE: (c) evgeniykleymenov / stock.Adobe.com

3 Easy Ways to Illuminate Your Home for the Holidays

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CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

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12 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

NEWS

NEWS

Not everyone sad toissee PrepPrep is closing Notis everyone sadUrban to see Urban is closing

BY WENDELL HUTSON Contributing Writer

Students and parents at Urban Prep West Academy High School said they are not surprised that Chicago Public Schools plans to close the charter school next year.

“I think it’s good the school is closing because teachers here do whatever they want to us [students],” alleged Keonte Macon, a 14-year-old freshman. “When parents are around, the teachers put on a show, but behind closed doors they curse at us,” she further alleged.

And Kemon Dean, a 15-year-old freshman, said he is not sad to see the school close either.

“I really don’t care what happens to Urban Prep West,” said Dean.

At a Dec. 3 Chicago Board of Education meeting, CPS recommended closing Urban Prep West, 1326 W. 14th Place, largely due to poor, academic performance. The all-boys school opened in 2009 and has about 200 students who are mostly black.

Some parents said they are hoping the school remains open.

“When I heard about the school closing I was very disappoint-

Urban Prep Academy High School students celebrating after "National Signing Day 2018," a day when graduating seniors announce which college they will attend in the fall. (Photo by Wendell Hutson)

By IWendell HutsonPrep is the ed. think Urban Contributing Writer best school for African American males,” said Austinatresident Students and parents Urban Prep West Academy Marleen Collins.High “MySchool son issaid a they

school has not made enough improve-

CPS moving our campus from the East

meetings with parents to provide them

ments (academically) to stay open.

GarfieldPrep Parkand community (to the a transitional plan forEnglish their students ulum with double the Urban he doubted me,Near with freshman at Urban Prep West and "Urban Prep West failed to provide West Side), and despite financial chal- as well as other educational options credits and more core-courses but now he loves it.” my nephew is a senior.

I remember students with a high-quality education, lenges caused by reduced funding and available. CPS is the nation's third than traditional public But CPSexpenses officials insisted thatCPS largest telling myinnephew in and it was the best when interesthe of was students increased (including school district with schools, 361,000 stuto revoke thethat school's charter and charging thehas West $1.3 million dents and 644 school schools.day, robust an extended school notCampus made enough sixth grade he was going to help the are not surprised that Chicago Public families find high-quality school options improvements in 'rent' over the past five years)," to Urban Prep will continue operate after-school programs, andtodaily (academically) Schools plans to close the charter in the area," contends Michael according to King. its two South Side campuses in mentoring.” stay open. school next year.

Passman, a spokesman for CPS. "CPS' Passman noted that charter schools Englewood and Bronzeville, and King “Urban West failed to proKing said schoolevery has avenue "I think it's good the school is closing mission is to ensure that every public located on Prep a CPS-owned property are said, "We willthepursue because teachers here do whatever school in every neighborhood offers a vide not charged rentwith costs the district. available to usa to continue to college serve our students a by high-quality maintained 100 percent they want to us [students]," alleged high-quality education that prepares stu- education, "Rather, they thebest costs of West Campusrate, students." and must it wascover in the acceptance “despite reduced Keonte Macon, a 14-year-old freshman. dents for success." maintenance and service provided by of students to revoke the enrollment caused by CPS moving "When parents are around, the teachers He added that based on the school interest the district," added Passman. school’s charter and help families put on a show, but behind closed doors district's "charter accountability policy" Starting in January, CPS will hold our campus from the East Garfield they curse at us," she further alleged. and the renewal criteria for contract find high-quality school options in Park community (to the Near And Kemon Dean, a 15-year-old schools, Urban Prep West failed to meet the area,” contends Michael PassWest Side), and despite financial freshman, said he is not sad to see the the contractual condition to successfully challenges caused by reduced school close either. implement a remediation plan and man, a spokesman for CPS. “CPS’ mission is to ensure that every funding and increased expenses "I really don't care what happens to improve enough to be removed from the Urban Prep West," said Dean. academic warning list. And that Urban public school in every neigh(including CPS charging the West At a Dec. 3 Chicago Board of Prep West has had a Level 2 rating for borhood offers a high-quality Campus $1.3 million in ‘rent’ over Education meeting, CPS recommended the past four years. the past five years),” according to closing Urban Prep West, 1326 W. 14th Urban Prep West Principal Cory Cain education that prepares students for success.”

King.

Place, largely due to poor, academic declined to comment. performance. The all-boys school But Tim King, founder and chief He added that based on the Passman noted that charter opened in 2009 and has about 200 stu- executive officer of the nonprofit Urban school district’s “charter accountschools located on a CPS-owned dents who are mostly black.

Prep Academies, said he is opposed to ability policy” and the renewal cri- property are not charged rent costs Some parents said they are hoping closing the campus. by the district. the schoolsafe remainswater. open.

Safe drug disposal means Do your "This decision is shocking and con- teria for contract schools, Urban "When I heard about the school clos- founding. After all, CPS just renewed the Prep West failed to meet the con“Rather, they must cover the I was verycollection disappointed. I boxes! think West Campus' charter last year," tractual condition to successfully part by using one of ing our drug costs of maintenance and service Urban Prep is the best school for African explained King. "The West Campus proprovided by the district,” added American males," said Austin resident vides a curriculum with double the implement a remediation plan and improve enough to be removed Passman.

Marleen Collins. "My son is a freshman credits and more core-courses Main Office Calumet O’Brien WRPEnglish Stickney at Urban Prep West and my nephew is than traditional public schools, an from the academic warning list.

Starting in January, CPS will WRPa senior. I remember telling WRP 3500 Howard St., Building my nephew extended school day, robust after-school And that Urban Prep West has had hold meetings with parents to proSkokie 400 E. 130th St., 6001 W. Pershing 100 E. Erie St., Students at Urban Prep Academy West High School walk the halls after school when he was in sixth grade that he was programs, and daily mentoring." a Level 2 rating for the past four vide them with a transitional plan 568-8223 Chicago Chicago going to Urban Prep(847) and he doubted King Rd., said Cicero the school has maintained ends on Dec. 14, 2018. The halls could soon be empty permanently following a 7 days/week (773) 256-3500 (708) 588-3000 (312) 751-6555 years. theirtostudents well asschool other in me, but now he loves it." a 100 percent college acceptance rate, recent announcement by Chicago Public for Schools close theascharter 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

7 days/week 7 days/week Monday through But CPS officials insisted that the "despite reduced enrollment caused by 2019.

Urban Prep Principal educational options availabe. CPS (Photo

by West Wendell Hutson)Cory 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday Cain declined to comment. is the nation’s third largest school www.thechicagocitizen.com 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

But Tim King, founder and district with 361,000 students and CEO of the nonprofit Urban Prep 644 schools.

Visit mwrd.org and click the Unwanted Medicine banner for a listing of other Academies, said he is opposed to Urban Prep will continue to opmedication disposal locations throughout Cook County. closing the campus. erate its two South Side campuses “This decision is shocking and in Englewood and Bronzeville, and confounding. After all, CPS just King said, “We will pursue every renewed the West Campus’ charter avenue available to us to conFind us at mwrd.org Metropolitan Water and on social media last year,” explained King. “The tinue to serve our West Campus Reclamation District West Campus provides a curricstudents.” of Greater Chicago

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CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

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NEWS

ESSENCE® Beauty Carnival Hits the Road in 2019 World’s Largest Beauty Experience for Black Women Reimagined as Multi-City Tour Tickets On-Sale Now for Kick-Off in New York City April 27-28, 2019 NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2018 / PRNewswire/ - The ESSENCE®

Beauty Carnival ™, recognized as the world’s largest beauty experience for Black women, is hitting the road in 2019—newly reimagined as an expanded, multi-city tour. Tickets are on-sale now for this epic celebration of Black beauty—convening a community of enthusiasts, experts and influencers at New York City’s Pier 36 on April 27-28, 2019.

“As the leading global destination for Black women, ESSENCE® celebrates diverse beauty and inspires inclusivity in a way that only we can,” said ESSENCE Fashion and Beauty Director Julee Wilson. “With the expansion of our Beauty Carnival, we are embracing our unique journey and curating our programming to share a very special experience with beauty aficionados from city to city.”

Inspired by the brand’s original Beauty Carnival which takes place during the annual ESSENCE Festival and attracts more than 10,000 fans per day from around the world, the tour will return to New Orleans this summer, making the 25th anniversary ESSENCE Festival its second stop. The Beauty Carnival’s final destination will be in Texas October 2019. Details to be announced at a later date.

The ESSENCE Beauty Carnival tour will deliver a globally inclusive and immersive experience featuring up-close access to exciting moments, such as expert tutorials, engaging conversations, exclusive interviews with today’s beauty icons, live podcasts and special guest performances. Highlights include: l ESSENCE’s new museum of Black beauty, documenting key historical and cultural moments, classic products and archived video to bring to life ESSENCE storytelling around Black beauty l Curated “Shop ESSENCE” beauty marketplace

“AS THE LEADING GLOBAL DESTINATION FOR BLACK WOMEN, ESSENCE® CELEBRATES DIVERSE BEAUTY AND INSPIRES INCLUSIVITY IN A WAY THAT ONLY WE CAN.” JULEE WILSON ESSENCE Fashion and Beauty Director l Extensive product sampling and special brand activations l Premier pampering services, gift bag, light bites and sips, and celebrity/influencer meet and greets for VIP level ticket-holders in our Beauty Bungalow For more on the ESSENCE Beauty Carnival tour and to purchase tickets, visit Essence. com/BeautyCarnival. Share your experience on your social platforms using the official hashtag #EssenceCarnival.

ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS INC. Essence Communications is the number one media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 17 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival. Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures, an independent Black-owned, technology-driven company focused on merging content, community and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color.

SOURCE Essence Communications Inc.

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14 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

NEWS

Visionary Freedom Fighter Don Rojas Recounts a Life of Service

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia A phone conversation with Don Rojas can easily begin with the subtlest of greetings – a friendly “hello,” and good to hear from you.

But any conversation of length undoubtedly leads to a lively discussion about the Transatlantic Slave Trade, reparations, journalism, and of course Rojas’ celebrated activism and the fight for freedom, justice and equality.

For Rojas, that fight began at an early age and he waged war against injustice mostly with a pen.

“Since I was a young man, I always had an interest in writing and reporting and the spoken word,” Rojas, now 69, said from his home in Maryland.

“I went to school in Grenada with (Grenadian revolutionary and leader) Maurice Bishop. He was captain of the senior debate team and I was captain of the junior debate team,” Rojas said, chuckling about one of many historic members that ran through his thoughts.

During that time, Rojas became involved in student activism and joined a student newspaper and student-run radio station.

Later, he attended the University of Wisconsin where he honed his journalism skills.

“That was in the late 1960s and I’ve stayed in the field of journalism and activism, alternating my time and energy over those many years between activism and journalism,” Rojas said, noting that, “for me, there isn’t a clear line of demarcation between the two, especially for those in the trenches with minority media.”

Rojas has always been in the trenches.

He said he’s viewed his work as part and parcel of a broader social and economic justice movement.

One of his first positions was assistant director of communications for the National Urban League. Following his stint there Rojas became an assistant editor at a Black-owned paper in Baltimore.

Among the many legendary interviews Rojas conducted were with leaders from around Africa, including Civil Rights icon Nelson Mandela and singer Bob Marley.

Rojas’ resume reads like a true activist and freedom fighter: He served as Director of Communications for Prime Minister Maurice Bishop, the People’s Revolutionary Government of Grenada.

Editor of the New York Amsterdam News General Manager of WBAI, Pacifica Network, New York Executive Director of Free Speech Television Senior Advisor to

come and speak at the convention,” Rojas said.

“We weren’t sure it would work out, but we were able to secure his presence in Indianapolis.” Mandela’s speech was his first and only to the NAACP. The visit began at the United Nations in New York and, what Rojas called the most underreported news of the decade, Mandela was feted in Harlem by hundreds of thousands during an outdoor rally.

“I remember spending time with him and talking to him about the DNC and the NAACP and he drew parallels with the DNC being founded in South African in 1912 and the NAACP here in America being formed in 1909,” Rojas said.

“There’s a solidarity between the two organizations,” he said.

“Since I was a young man, I always had an interest in writing and reporting and the spoken word,” Rojas, now 69, said from his home in Maryland.

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice Chancellor/President of the University of the West Indies Director of Communications and International Relations, Institute of the Black World 21st Century Founder of the award-winning digital magazine, The Black World Today, when the internet was in its infancy stages Director of Communications for the National Office of the NAACP For the latter role, Rojas was recruited in 1993 by then-NAACP Executive Director, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., at that time the youngest NAACP leader in the storied civil rights organization’s history.

Today, the organization still benefits from Rojas’ input and his development of an extensive communications department.

“Don Rojas has made major contributions to the struggle for freedom in Black communities across the globe. As the first communications director for the NAACP, he not only built the initial model of our communications department but created a vision for the way in which communications can be used as a resource to support social justice movements,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson told NNPA Newswire.

“There is no aspect of the movement untouched by his work as a communicator, journalist or advocate.” Johnson said.

Also, while Rojas’ accomplishments are exhausting, what remains a constant in all of his work is his role as a visionary,

said Malik Russell, the current NAACP Communications Director and former director of Radio Operations for The Black World Today.

“Don is able to look beyond the present toward the possible. A good example is The Black World Today (TBWT). At TBWT Don spearheaded a comprehensive news media site geared toward uniting the African Diaspora. On the cutting edge of technology, we helped organize the State of the Black World Conferences using online tools and broadcast it over the net using cell phones at a time when most folks were still in the analog age,” Russell said.

“We were using audio editing software, which is now the standard in radio broadcasting to create TWBT’s online radio network that had dozens of independently produced shows. Don’s vision was simple, he was like the future is open, it’s about who gets there first.”

Rojas said after Chavis was installed as executive director of the NAACP, the organization began to thrive again, particularly because of an infusion of youth.

The first national convention under Chavis, who now serves as president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, included a particularly important individual.

“The convention was held in Indianapolis and just a few weeks earlier, Nelson Mandela was released from prison and the first thing we did was reach out to his people and issue an invitation to

Rojas, who remains dedicated to the global movement for reparative justice for former slaves, said America was built on the backs of African slaves and African Americans have never been compensated.

Today Rojas, who still stands as of one of the leading progressive figures in recent history, is fighting another fight: one that involves his own life.]

After months of treatment for a chronic back ailment, Rojas was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a particularly aggressive form of bone cancer.

He’s undergoing heavy chemotherapy treatment which will continue in the weeks ahead, followed by the infusion of steroids and then bone marrow transplants.

The cost of his medical care is described as “astronomical” and much of it is not covered by insurance.

He and his wife, Karen, have been forced to unexpectedly place their home on the market to help cover the additional medial and relevant costs.

His friends, led by Chavis and actor Danny Glover, have launched a Go Fund Me campaign to raise the urgently needed funds to ensure that his wife and family have the resources to pay for the best lifesaving medical treatments available.

“Don Rojas deserves our support, prayers and our rigid solidarity in salute of his outstanding career as a global freedom fighter.

The encyclopedia contains a trove of information about Rojas’ illustrious career at https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-andbooks/rojas-don-1949.

To contribute to the campaign, visit https://www.gofundme.com/help-donrojas-in-the-fight-of-his-life.

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

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grow. Filled with fascinating stories of how plant roots and leaves communicate with their neighbors and how flowers use color and scent to interact with the creatures around them, this is an introduction to the mysterious inner workings of the plant world.

• For children who can’t get enough wildlife, consider “An Anthology of Intriguing Animals,” a compendium of the facts, stories and myths behind more than 200 of their favorite animals. Whether it’s how the koala got its name or which animal the ancient Egyptians thought rolled the sun across the sky, readers can learn fun facts while poring over photographs, including detailed close-ups.

• “Robot,” a book for kids, covers artificial intelligence (AI) throughout history, including automata created by Leonardo Da Vinci all the way through to modern-day androids. Discover cutting edge robotics, where science, technology, mechanical engineering and computing meet. Bright graphics and photography help readers learn how robots work, how they are made, and how they help and hinder modern society.

This holiday season, stock the shelves of those you adore with fascinating books on topics they love. _______________________________

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HOLIDAY SEASON Shopping for the Holidays?

Book Ideas for Everyone on Your List (StatePoint) No matter who you’re shop-

ping for this holiday season, books can make great gifts. Here are five engaging volumes to consider.

• “Writers: Their Lives and Works” features more than 100 biographies of the world’s greatest writers, from Shakespeare to Toni Morrison. Biographical entries trace the friendships, loves and rivalries that influenced each writer, while placing their works into historical context.

Illustrated with portraits, photographs and paintings of writers’ homes, studies and personal artifacts, along with pages from original manuscripts, first editions and correspondence, this book introduces the key themes and literary techniques of its subjects, revealing the imaginations and personalities behind some of the world’s greatest novels, short stories, poems, and plays.

• From its origins at court and the first national ballet companies, to the contemporary scene and the extraordinary venues that stage productions, “Ballet: The Definitive Illustrated Story” provides an invaluable overview of the history of ballet.

Readers can discover more than 70 of the most famous ballet dances, learn the stories behind renowned companies, explore the lives and achievements of dancers across centuries, and meet composers and choreographers. Filled with rarely seen photographs, this book is wellsuited for ballet enthusiasts.

• “Flora: Inside the Secret World of Plants” invites you to explore the plant kingdom from the ground up, and from root to leaf tip. This elegant introduction to botany from DK is packed with photos and illustrations explaining the mechanics of photosynthesis, why leaves change color, how cacti store water, and how seeds know when to

(StatePoint) We are in the midst of the holiday season, and if you are like many people, you’ve probably already spent more than you anticipated.

More consumers are looking to use a credit card this season to pay for gifts, and they plan to take longer to pay it off than in previous years, according to a recent NerdWallet survey. In fact, more than 39 million Americans are still carrying some of last year’s holiday balance on their cards today.

While credit card use is common during the holidays, the key is making sure you use the right card, are aware of common fraud tactics and have a plan to pay off debt quickly. Here are some helpful tips from The United Services Automobile Association (USAA): • Pick the right card. The average American has 2-3 credit cards. During the holidays, make sure you use those cards that won’t leave you with financial regret afterward. Balance the benefits of reward points, zero percent APRs, or special deals, with the long-term cost of borrowing money. For example, store credit cards give exciting discounts at the time of purchase but often charge higher APRs than a card you already have in your wallet. Take a moment to think about how you will pay after the fun of holiday spending is over, and don’t forget to review the fine print associated with making big purchases.

• Be smart and safe. If you are shopping online, make sure the website starts with ‘https://’ to ensure it’s a credible site before making a purchase, and be sure to turn off Wi-Fi auto-connect and Bluetooth when you’re out and about this holiday season.

Connecting to public Wi-Fi is dangerous and less secure than connecting to your mobile network. In addition, think twice before sharing your logon information over the phone or clicking on random links in emails from unknown sources, such as “track your package,” “open your holiday greeting” or “free gift card.” Fraudsters often impersonate credible companies to get you to share your logon information or click links.

Now is also a great time to consider changing your account passwords and enrolling in multifactor authentication (MFA) where available. Using MFA, creating unique passwords, responding to fraud alerts and monitoring your accounts are critical steps during the holiday season.

• Start planning to pay it off now. Be sure to keep track of your spending so there are no surprises in the new year. Decide when you want to have your card paid off, and calculate the best plan of action based on your lifestyle and finances. Utilize your bank and credit card companies’ resources to create a realistic timeline that still allows for your everyday and monthly expenses.

Many financial institutions, such as USAA, offer free financial tools to help.

For more tips and resources to help stay on track, spend responsibly and avoid cybercrime this holiday season, visit usaa.com.

By approaching the season responsibly, you can make the holidays fun and exciting -- not stressful. __________________________________

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20 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

Make rent a thing of the past.

With a down payment as low as 3% for modest-income buyers, Bank of America makes affording a new home easier than ever.1 To get started call 1-800-641-8603 or visit your local financial center.

BankofAmerica.com /FirstHome

Available for fixed-rate purchase loans with terms of 25 or 30 years and on primary residences only. Certain property types are ineligible. Borrower(s) must not have an individual or joint ownership interest in any other residential property at time of closing. Maximum purchase loan-to-value is 97% and maximum combined purchase loan-to-value is 103%.

For loan-to-values >95% any secondary financing must be from an approved Community Second Program; ask for details. Homebuyer education may be required. Restrictions apply regarding co-borrowers. Maximum income and loan amount limits apply.

1

Bank of America, N.A.,

Equal Housing Lender Š2018 Bank of America Corporation. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. AR98CFM5