Citizen Suburban Times Weekly (CST) 3-22-2023

te Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview, speaks in favor of her bill to regulate ride-share companies as “common carriers” during House floor debate this week. (CREDIT: BLUEROOMSTREAM.COM)

New state laws taking effect Jan. 1

Minimum wage hike, pets in public housing

Continued from page 1

BY PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

SPRINGFIELD

– Minimum

wage workers in Illinois will see a boost in their hourly pay to $12 per hour starting Jan. 1, while tenants in affordable housing units will be allowed to keep pets.

Those are just some of the more than 300 new laws that take effect in the new year.

The minimum wage increase is actually the result of a 2019 law that phases in a state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025. This year, it will increase by one dollar to $12 an hour.

The law allowing public housing

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tenants to keep pets is the result of Senate Bill 154, by Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora, and Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego. It provides that tenants of multifamily housing units that are acquired, built or renovated with money from the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund may keep up to two cats or one dog weighing less than 50 pounds.

By NIKA SCHOONOVER Capitol News Illinois nschoonover@capitolnewsillinois.com

House Bill 2231 passed on the House floor this week with a 7336 vote. The bill now awaits consideration in the Senate.

The common carrier status is defined as a “standard of care” under which passengers surrender their safety to certain modes of transportation. Currently in Illinois, this includes taxicabs, railways and elevators, among others.

It applies to residents of housing units that are designated as affordable housing for low- and very-lowincome families. The bill passed both chambers in its final form on May 30 and Gov. JB Pritzker signed it into law Aug. 6.

Other new laws include:

among new changes

been liable in this instance.

Lawmakers advance measure to regulate ride-shares as ‘common carriers’ 2014 regulation subjected them to lower level of scrutiny for passenger safety

“The reason for treating common carriers and holding common carriers to a higher standard of care is the lack of control that the rider has,” Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, a Democrat from Glenview and the bill’s lead sponsor, said in an interview. “There is no difference between the lack of control that a rider has the moment they step into an Uber or a Lyft and the lack of control that a rider has when they step into a taxicab or a train or an elevator.”

Vehicle taxes: SB58 raises the private vehicle tax, which is a sales tax paid on the purchase of vehicles, by $75 for each model year where the purchase price is less than $15,000 and by $100 for vehicles priced above that amount. However, the registration fee for trailers weighing less than 3,000 pounds will drop to $36 instead of $118.

The push for the bill is spurred by concerns for rider safety, particularly after an Illinois Supreme Court case that was settled out of court in January 2022. The case’s prior appellate court opinion affirmed ride-share companies’ exemption from the common carrier status after a Lyft driver allegedly raped a passenger in 2017.

The alleged rape occurred in Chicago, when a woman identified as Jane Doe hailed a Lyft after a night out with her friends. The Lyft driver picked her up and, at some point during the ride, Doe fell asleep. The driver then drove to a secluded alley where he brandished a knife, zip-tied her hands and repeatedly sexually assaulted her, according to a court filing in the case that was settled in 2022.

“This exemption from the common carrier doctrine insulates TNC’s liability from the acts of their drivers when injuries to their consumers occur,” Gong-Gershowitz said in a committee hearing. “Other common carriers…do not enjoy this exemption and it has been used by ride-share companies to shield themselves from liability and auto crashes and cases where drivers have sexually assaulted their passengers.”

Opposition to the legislation centered on a concern that the common carrier classification may negatively impact business for ride-share companies.

“One of the reasons these entities have been so successful has been costs aren’t as great as they are with other entities,” Rep. Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis, said on the House floor. “So by increasing regulations or burdens on business then we may drive them out or make them less successful.”

In an interview, Gong-Gershowitz refuted that claim, asserting ride-share companies are not a cheaper option anymore.

“When you look at surge pricing, when you look now at what riders pay to take an Uber or Lyft from one place or another, I would argue that the price comparison to other forms of transportation…being a less expensive option no longer is what’s born out in the market,” Gong-Gershowitz said.

According to Crain’s Chicago Business, the average fare for Ubers in Chicago increased by 80 percent and by 73 percent for Lyft since 2019. According to the same report, the average fare for taxis increased by 50 percent.

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College admissions: HB226, establishing the Higher Education Fair Admissions Act, prohibits public colleges and universities from requiring applicants to submit SAT, ACT or other standardized test scores as part of the admissions process, although prospective students may choose to submit them if they wish.

Despite Doe’s argument that ride-share companies such as Lyft should be held to the same liability standard as established common carriers, the appellate court upheld the exemption because of the specificity of the statute. The case was settled out of court before the Supreme Court could rule on it.

The statute in question, part of the 2014 Transportation Network Providers Act, states Transportation Network Companies and their drivers “are not common carriers, contract carriers or motor carriers, as defined by applicable State law, nor do they provide taxicab or for-hire vehicle service.”

Gong-Gershowitz added the cultural landscape around ride-share companies has shifted since their inception, eliminating the need to treat them differently from alternative modes of transportation.

“I think almost everybody now, at all ages, has an app on their phone and knows how to use both ride-share apps for Uber and Lyft, as well as other things,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “So the dominance of technology in terms of the way we handle transportation, and many other things, has transformed the world that we live in over the last 10 years. And so the rationale that existed in 2015 just doesn’t hold up in today’s market.”

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CST Weekly,published weekly on Wednesdays and distributed in the Township of Bloom, (publishing 52 issuesannually). W ritten permission isrequired to reproduce contents inwholeor part from the Generalmanager or the publisher CST Weekly does not assume the responsibilityfor nor are weable to return unsolicited marterials. Deadline for advertising is everyMonday at noon. For information on subscriptions oradvertising call us at (773)783-1251. Our office is locatedat 8741S. Greenwood Ave., Ste# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

CST Weekly,published weekly on Wednesdays and distributed in the Township of Bloom, (publishing 52 issuesannually). W ritten permission isrequired to reproduce contents inwholeor part from the Generalmanager or the publisher CST Weekly does not assume the responsibilityfor nor are weable to return unsolicited marterials. Deadline for advertising is everyMonday at noon. For information on subscriptions oradvertising call us at (773)783-1251. Our office is locatedat 8741S. Greenwood Ave., Ste# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

Editorial:

Drug prices: SB1682 requires pharmacies to post a notice informing consumers that they may request current pharmacy retail prices at the point of sale.

“Were we to hold that TNCs are subject to the same liability standards as common carriers, it would strip the relevant language of (the section of the statute) of all meaning,” Illinois First District Justice Bertina Lampkin wrote in the appellate court decision.

Gong-Gershowitz argued that, if not for the law, Lyft may have

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide, as well as hundreds of radio and TV stations. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

Reps. Kelly and Latta’s Bill to Advance Farm Technology & Promote Precision Agriculture Approved by Energy and Commerce Subcommittee

WASHINGTON, D.C – Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Congressman Bob Latta’s (OH-05) legislation, the Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act, was unanimously approved by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

The bill would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review its current satellite rules to determine if rule changes can be made to promote precision agriculture.

to the appropriate school support personnel.

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FOID card changes: HB562 enacts several changes to the Firearm Owner Identification card law. Among other things, it provides for a streamlined renewal process for FOID cards and Concealed Carry Licenses for people who voluntarily submit fingerprint records. It also allows the Illinois State Police to issue a combined FOID card and Concealed Carry License to qualified applicants, and it establishes a new Violent Crime Intelligence Task Force to take enforcement action against people with revoked FOID cards.

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Student mental health: HB576 and SB1577 allow students in Illinois up to five excused absences to attend to their mental or behavioral health without providing a medical note. Those students will be given an opportunity to make up any work they missed during the first absence and, after using a second mental health day, may be referred

“Complex problems require bold, innovative solutions,” Rep. Kelly (IL-02) said. “With over 2000 farms in my district, I am constantly working to ensure that they can sustain their operations and increase profitability. I am proud to partner with Rep. Latta in introducing the bipartisan Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act to promote precision agriculture which will maximize yield, efficiency, and profitability. This bill puts America’s innovation and ingenuity to work to ensure that farmers have the resources they need to continue to provide the backbone of our food supply.”

Official flags: HB605 requires state agencies and institutions to purchase Illinois and American flags that are made in the United States.

Hair styles: SB817 prohibits discrimination in schools against individuals on the grounds of wearing natural or ethnic hairstyles, which include dreadlocks, braids, twists and afros.

its public health authorities from regulating or shutting down lemonade stands or similar operations that are operated by children under the age of 16. Known as “Hayli’s Law,” it was inspired by 12-year-old Hayli Martinez, whose lemonade stand in Kankakee was shut down by local officials.

Rep. Latta (OH-05) said. “Despite billions of dollars being made available for rural broadband deployment in recent years, too many communities continue to lack Internet access. And while many farms have made progress in accessing fixed and wireless networks, we know that satellite technology can play a key role in connecting equipment or sensors in the field. I am pleased my Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act is moving forward which will help farmers access wireless technologies to increase productivity and produce higher yields, while minimizing operating costs.”

United States. In June, President Joe Biden also signed a bill designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

As members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Latta and Kelly have partnered on bipartisan efforts in the past, including work to find solutions to reduce maternal deaths and improve health outcomes for mothers.

“Farmers in Ohio’s Fifth District increasingly rely on advanced technologies to improve efficiency in their operations,”

Lemonade stands: SB119 prohib-

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Juneteenth: HB3922 recognizes June 19, or “Juneteenth,” as an official state holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

In addition, Latta and Kelly recently participated in the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Congressional Exchange Program. This program allows Members of Congress to visit a Member of the opposite party in their district. That member, in turn, reciprocates the following year or when schedules permit.

Postal Service Celebrates Author Toni Morrison on New Forever Stamp

PRINCETON, N.J., PRNewswire -- The U.S. Postal Service today celebrated the life and legacy of author Toni Morrison (1931-2019), whose artfully crafted novels explored the diverse voices of African Americans, in a firstday-of-issue ceremony at Princeton University.

“One of the goals of our stamp program is to raise awareness and celebrate the people who represent the very best of our nation,” said Pritha Mehra, USPS chief information officer and executive vice president, who served as the dedicating official. “It’s a privilege to represent the 650,000 men and women of the Postal Service, as we honor Toni Morrison with one more tribute — our new stamp that will be seen by millions and forever remind us of the power of her words and the ideas she brought to the world.”

Joining Mehra for the ceremony were Chris Eisgruber, president of Princeton University; Carla Hayden, 14th Librarian of Congress; Gene Jarrett, faculty dean at Princeton; Ruha Benjamin, professor of African American Studies at Princeton; and photographer Deborah Feingold, whose portrait of Morrison appears on the stamp.

Michael Cadden, university lecturer at Princeton’s Lewis Center for the Arts, was master of ceremonies.

“It was a privilege to photograph Ms. Morrison, an amazing author who contributed so much to the world through her works,” said Feingold. “However, it is an absolute honor to know that the same photograph capturing a moment in time is now the subject of a Forever stamp. I am delighted that my photograph was used as a source to

design the stamp and to participate in today’s unveiling and celebration.”

A letter of tribute from former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama was read and a video tribute from Oprah Winfrey was played during the ceremony.

The stamp features Feingold’s photograph of Toni Morrison against a bright yellow background. Ethel Kessler, a USPS art director, designed the stamp.

Toni Morrison was born Chloe Ardelia Wofford on Feb. 18, 1931, in Lorain, OH, where she would later recall growing up in a family filled with storytelling and song. After graduating from high school in 1949, she enrolled at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and began using the name Toni, a reference to Anthony, the saint whose name she took when she was confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church at age 12. After graduating from Howard, she earned a master’s degree in English at Cornell University and later taught English at Texas Southern University and at Howard.

Eager to see the previously untold stories of African Americans portrayed in fiction, Morrison published her first novel in 1970 while working full-time as an editor and raising two children. “The Bluest Eye” is an important inquiry into the life of an 11-year-old African American girl grappling with internalized negative racial stereotypes. “The Bluest Eye” is a mainstay of high school and college literature classes and a canonical novel about society’s neglect and mistreatment of African American girls.

In 1993, Morrison was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first African American woman to re-

ceive the rare distinction. Her Nobel lecture is remembered for its celebration of the power of language. Three years later, she received the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. Her poignant acceptance speech, “The Dancing Mind,” addressed the relationship between writers and readers and the need for both to defend authors’ freedom of expression.

Morrison received the National Humanities Medal in 2000 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2012. In 2016 she held the Charles Eliot Norton Professorship of Poetry at Harvard University. In 2018, she was awarded the Thomas Jefferson Medal for Distinguished Achievement in the Arts, Social Sciences, or Humanities from the American Philosophical Society.

Although known primarily as a novelist, Morrison wrote in a wide range of genres. She published three collections of lectures and speeches about literature and race — “Playing in the Dark,” “The Origin of Others,” and “The Source of Self-Regard” — and edited books about political and social issues.” She also wrote the lyrics for the opera “Margaret Garner” in collaboration with composer Richard Danielpour. She wrote plays as well, most notably collaborating with stage director Peter Sellars and Malian musician, Rokia Traoré, on “Desdemona,” a fresh take on “Othello” staged in Europe and the United States from 2011 to 2015.

Toni Morrison died in New York City on Aug. 5, 2019, at the age of 88.

The Toni Morrison Forever stamp is sold in panes of 20. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #ToniMorrisonStamp.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, or at Post Office locations nationwide.

MIELLE ORGANICS JOINS P&G BEAUTY IN A MAJOR MOVE FOR BLACK ENTREPRENEURS SERVING BLACK WOMEN

(Black PR Wire) CINCINNATI – P&G Beauty and Mielle Organics®, a popular textured hair care brand rooted in natural ingredients, announced recently that it will join P&G Beauty, pending regulatory approval, further expanding access to healthy hair products and services for Black women around the world.

Founded by wife-and-husband duo Monique and Melvin Rodriguez in 2014, Mielle Organics has become a leading brand for consumers with textured hair through innovative, technology-driven products, natural ingredients, and inspirational and educational content.

Mielle will continue to be led by co-founders Monique and Melvin Rodriguez, as CEO and COO, respectively, and will operate as an independent subsidiary of P&G Beauty.

“From the moment we stepped into P&G, we saw a diverse team of leaders who share our values and vision for innovation, education and community empowerment, including several Black leaders who play a key role in the hair care and beauty businesses,” said Monique Rodriguez, co-founder and CEO. “This partnership gives Mielle an opportunity to serve more textured hair consumers with the great products and formulas that our community loves.”

“Today is a remarkable moment for our brand and for the climb of Black entrepreneurs everywhere as we collectively continue to break barriers and accelerate the opportunities for growth,” added Ms. Rodriguez. “I am thrilled that we will make an even greater impact in how we give back to the community.”

Both Mielle and P&G have each committed $10 million to Mielle Cares, a non-profit aimed at providing resources and support to advance education and economic opportunities in

Black and Brown communities. P&G’s investment in Mielle Cares further expands its work in advancing gender and racial equity through award-winning platforms like My Black is Beautiful and Widen the Screen.

“We founded Mielle Cares to give back to our community who has been so instrumental in the success of Mielle,” said Melvin Rodriguez, co-founder and chief operating officer for Mielle Organics. “Mielle remains committed to leading with purpose and impact and serving as a beacon in historically underserved communities. Expanding our impact in Black and Brown communities will become an even greater focus in the years ahead.”

The news caps an impressive period of growth for Mielle. Over the last three years, Ms. Rodriguez was able to secure funding from the New Voices Fund for Women of Color and a subsequent nine-figure investment from Berkshire Partners at a time when less than one percent of Black women secured $1 million in funding.*

“This moment was made possible by our hardworking team, the visionaries who came before us, and the trust and partnership with investors like New Voices and Berkshire Partners,” said Ms. Rodriguez. “Now we can pay it forward by continuing the cycle of investment and mentorship through Mielle Cares.”

“Monique, Melvin and their entire team have done an incredible job building Mielle Organics into a leading hair care brand beloved by millions of Black women, and we’re excited to help them continue their success,” said Lela Coffey, vice president of P&G’s multicultural hair care business. “P&G Beauty’s role will be to support the Mielle Organics team with what they need to achieve their vision – including increased

access in Black and Brown communities and investing in research and innovation – while enabling the core tenets of their success to continue as they are today.”

“P&G Beauty is a best-in-class organization, and we are excited that this partnership will bring additional resources so that Mielle can continue to serve our incredible customers with rapid innovation and greater reach in the community,” Ms. Rodriguez said. “Melvin and I will continue to lead Mielle with the focus on excellence, customer commitment and integrity that have been the core of our brand since day one nearly nine years ago.”

Founded in 2014 by CEO Monique Rodriguez, Mielle Organics is a popular Black-founded, woman-led global beauty brand that is rooted in natural ingredients. With a heavy emphasis on incorporating healthier ingredients as its “root to results,” Mielle Organics’ collection of beauty products is designed for Black women. Their products can be found in more than 100,000 stores across the U.S. in retailers such as Ulta Beauty, Sally Beauty, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Walmart.

P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit https://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. For other P&G news, visit us at https://www.pg.com/news.

PRNewsfoto/U.S. Postal Service

Outland Great Smoky Mountains - Luxury, Private Retreat Opens Near the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS, N.C., PRNewswire -Outland Hospitality Group is excited to announce the opening of Outland Great Smoky Mountains Chalet & Suites, a private, luxury retreat at the doorstep of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the two most visited national park sites in the United States.

Outland Great Smoky Mountains is nestled along a high mountain ridge on 22 private acres an hour west of Asheville, NC. Guests can choose between a thoughtfully appointed Chalet residence and six private and luxurious spa suites, each with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The Chalet residence features seven bedrooms, each with a private bathroom and private balcony, a full kitchen and dining room, and a great room perfect for gathering. The Spa Suites allow guests to unwind and soak fireside as each suite features a deep soaking tub, fireplace, steam shower, and private outdoor space perfect for enjoying the great outdoors.

The new luxury retreat is a short drive to numerous attractions, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad,

and Nantahala Outdoor Center. Guests also have access to seven hiking trails, a cascading stream, pond, fire pit, clubroom lounge with a fireplace and games, and numerous areas for relaxation or play on site. A highlight of the property includes views of Clingman’s Dome, the third-highest mountain peak on the East Coast. Additionally, guests can enjoy diverse gourmet dining and explore the booming brewery scenes in the nearby towns of Sylva, Dillsboro, and Bryson City.

Outland Great Smoky Mountains is committed to providing guests with the best experience, custom-

er service, and trip planning support in a private, un-hosted experience making it the ideal choice for an outdoor getaway, group travel, or corporate retreats. Outland Great Smoky Mountains is now open and accepting reservations for overnight guests, property buyouts, and private events in the clubroom lounge. For more information on the property or to make a reservation, please visit www.stayoutland.com.

Outland Hospitality Group is a private boutique hospitality and real estate company based in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Led by seasoned hospitality and real estate professionals, Outland Hospitality Group invests in, develops, operates, and advises on hospitality and other unique real estate projects. The company’s projects include Hotel Cashiers, a successful repositioning of a retro motor lodge in Cashiers, NC, the Bar at Hotel Cashiers, and Outland Great Smoky Mountains. Outland Hospitality Group will launch a new private residence concept in Spring 2023 and actively seek new investment and management opportunities. For additional information on Outland Great Smoky Mountains, please visit www. stayoutland.com. For more information on Hotel Cashiers, please visit www.hotelcashiers.com.

60 Miles of Sunshine, Surf and New Experiences in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Beckon Spring Travelers

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., PRNewswire -- As we bid farewell to winter and welcome the longer, sun-soaked days ahead, Visit Myrtle Beach is inviting travelers of all interests, ages and abilities to take a trip to “America’s Favorite Beach” this spring. With 60 miles of breathtaking Atlantic coastline and endless unforgettable experiences, including an array of brand-new offerings, there are always memories to be made at The Beach during this exciting season.

Visit Myrtle Beach is inviting travelers to take a trip to “America’s Favorite Beach” this spring.

“Spring is such a beautiful season in Myrtle Beach, and we are excited to welcome all travelers to a vibrant destination that offers relaxation, adventure, and an abundance of memory-making,” said Karen Riordan, President and CEO of Visit Myrtle Beach. “Whether you are traveling in a large group, as a couple, or solo, this is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and feel like you belong.”

At The Beach, S.P.R.I.N.G. stands for:

S: Sunny Skies and Outdoor Activities

Myrtle Beach enjoys over 200 days of sunshine a year, and its 60 miles of stunning shoreline are the perfect place to catch some springtime rays and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of ocean waves rolling in.

Beyond the beach, step aboard a variety of water vessels (pontoons, riverboats, airboats, speedboats, and even catamarans!) for a relaxing or high-speed deep dive into the unique landscapes, waterways and fishing opportunities in the Myrtle Beach area. Discover a multitude of flora and fauna that call this area home and be on the lookout for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins along the way!

P: Perusing Local Art and Performances

Launched in September 2022, the Visit Myrtle Beach Arts & Gallery Trail is an unexpected look into the destination brimming with color and culture around every corner. The trail boasts more than 100 art-filled attractions, including oceanfront sculptures, enormous photo-worthy murals, quaint working studios and even a secret underground passage filled with art. Stretching from Little River and North Myrtle Beach to Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island, visitors will be guided to many of the Grand Strand’s lesser-known areas, such as historic downtown Conway, the quaint “Little Golden Town” of Aynor and the newly minted Arts & Innovation District.

The ongoing revitalization and development in Myrtle Beach’s Arts & Innovation District is gaining steam with the relocation of the new Good Vibes Surf & Skate shop and opening of the Grand Strand Brewing Company, alongside recently established restaurants, galleries and retailers. Future developments will include new stores, restaurants and even a gym, as well as the restoration of the Broadway Theater into a 300-seat performing arts center.

R: Ridiculously Fresh Seafood

From casual eateries and fusion cuisine to fine dining without pretension, the Grand Strand boasts a plethora of mouthwatering culinary experiences. Fresh seafood abounds in the Myrtle Beach region, and there is always an opportunity to sample the catch of the day around every corner.

I: Incredible Family Adventures

Ripley’s Aquarium is introducing all-new experiences in Myrtle Beach this spring. These exciting, family-friendly attractions include the notable Sloth Valley habitat –

bringing guests face-to-face with the adorable, two-toed species – as well as the Ripley’s Illusion Lab, Ripley’s Crazy Golf, Ripley’s Mirror Maze expansion and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure.

Brand new to Myrtle Beach’s Coastal Grand Mall, Stars and Strikes Getaway-n-Play is a 52,500 square-foot family entertainment complex that offers an immersive, augmented reality bowling experience, as well as an arcade, a multi-story laser tag arena, axe throwing and more.

N: Nighttime Entertainment

The soundtrack found along The Beach includes much more than peaceful waves, it also thrums with beats from hundreds of live music gigs on weekends. From scenic stages and world-renowned music halls, the Grand Strand comes alive with music from up-and-coming artists. If grabbing a mic is your thing, join Julio Navarro as he tours (and sings!) at the area’s best bars and restaurants on the YouTube series Myrtle Beach Karaoke.

G: Great Accommodations

Visit Myrtle Beach strives to make planning a trip to The Beach as seamless as possible, from easy accessibility for all travelers, to affordable adventures and discounted lodging to suit all needs.

Make the most of your vacation budget - Planning a spring getaway doesn’t have to break the bank. Myrtle Beach offers unbeatable value for every traveler, with affordable prices on high-end lodging, dining, and attractions. Not to mention, an impressive list of seasonal deals at some of the area’s top locales.

To start planning your spring vacation to The Beach, visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com.

Outland Great Smoky Mountains, a private luxury retreat featuring a 7-Bedroom private chalet residence and luxury spa suites located at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. Outland Great Smoky Mountains.

Aetna Better Health® of Illinois Receives NCQA Health Equity Accreditation

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., – Aetna Better Health of Illinois®, a CVS Health® company (NYSE: CVS), was awarded Health Equity Accreditation from The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

“Our team is committed to advancing health equity and ensuring our members have access and availability of health care resources,” said Rushil Desai, CEO, Aetna Better Health of Illinois. “Earning NCQA’s Health Equity Accreditation underscores our work to provide diverse populations with access to personalized care and a simplified health care experience.”

NCQA awards accreditation to organizations that meet or exceed its rigorous requirements for health equity. NCQA’s Health Equity Accreditation evaluates how well an organization complies with standards in the following areas:

· Organizational readiness

· Race/ethnicity, language, gender identity and sexual orientation

· Access and availability of language services

· Practitioner network cultural responsiveness

· Culturally and linguistically appropriate services programs

· Reducing health care disparities

“Earning Health Equity Accreditation shows that an organization is making a breakthrough in providing excellent health care to diverse populations. I congratulate any organization that achieves this level of distinction,” said NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane. “Eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health care is essential to improving the quality of care overall.”

The NCQA Health Equity Accreditation for Aetna Better Health of Illinois is valid until December 2025.

One of the ways Aetna Better Health of Illinois has been working to improve the health of under-resourced communities in the state is by leading more than 100 statewide COVID-19 vaccination distribution and education efforts. Aetna Better Health of Illinois collaborated with the state in a COVID-19 vaccine incentive campaign, which included reward cards and outreach to members. Aetna analyzed population health data to establish priority areas of focus based on vaccination status and hard to reach populations.

In 2022, the COVID-19 vaccination rate among Aetna Better Health of Illinois members, age 12 and up, increased from 29.4% overall to 48.4%.

Aetna Better Health of Illinois offers access to

CHICAGO NONPROFIT SHOWING YOUTH A WORLD OUTSIDE AUSTIN’S NEIGHBORHOOD

After gun violence in Chicago stole her grandson from her grip just days after his 18th birthday, Crystal Dyer knew she must do everything in her power to keep others from such unbearable grief. Soon after, she set her sights on Chicago’s Austin neighborhood just steps from where her grandson Devin was killed and set up shop. In 2015, Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures, Inc. (CAYTA), was born out of a grandmother’s grief. Today, the organization is thriving, reaching at-risk children, youth, and young adults through a variety of programs aimed at showing them a world outside their neighborhood, a world many have never seen.

“After I lost my grandson to gun violence in Chicago, I vowed to do everything within my power to ensure no other family experiences such a tragedy. Through CAYTA, we can get our youth off the streets and show them the world on an international stage,” says Crystal Dyer, Founder, and CEO of Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures, Inc.

Why travel? That was an easy decision for Dyer. An accredited and Certified Travel Advisor (CTA), she opened the first African American-owned travel agency in Chicago Austin’s community where she also resides. Every year, she takes youth and young adults aged 14-23 on a genealogy journey through their family’s roots at the city’s 15th police district. The big payoff, a chance to travel to Ghana, Africa, where their ancestors once lived. This year’s trip is set for July 30th through August 11th.

In addition to CAYTA’s popular genealogy program, the nonprofit also runs a Teen Reach Afterschool Program. The program is offered six days a week and allows youth aged 11-17 to receive help with their studies in a safe environment at Dyer’s travel agency, Gone Again Travel & Tours.

For those looking for job training, CAYTA along with Choose Chicago offers workforce training for youth interested in its’ tour guide program which will also be teaming up with the Obama Presidential Library once it’s complete. In addition, a community clean campaign offers stipends to youth who embody pride and teamwork while working to reduce crime in their neighborhood.

“Our goal through the workforce training program is to show kids that there are other ways of making money instead of selling drugs,” adds Dyer. “The payoff for me? The success stories. One young man came to me and said, ‘Ms. Crystal, my whole family was selling drives but now I am driving a bus for the city, thanks to you.’ If I can change just even one life, that is what gets me up in the morning.”

For more information about CAYTA, visit their website at: https://www. caytaworld.org/.

quality, affordable health care to individuals through the state’s HealthChoice Illinois Medicaid program. The health plan serves over 420,000 members in 102 counties. For more information about Aetna Better Health® of Illinois, visit our website, www. aetnabetterhealth.com/illinois-medicaid.

Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC (Aetna Medicaid), a CVS Health company, has over 30 years of experience managing the care of the most medically vulnerable, using innovative approaches and a local presence in each market to achieve both successful health care results and effective cost outcomes. Aetna Medicaid has particular expertise serving high-need Medicaid members, including those who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. Currently, Aetna Medicaid owns and/or administers Medicaid managed health care plans under the names of Aetna Better Health and other affiliate names. Together, these plans serve approximately 2.8 million people in 16 states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. For more information, see www. aetnabetterhealth.com.

MARIE CLAIRE LAUNCHES IDENTITY ISSUE WITH PARTNERS NORDSTROM AND BANK OF AMERICA

NEW YORK, PRNewswire

-- Global digital publishing

powerhouse Future Publishing announced that Marie Claire’s Identity Issue just went live across Marie Claire’s digital platforms and is available on newsstands. This issue’s theme explores the complexities of what identity means in 2023, whether that means changing, reinventing, or even losing who you are.

“With this issue, I want to give readers the space to think about how they define themselves,” said Sally Holmes, Editor-in-chief of Marie Claire US. “Our editors went into the metaverse, found a group of senior citizens you’ll want to take fashion advice from, got real with women about how money affects their self-worth—all to explore how different parts of our lives influence who we are and how the world sees us. And who better to demonstrate that than our amazing star, Kerry Washington, who is prioritizing herself as the lead

character of her own story after making a career out of being other people.”

Look for deep-dive stories into the ramifications of being able to choose your virtual identity, an essay from a New York Times bestselling author about what it means to share your truth with others, an interview with a lawyer who defends victims of online identity theft, and pages of beautiful fashion that show how clothes play a huge role in self-expression.

Nordstrom and Bank of America have partnered with Marie Claire for the Identity Issue.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Marie Claire as they introduce their Identity Issue,” shares Betsy Poirier, VP, Digital Marketing & CRM, at Nordstrom, Inc. “We have long believed in the value of self-expression and celebrating people for being exactly who they are. This Issue shares insightful stories

St. John Announces Shonda Rhimes in #OwnYourPower for Spring 2023 Campaign

IRVINE, Calif., PRNewswire -- After six decades of dressing the world’s most esteemed women, St. John proudly introduces the #OwnYourPower campaign featuring Shonda Rhimes to celebrate a unique sisterhood of incredible women doing extraordinary things. The partnership coincides with St. John’s Spring 2023 Collection, a new season of great American design from the iconic knitwear fashion house.

The St. John brand has grown through evolving trends, social moments, and changes in creative direction. The company is successful because women love, trust, and rely on the brand’s apparel and accessories to help them feel confident, polished, and ready for anything. St. John’s elegant, timeless, easy-to-wear pieces with unsurpassed quality and craftsmanship enable women to feel their best every day. This focus on empowerment resonates deeply with Rhimes, who embodies this philosophy as she gracefully navigates personal and professional demands in style.

Rhimes is an award-winning television creator, producer, author, and CEO of Shondaland. She was the first woman to create three television dramas that hit the 100-episode milestone and has produced award-winning shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, Bridgerton, and Inventing Anna. Other accolades include a New York Times bestseller, Year of Yes, a Peabody award, and an induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. As a CEO, mother, and storyteller, she is a powerful force in a competitive, male-dominated, industry, brilliantly reflecting the world through powerful narratives and captivating characters.

A longtime fan of St. John, Rhimes has gravitated to the chic, comfortable designs so she can effortlessly dress for her busiest days, feeling focused

and confident. Like all St. John women, she makes each look her own, adding her unique perspective to each outfit. After Rhimes selected a St. John sweater for her cover of TIME Magazine, conversations began about women’s empowerment and the collaboration was organically born.

Global CEO Andy Lew shared, “We believe Shonda represents St. John so well. As a loyal client she was an organic brand ambassador, and through her career she perfectly represents what all our clients do. St. John is more than a fashion label, we are growing, supporting, and uniting a network of incredible woman doing extraordinary things. Our clothes empower global audiences and Shonda does the same.”

Rhimes added, “St John is a brand that I have worn and loved for years. It’s rare to find clothes that are this comfortable and well-made. I can look professional while feeling relaxed enough to be creative. Discovering the motivation behind this partnership and the discussion around connection to women’s empowerment was exciting, and made the choice to align with St. John a simple one for me.”

St. John is an American luxury house founded in 1962 on the premise of a simple, elegant, and versatile knit dress. The brand has evolved over the years, but the foundation of the collection remains the same today as it did from the very start – great American design, understated and timeless elegance, unsurpassed quality, and craftsmanship. The company, headquartered in Southern California, employs more than 1,000 people and is vertically integrated with workshops, stores, and offices around the world. Its collections are sold in high-end specialty retailers in 16 countries, 49 St. John stores and through the brand’s ecommerce site stjohnknits.com. Instagram:

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of real people who are bravely navigating their own identities and sharing what they’ve learned along the way. We’re honored to be a part of it.”

“We are very excited to partner with Marie Claire on their Identity Issue, which highlights the significance of individuality and self-expression in business ownership,” said Carol Lee Mitchell, Head of Small Business Strategy at Bank of America. “We’re thrilled this issue shares stories of small business owners and those in the industry who challenged the status quo, embraced their identities and positioned themselves for success. We believe in empowering our clients and teammates to define themselves and unleash their potential as leaders.”

MarieClaire.com is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women’s lives. The digital platform is known for its award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally-recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages. For more information, visit www.marieclaire. com

@StJohn Lanvin Group, formerly known as Fosun Fashion Group, is the leading global luxury fashion group rooted in China, managing iconic brands worldwide including Lanvin, Sergio Rossi, Wolford, St. John Knits, and Caruso. Harnessing the power of its unique strategic alliance of industry-leading partners in the luxury fashion sector, Lanvin Group strives to expand the global footprint of its portfolio brands and achieve sustainable growth with strategic investments, operational support, and an intimate understanding of the fastest-growing luxury fashion markets in the world.

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Kerry Washington cover for Marie Claire Identity Issue March 2023. PRNewsfoto/ Future Publishing.

PRNewsFoto

With an all-electric future on our horizon, ComEd knows our grid will have to be smarter, more resilient and reliable than ever before. That’s why we’re making investments and upgrading technology today, to ensure we continue to deliver reliable service to you and your family for generations to come. So, when everything goes electric, we’ll be ready. Because lighting your life brightens our day.

Record-breaking reliability, powered by ComEd.

When everything’s electric, we’ll be ready.

GOSPEL GREATS TAMELA AND DAVID MANN AND DR. BOBBY JONES TO BE HONORED AT THE 2023 BMI TRAILBLAZERS OF GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) will honor Gospel superstars Tamela and David Mann and Dr. Bobby Jones at its 22nd Annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards to be held at Flourish Atlanta on March 30th. The inspirational ceremony will recognize the impact that the three legendary entertainers have made on the genre and beyond and pay tribute to the songwriters and publishers behind the best in Gospel music. The private event will be hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.

“BMI is thrilled to be back in Atlanta celebrating the best in Gospel music,” said Brewton. “We’re extremely proud to honor powerhouse couple Tamela and David Mann for their incredible contributions to the Gospel community, the enduring legacy of Dr. Bobby Jones and the songwriters and publishers behind the top Gospel songs of the previous year. Through song and praise, they deliver inspirational messages of hope, faith and goodwill to music lovers around the world.

We feel truly blessed to bring these trailblazers together in fellowship and celebrate their creative works.”

Throughout the ceremony, BMI will also recognize the songwriters, producers and music publishers of the past year’s 25 most-performed Gospel songs in the United States.

The BMI Gospel Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year will also be named during the event.

Together, Tamela and David Mann have become staples in the Gospel community and have flourished across radio, television, film and stages around the world. The iconic couple began their professional music careers in the ‘90s after joining the Gospel group Kirk Franklin and the Family and toured the globe. They went on to develop successful solo careers and joint ventures as a couple in music and beyond, creating Tillymann Entertainment in 2005, a home for all of their many projects in entertainment. In 2018, David and Tamela released Us Against the World, their first collaborative album as a duo. The companion book of that album won an NAACP Image® Award for Outstanding Literary Work, and the album’s singles have topped the charts, including the Urban AC track “Ups & Downs.” Most recently, The Manns embarked on the acclaimed “Overcomer Family Tour,” a mixture of music and comedy, featuring their son David Jr, and their daughters La’Tia and Tiffany Mann.

As a solo artist, Tamela has released six studio albums and has received a GRAMMY Award, BET Award, Billboard Music Award and multiple NAACP Image, Stellar Gospel Music and GMA Dove Awards. She was also the first Gospel lead artist in Billboard Gospel radio chart history to score three consecutive No.1 singles from her

album Best Days. Beyond music, The Manns have appeared in numerous Tyler Perry plays, films and television shows, including I Can Do Bad All By Myself, Meet the Browns and Madea Goes to Jail, among others, and the pair also starred in their own sitcom, Mann & Wife, and the docuseries, It’s a Mann’s World.

In addition, the esteemed singer, TV host and radio broadcaster Dr. Bobby Jones will be celebrated, honoring his illustrious career spanning more than 40 years. For more than 35 years, he was the host of Bobby Jones Gospel on BET, which was the highest rated show on the network and longest running original cable show in history. Jones is credited for giving Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary and many others their first national exposure on television.

An established Gospel singer and songwriter, Jones has received a GRAMMY Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group in 1984 for “I’m So Glad I’m Standing Here Today” with Barbara Mandrell. He has also received a Dove Award, three Stellar Awards and a presidential commendation from President George W. Bush, among several other awards and accolades. He currently serves as a UNICEF Ambassador and was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame (BMEWOF) in February 2023.

Celebrating over 80 years of service to songwriters, composers, music publishers and businesses, Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI®) is a global leader in music rights management, serving as an advocate for the value of music. BMI represents the public performance rights in over 20.6 million musical works created and owned by more than 1.3 million songwriters, composers, and music publishers. The Company negotiates music license agreements and distributes the fees it generates as royalties to its affiliated writers and publishers when their songs are performed in public. In 1939, BMI created a groundbreaking open-door policy becoming the only performing rights organization to welcome and represent the creators of blues, jazz, country, and American roots music. Today, the musical compositions in BMI’s repertoire, from chart toppers to perennial favorites, span all genres of music and are consistently among the most-performed hits of the year. For additional information and the latest BMI news, visit bmi.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @BMI or stay connected through Broadcast Music, Inc.’s Facebook page. Sign up for BMI’s The Weekly™ and receive our e-newsletter every week to stay up to date on all things music.

For more information on the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, visit www.bmi.com/ genres/gospel and use hashtag #BMIGospel on social.

CHICAGO – When one is a true and genuine king of comedy, it doesn’t ever have to be glaringly declared or announced. These singular talents tend just quietly assume their thrones leveraging hard work, raw skill and dues paid, and rule the scene without all of the noise and fanfare.

One real king of comedy in our midst, blazing a path to success that is uniquely all his own is actor, comedian and renowned impressionist “Reggie Reg.” Although his ascent to the heights of legend has been a relatively calm and measured one, those who are most knowledgeable about him know that the last laugh will be all his.

Granted, there are no overnight successes in show business, but Reggie Reg is one person who has been consistently yet selectively working the comedy and acting circuits large and small for many years now, charting a respected name for himself across the entertainment world. Iconic greats such as television talk-show legend David Letterman sing his praises, as he has twice appeared on Letterman’s top-rated former show, “Late Night.”

Reg additionally has appeared in films, most notably the critically acclaimed biopic Remember the Titans, and on the small stage in theatre productions that have cast him alongside celebrated actors Billy Dee Williams, Leon and other luminary thespians. Born in Chicago but reared in Brookhaven, Mississippi, Reg began his career progression at the tender age of six when he won a local talent show impersonating the late comic impresario Flip Wilson. Further developing and honing his act from that point, he went on to create unforgettable impressions of characters he saw on some of the popular television sitcoms of the time, such as “Sanford & Son,” “Starsky & Hutch” and numerous others. The gifted actor and comic though he certainly was, it was his impressions that quickly emerged to become his bread and butter, mesmerizing audiences from coast to coast.

Today, he is most widely revered for his expansive repertoire of over 60 depictions of characters that would be the hardest for most to faithfully mimic. Namely, Academy Award-winning actors Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman and Al Pacino, Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, George Bush, Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, former California Governor and seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger, fellow comics Chris Rock, Chris Tucker and the late Bernie Mack, several a-list broadcast media personalities and others too numerous to list.

Since first bringing the house down on Letterman, Reg has scored unforgettable guest appearances on BET’s “Comic View” and HBO’s “The Bad Boys of Comedy,” plus he’s become a virtual household name on the comedic circuits in Chicago, throughout the Midwest and across the United States. He has performed at such career-important comedic venues as Chris Tucker’s Comedy Café, the Uptown Comedy Corner and Punch Line Comedy Club in Atlanta, as well as Los Angeles’ Comedy Union, The Laugh Factory and The Improv.

Nonetheless, as the late John Witherspoon used to say, “You can’t stop there; you’ve got to keep going.” Currently, Reggie Reg, a self-described “urban cowboy” is keeping himself as busy as ever. He’s staying fully engaged in perfecting his craft, including working on developing a series of film shorts, studying and creating film scene reenactments, recording monologues and audio books and vetting more stand-up comedy and acting opportunities that continue to come his way nationwide.

“Reggie Reg” (Muhammad) is one of the nation’s foremost and most revered African American impressionists, and acting and comedic stage talents. He is currently available for large-scale special guest appearances, corporate and business functions, voiceover opportunities and is reviewing scripts, sponsorship and endorsement proposals for calendar year 2023-24. For more information on Reggie Reg, please visit his website, and be sure to connect with him on his Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok pages.

Towering stage and screen comedic talent is one of Chicago’s finest exports, with an uncanny flair for also delivering spot-on impressions

2023 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music honorees Tamela & David Mann and Dr. Bobby Jones. PRNewsfoto/Broadcast Music, Inc.

Photo provided by Ronnie E. Childs

MAUI MOISTURE ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH PSYCHOHAIRAPY

CLEARWATER, Fla., PRNewswire -- In honor of Black History Month, Maui Moisture is pleased to announce its partnership with PyschoHairapy, a global mental health and hair movement founded by Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka, a psychologist, hairstylist and hair historian. Dr. Mbilishaka has created this certification program that equips hairstylists with the skills to recognize mental health issues in their clients and administer culturally informed mental health services and resources.

“At Maui Moisture, we embrace all hair types and cater to those across the curl spectrum, which is why PyschoHairapy’s mission resonates with us,” says Sheena Henry, Earned Media Manager for Maui Moisture. “We know that texturism, microaggressions, and discrimination have a deep and negative impact on how our consumer sees herself, affecting her confidence and overall mental health. We understand the deep connection between hair and mental health and want Black women and girls—especially those in underserved communities—to have the best resources for both their hair and their mental wellbeing.”

Maui Moisture’s mission is to provide curl confidence to help improve self-perception and esteem, something many women and girls in the textured hair community struggle with. The brand’s ultra-hydrating, vegan-friendly formulas transform curls by using 100% aloe vera as the first ingredient in all their products, delivering 40x more moisturizing properties and 80% stronger hair*. With the brand’s purpose of transformation in mind, Maui Moisture enacts this partnership with PsychoHairapy to ensure their role in transforming women’s lives goes beyond a good hair day.

Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka began PyschoHairapy as a research space for psychology faculty and students at Howard University in 2014. She was always the go-to hairstylist for family and friends and came to a crossroads in college to either pursue a career in psychology or haircare. At that moment, she recognized there was an opportunity to do both hair and provide psychological services at the same exact time. Upon doing further research, she found that Black women are more likely to book a hair care appointment than a mental health appointment and collected data at hair salons and barbershops in the Washington, DC metropolitan area to give further evidence to the relationship between hair and mental health.

The PsychoHairapy Certification was established in 2019. The pitch was simple: train hair care professionals in psychotherapy. With the current health pandemic, PsychoHairapy has been translated into the digital landscape and the demand for the course grew. Stylists and barbers were often the sole physical contact with people. Stylists were persistent in asking for trainings to address their clients’ grief, depression, and anxiety. Today, the program has certified close to two hundred stylists.

“I am humbled and honored to collaborate with Maui Moisture on my life’s passion, using hair as an entry point into mental health care,” says Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka. “I can more confidently imagine a world where hairstylists can support clients through stressful life experiences, by building confidence in using healing words and hair products.”

THE PYSCHOHAIRAPY CERTIFICATION

The PsychoHairapy Certification is broken down into 3 modules with participants having the opportunity to interact directly with the instructors and peers. Participants can role play, bounce ideas off each other, and receive real time feedback during the modules.

The History of Our Hair: Buckle up for this ride on a hair time machine. Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka —a psychologist, hairstylist, and hair historian— will take attendees on a journey of exploring the cultural and historical significance of hair through a visual narrative across the African Diaspora. From the pyramid walls to trending hashtags on social media, this workshop will give a context for why hair is so emotionally significant to Black communities. Participants will become fluent and analytical in assessing hair narratives within the lives of their clients and larger communities. (2 Hours)

Recognizing Symptoms of Mental Illness in Communities of Color: This workshop focuses on culturally relevant mental health first aid. In this workshop, you will learn the signs and symptoms of common mental health disorders in our communities and how to attend to these matters in a caring and culturally sensitive manner. (4 Hours)

Developing Micro-Counseling Skills for the Salon: Participants will engage in role play and practice active listening, narrative therapy, mindfulness, and supportive group work in the salon/ barbershop setting. Here, you will learn “what to say” for common client concerns and how to travel deeper within your own emotional world to guide your conversations. (6 Hours)

2023 PARTNERSHIP

With Maui Moisture’s funding $100,000, PsychoHairapy hopes to train 100+ PsychoHairapists, hire mental health professionals to offer virtual group therapy, create PsychoHairapy workbooks and produce a self-paced virtual class to increase accessibility for certifications. Maui Moisture and Dr. Mbilishaka are also working on offering a highly curated in-person PsychoHairapy training and retreat, as well as programming around Mental Health and Minority Mental Health Awareness Months.

To learn more about Maui Moisture visit www.mauimoisture.com or follow @MauiMoisture #AloeForCurls on Instagram.

Visit www.psychohairapy.org for more information, services, and to speak with the team or follow @PsychoHairapy on Instagram.

Impact of Daylight-Saving Time on People with Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a seasonal practice that involves adjusting the clocks forward by one hour in the spring and back by one hour in the fall. Despite being a seemingly small shift, DST can significantly impact our circadian rhythm, which regulates our sleep-wake cycle. The suprachiasmatic nucleus is a part of the human brain which controls our circadian rhythm. This part of the brain utilizes external cues, for example, light and darkness, to synchronize with the external environment. The sudden shift in time can disrupt this synchronization, causing temporary sleep disturbances as our bodies adjust to the new schedule.

The Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging caregivers and families of loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia to keep safety top of mind.

Sleep Issues in Individuals with Alzheimer’s and Dementia

For individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia, Daylight Saving Time could cause sleep issues that can further exacerbate the symptoms of their condition. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder affecting memory, thinking, and behavior. It is estimated that over 6 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s, including 230,000 Illinois residents, and this number is expected to grow as the population ages, especially in the elderly. Dementia, on the other hand, is a broader term encompassing a range of cognitive impairments, including memory loss, difficulty with language and communication, and problems with decision-making. Individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia mostly experience sleep problems, including difficulty sleeping.

Sleep disturbances are common among people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, including changes in sleep schedule and restlessness/wandering during the night. It has been reported that up to 45% of people with dementia may have sleep problems. Many people with Alzheimer’s wake up more often and stay awake longer at night. Those who cannot sleep may wander, be unable to lie still, or yell or call out, disrupting the sleep of their caregivers. Experts estimate that in the late stages of Alzheimer’s, individuals spend about 40% of their time in bed at night awake and a significant part of their daytime sleeping.

Connection Between DST and Sleep Disturbances in Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia are particularly vulnerable to sleep disturbances, and the disruption caused by DST can exacerbate their symptoms. These individuals often experience disrupted sleep-wake cycles due to cognitive impairments, leading to irregular sleep patterns and daytime drowsiness. The sudden change in the timing of the sunrise and sunset caused by DST can further disrupt their already fragile sleep patterns, leading to additional sleep disturbances such as waking up too early, difficulty falling asleep, and daytime fatigue.

“Research has shown us that not getting enough sleep because of insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking and increase the risk for Alzheimer’s-related brain changes,” said Maria C. Carrillo, PhD, Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer. “findings show that disrupted sleep patterns not only put the overall health of people with dementia at further risk, they may also worsen their memory loss and disrupted thinking.”

The connection between Daylight Saving Time and sleep disturbances in people with Alzheimer’s and dementia is particularly concerning as sleep plays a vital role in cognitive function and memory consolidation. Sleep disturbances can exacerbate the

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Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka, a psychologist, hairstylist and hair historian, founded PyschoHairapy and the certification program that equips hairstylists with the skills to recognize mental health issues in their clients and administer culturally informed mental health services and resources. Maui Moisture.

10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff's Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. 22-01635

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3214656

AC 3-22-2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPART-

MENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NEWREZ

LLC DBA SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING; Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF ODELL NEWTON; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC KEENAN A. NEWTON; DAMON RITENHOUSE AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR ODELL NEWTON; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 21 CH 6089 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, April 24, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 3307-415-002-0000. Commonly known as 3057 201st Place, Lynwood, IL 60411. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 1496-188288 ADC INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3215720

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPART-

MENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. Bank Trust, N.A., as Trustee for LSFIO Master Participation Trust Plaintiff, vs. Julie M. McKirchy aka Julie Marie McKirchy aka Julie Marie Smith aka Julie McKirchy; Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Keith B. McKirchy aka Keith B. B. McKirchy aka Keith McKirchy; Cary Rosenthal Special Representative for Keith B. McKirchy aka Keith B. B. McKirchy aka Keith McKirchy; Jessika McKirchy; Unknown Owners and Non- Record Claimants Defendants, 18 CH

9508 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE

IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 32-32-111-034-0000. Commonly known as 233 Magnolia Plaza, South Chicago Heights, IL 60411. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single

SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3215737

MISC./ TRAVEL

Elevation Travel Super Discount Travel Membership save up to 70% on travel for the entire family! Hotels,Resorts,Rental Cars,VacationHomes,Cruises,Flights, Shopping etc. For more information log on at:www. lawrencetheceo.myecon.net/elevation-travel/ Lawrence Garfield 312-810-5255 lgarfield23@yahoo.com

LEGAL NOTICE/ PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNT, ILLINOIS 6 MUNICIPAL DISTRICT

Michael Outley v. Brian Miller, Shari Miller

Line No. 7 No. 2022-M6-2659

TRIAL CALL ORDER

Present before the Court: Plaintiff(s) THIS MATTER having come before the Court, the Court having jurisdiction and being fully advised, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

4213: Alias Summons to Issue for BRIAN MILLER, SHARI MILLER

4406: Set for STATUS. All parties must appear 4-62023 at 10:00 a.m. Room 208 9207: It being further agreed that installment payments be made as follows: POSTING & PUBLICATION Judge Carrie E. Hamilton (Feb. 16, 2023) Circuit Court- 2144 STATE OF ILLIINOIS CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY SMALL CLAIMS SUMMONS

Plaintiff: MICHEAL OUTLEY v. MR. BRIAN A. MILLER AND MRS. SHARI MILLER CASE NUMBER: 22M6002659

AILAS SUMMOONS

1. Defendant/Respondent address and service information

a. Defendant/Respondent's

ILLINOIS 60428

Witness this date: FEB 17, 2023

CLERK OF COURT: IRIS Y. MARTINEZ

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY

PROOF OF SERVICE OR SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT/PETITION

PLAINTIFF/PETITIONER:

MICHAEL OUTLEY V. BRIAN MILLER & SHARI MILLER

CASE NUMBER: 22M6002659

ALIAS SUMMONS

Public Information Meeting

Scheduled by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) for the Englewood Nature Trail Project Grow Greater Englewood (GGE) in partnership with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Department of Planning and Development (DPD) will host a Public Information Meeting on the proposed improvement of the Englewood Nature Trail between Hoyne Avenue (west) and Lowe Avenue (east), and 58th (north) and 59th Streets (south). This meeting is a part of a multi-year effort by the City of Chicago to convert a former railroad rightof-way into a community trail.

Date: Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Time: 6:00 to 7:30 PM

Location:

Evening Star MB Church 2050 W. 59th Street Chicago, IL, 60636

All persons interested in this project are invited to attend this meeting. There will be a presentation detailing the existing conditions, preliminary design, maps and aerial photography, and a tentative construction schedule. The public will have an opportunity to review exhibits, submit comments, and provide feedback directly with CDOT and DPD representatives after the presentation during an open house format. Interested persons can review exhibits and ask questions.

The meeting room is accessible to persons with disabilities. Anyone needing special accommodations should inform the contact

person listed in this notice by March 23, 2023 to make arrangements for participating.

This is a federally-funded project, and the Public Information Meeting is being held in compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and the Illinois Department of Transportation's public involvement policy.

For more information contact: Taylor Van Nortwick, Chicago Dept. of Transportation, Taylor.VanNortwick@cityofchicago.org, (312) 744-2632.

LIVING

Spring Cleaning: Don’t Toss That ‘Junk,’ It May Be Valuable!

(StatePoint) It’s time to hit the garage, basement, attic and closets for that age-old task of spring cleaning! Before hauling unwanted possessions to the curb, you may be surprised to learn they might be valuable -- especially if you have sports cards and memorabilia gathering dust.

With prices of sports cards rising in recent years, take time to determine if yours are valuable and how to best sell them.

“Older sports cards and memorabilia aren’t just highly collectible; they can be worth lots of money. Recent sales of scarce vintage cards have topped anywhere from thousands of dollars to tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands. And really rare cards can go higher,” says Al

Crisafulli, Auction Director at Love of the Game Auctions, an internet sports auction house that helps families identify and sell valuable items.

Crisafulli has assisted people in selling such keepsakes as a grandparent’s autograph collection and an uncle’s childhood baseball cards, for tens of thousands of dollars. In one life-changing event, he helped a family determine that a baseball bat that spent decades protecting their home was used by Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig -- and Love of the Game Auctions sold it for almost half a million dollars. Today, that bat could bring more than a million dollars.

The key is understanding what makes old sports collectibles valuable. To help, Crisafulli is sharing some tips:

Older is Usually Pricier

Cards from the 1960s and earlier are collectible, and those from before the 1940s can be worth a lot of money, especially those depicting stars. Do you have cards of Hall of Famers, such as Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner or Ty Cobb?

Even non-stars from the early days of a sport can be worth big bucks, especially if the cards have no creases and retain sharp corners and original gloss.

If you have very old cards from the 1880s through the 1930s, look for tobacco, gum and candy brands, such as Old Judge, Piedmont, Sweet Caporal, Goudey or American Caramel.

If you want to sell sports items for the most money, consider a specialty auction, such as Love of the Game, which has the expertise to properly research sports ephemera and maintains bidder lists of collectors specializing in sports. More information is available at loveofthegameauctions.com.

Postcards and Photographs

We all have keepsakes of vacation destinations, but most aren’t valuable. However, photographs and postcards depicting sports stars and ballparks can be significant. Look for early “real photo” postcards from the 1900s through the 1940s, which are photographs printed on postcard backs.

As with sports cards, star power matters, so preserve those Babe Ruths as opposed to images of your great grandma’s baby cousin once-removed. And when it comes to photos, look for old markings on the back, such as photographer,

publication and date stamps.

Memorabilia

Set aside old advertising posters depicting sports stars and food, tobacco or sporting goods brands. Ads from magazines aren’t valuable, but those used as store displays and for other marketing purposes can be pricey. Tin signs from the 1960 and earlier can be highly prized, but reproductions aren’t.

Your family’s sporting goods, such as balls, gloves and bats, can be valuable. Pre-1950s uniforms and catcher’s masks, helmets and other equipment are highly collected, especially when endorsed by star players. Top condition brings the highest prices, but even used equipment can be valuable.

“The golden rule is the older the sports card or item, the more valuable it usually is. Pre-1975 pieces start to get interesting and are worth researching,” says Crisafulli. Don't just clean out your "junk" this spring, examine it closely to potentialy maximize its value.

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