Citizen Suburban Times Weekly (CST) 3-24-2021 by CITIZEN NEWSPAPERS

Y O U R S O U R C E F O R C O R O N AV I R U S N E W S

Citizen Week of March 24, 2021

| Vol. 4 | No. 33 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY

CHICAGO HEIGHTS CITY CLERK RUNS FOR BLOOM TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

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Lori Wilcox, Chicago Heights City Clerk, is running for Bloom Township Supervisor. Photo provided by Lori Wilcox

National Video Urges Patients to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19

Navigate Year 2 Of The Pandemic

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Serving The Black Community For Decades |

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2 | CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of March 24, 2021

POLITISCOPE

Support for QAnon is hard to measure – and polls may overestimate it BY JAMES SHANAHAN

It’s hard to know how many people actually believe the key tenets of QAnon’s claims, including that devil-worshipping, cannibalistic pedophiles are somehow running the world. Its adherents have caused violence and insurrection, as happened at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, and had raised concerns about a second attack on March 4. Both the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have released bulletins warning of the possibility of future violence from domestic terrorists, potentially including QAnon followers. If lots of people follow QAnon, is it the case that – as one pollster put it – a significant portion of the American electorate has gone “bonkers”? As a researcher who analyzes surveys and polls to learn about Americans’ thinking and behavior, I try to remember that surveys alone can’t necessarily provide the entire picture of public sentiment, especially about a potentially dangerous internal threat. How much support does QAnon have? There has been a lot of polling about QAnon, aimed at figuring out how much fear it is reasonable to have about the Americans who have abandoned themselves to darkly

James Shanahan

fantastic speculation with a demonstrated potential for violence. One such project is here at Indiana University’s Observatory on Social Media, where we have been studying how falsehoods and conspiracy-type ideas spread online and how much people say they believe them. We found wide support, sometimes over 50% and highly partisan-motivated, for many falsehoods such as unfounded concerns about Joe Biden’s cognitive abilities and unsupported fears about fraud during mail-in voting. But the spread of ideas online, and people’s endorsement of them in polls, doesn’t give the whole picture. A September 2020 poll by the left-leaning Daily Kos and the online polling company Civiqs found that

56% of Republicans “believed” QAnon. Republicans are roughly one-quarter of American adults. Though Daily Kos may overstate positions it thinks would look bad for Republicans, the 56% of Republicans who “believed” QAnon could amount to about 14% of the country. However, NBC News polls that same month found that more than half of registered voters had no idea what QAnon was, and that only 3% of the respondents had a positive view of it. A December poll of Americans from the polling firm Ipsos asked whether people thought specific QAnon teachings were true and found that 17% thought the core belief was true – that “a group of Satan-worshipping elites who run a child sex ring are trying to control our politics and media.” By January, as QAnon was getting more attention in the media, a YouGov poll found that 37% of registered voters in the U.S. had heard of QAnon. Yet of those, only 7% believed its allegations were true – or about 2.5% of American voters. A late January Morning Consult poll found that QAnon believers were “jumping ship” after the Capitol riots, with 24% of Republicans saying they believed QAnon’s claims, a decrease from the October result of 38%. So, a fair number of people have

heard of QAnon – which is not a surprise, given the news coverage – but the number of people who thought its key claims were true may have peaked in December 2020 and may now be closer to smaller preelection levels of support. Even given that there can be large differences in how survey researchers ask questions, these variations are notable. What don’t surveys reveal? As useful as survey data is, it is difficult to go from that to more nuanced questions, like what portion of respondents are true believers, versus which of them might act on that belief – and which of them are giving quick answers that seem to fit with their current thoughts or beliefs. As a result, surveys cannot replace the real forensic work that is needed to know how many QAnon “members” there really are. There isn’t a formal QAnon organization to ask for its membership numbers, the way there is for a political party or even a charity that tracks how many donors give money each year. In many ways, it is an online group from which people can come and go at any moment. Nevertheless, it’s possible to look at some indicators of how many people might closely associate themselves with QAnon. A September 2020 Tufts study

found that 3.4% of survey respondents self-identified as members of a QAnon Facebook group. At that time, Facebook was starting to remove QAnon profiles, eventually reaching 78,000 removals. Other recent research tells us that “support for QAnon is meager and stable,” revealing a “vast chasm between news coverage and polling data.” So far the research hasn’t truly revealed a clear picture of how many QAnon followers there are. But important decisions are now being made about the perceived threats, such as whether there should be a domestic terrorism law, whether the Communications Decency Act should be changed and larger questions about how social media and the public sphere should be regulated. It’s not enough to use poll data to make these decisions. Americans need more information about the actual extent of the threats, as well as time to discuss whether proposed responses are proportional and likely to be both constitutional and effective. That information could come from police investigations, an independent investigative commission or other forensic work to evaluate the scope of the threat. James Shanahan is the dean of the Media School at Indiana University.

NEWS FTC Sends out Additional Round of Redress Checks in J.K. Publications Credit Card Fraud Case The Federal Trade Commission, through its refund administrator, is mailing 187,664 checks totaling more than $3.2 million to consumers who lost money to an illegal credit card billing scam operated by J.K. Publications and other defendants. The FTC first mailed checks in this matter in June 2009, and this is the fourth distribution of refunds to consumers. In total, the FTC has distributed more than $21 million. Consumers who previously cashed checks from the FTC will receive a new check for $17.17. The refunds are the result of a lawsuit the FTC filed in 1999, and most of the illegal billing dates back to 1998. The availability of these funds is made possible by the repatriation of funds from offshore

accounts that the defendants created. According to a press release, J.K. Publications and the other defendants placed charges on consumers’ credit and debit cards for online entertainment services they had not ordered and did not want. The records obtained during litigation contained only credit and debit card numbers. Under instructions from the court, credit reporting agencies and banks provided the FTC with the names and addresses associated with the card numbers as of the date of the charges. Consumers who receive checks should cash them within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Consumers who have questions can call the redress administrator, Epiq, Inc., at 877-670-0862.

Parkinson’s Foundation Releases Results of First-Ever Medical Cannabis and Parkinson’s Disease Survey The Parkinson’s Foundation recently announced the results of the medical cannabis and Parkinson’s disease (PD) survey. The survey, titled Weeding Through the Haze: A Survey on Cannabis Use Among People Living with Parkinson’s Disease in the U.S., was distributed to 7,607 people with PD in January 2020, with 1,064 complete responses analyzed. The survey results show that there is a knowledge gap among people living with PD, which may be impacting their decisions about cannabis use. Fifty-six percent of survey respondents were not provided any information on how to use cannabis such as dosage, type and

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frequency of use. Sixty-four percent had not received a cannabis recommendation from a licensed doctor or provider. Overall, 89 percent said cannabis was not a replacement for their PD prescription medication. In the U.S., cannabis has become more widely available for medical and recreational use. Until now, there was insufficient data about the attitudes towards, and experiences with, cannabis use among those living with PD. This survey aims to address this disparity. The 1,064 survey respondents came from 49 states. The average age for respondents was 71, and the average time they have lived with Parkinson’s is seven years.

CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of March 24, 2021

NEWS

Chicago Heights City Clerk runs for Bloom Township Supervisor Continued from page 1 BY TIA CAROL JONES

Lori Wilcox, Chicago Heights city clerk, is running for Bloom Township Supervisor. Wilcox said she wanted to run for supervisor because township government is the only body of government that directly touches the residents. “Our main goal is to provide services and resources to the residents of the township,” informed Wilcox, who added, she’s a person with a “servant’s heart”. Wilcox, who’s served in the military said, she’s a “preacher’s kid” where you don’t volunteer, you’re “volun-told”. Bloom Township includes 12 municipalities and 90,000 residents. The city of Chicago Heights is the largest in Bloom Township, with 30,000 residents, making Chicago Heights one-third of the population of the township. Wilcox has been city clerk for three terms. She said as city clerk, she is the keeper of records, as well as the information source for the city. Wilcox put together a new citizens packet and a new business owners packet, so new residents and business owners can have access to information. She said this has

prepared her for running for Bloom Township Supervisor. “I’m known as the ‘connectress’. I connect people to resources, I connect resources to people, I connect our residents to jobs. Just being a person that is always touching people, I would say I am the best candidate for this position because, again, the role of the supervisor is to connect the resources of the township to the constituents,” she said. Wilcox served in the military for 12 years. She said it taught her to be a selfless servant, to honor the position that a person is holding, and have integrity to do the right thing when no one is looking. She said she still lives by the core values of the service. Wilcox said allegations about the mishandling of funds while she was the president of the Chicago Heights Library Board are farfetched. “The voters know me, how do they know me, because they voted me in, not once, not twice, but three, actually four times. I was voted in as city clerk and once as the committeeman. That was a history race. I’m the second Black woman to hold the seat of committeeman in Bloom Township,” she said. Wilcox was one of eight board members on the Chicago Heights Library Board. She said

there were three strategic plans signed by the board of directors over a ten-year period, that said there would be a build out of the library, a teen room, a music studio, a computer lab with new computers, a dance studio, as well as a remodeled kitchen, with brand new carpets and furniture. Wilcox said there were 60 programs at the library a month, ranging from record expungement to senior programs. She said the library partnered with various organizations to host these programs. “If there was something that was done wrong, it was not intentional. It was a mistake, charge it to our head and not our heart. We would never, ever do anything like that, ever,” she said. Wilcox said she did not have signature authority to sign or write checks at the library. She said invoices were sent to city hall and signed there. Wilcox conducted a listening tour. She said she found that a lot of residents lost their jobs, which in some cases means, they may lose their homes. She said she is looking at economic development, constituents’ service to find ways to help residents stay in their homes and how to partner with businesses to

create new jobs. Wilcox’s ticket is diverse, comprised of people with diverse backgrounds where six of the eight people are combat war veterans who served in the same unit. She said they can touch more people with a diverse ticket. Wilcox said she will partner with community colleges to make sure the residents are trained when new jobs and businesses come into the township. She said she will also talk to other township supervisors to pool ideas together to build a stronger Bloom Township. Wilcox said she will use the same motto she used when she was a committeewoman: educate the residents as to what resources are available, then engage them, then empower them by being transparent. She said she will make sure what is happening in one city will happen in the other 12 cities. She also said she will interact with the 300 elected officials that are part of those cities. “Once you tap into the elected officials, then you can touch the officials, then you can touch the residents of Bloom Township and make sure they know what we have available at the township,” she said. The election is on Tuesday, April 6.

National Video Urges Patients to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19 With nearly a third of the U.S. population still admitting they won’t or may not get the vaccine, FamilyCare Medical Group has teamed up with physicians across the nation in a viral video initiative inciting Americans to “roll up our sleeves together” and help stop the spread of COVID-19. Feeling a duty to their patients and fellow Americans, FamilyCare Medical Group physicians joined forces with other physician practices from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Honolulu, Hawaii, and created the “Roll up Our Sleeves” website and video campaign. The goal is to educate those who are expressing doubt or opposition and urge everyone that “it’s time” to get vaccinated and help save lives. Already, COVID-19 has taken the lives of over 500,000 Americans and over two million worldwide. Despite this staggering and growing number, a recent poll by The Associated PressNORC Center for Public Research shows about one in three Americans definitely or probably will not get a vaccine. “Some patients are reluctant to get the vaccine,” says Dr. Mitchell Brodey, president

and CEO of FamilyCare Medical Group. “Our physicians are encouraging all of their patients to get vaccinated and created a video to distribute to them. We were also excited to participate in a national campaign urging Americans to get the vaccine and help create herd immunity, which ultimately will stop the infection.” ‘Herd immunity,’ or ‘population immunity,’ happens when a population is immune either through vaccination or immunity developed through the previous infection. The World Health Organization recommends creating herd immunity by vaccination. Anthony D. Fauci, M.D., director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and advisor to the Biden Administration, reports that 70 to 85 percent of the U.S. population would have to be vaccinated in order to obtain herd immunity. Reasons for the opposition are varied, ranging from concerns about safety and effectiveness to the belief that the vaccine has not been thoroughly tested. For people of color, who have made up nearly 60 percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S., the message is especially urgent. According to research released by the Kaiser

Family Foundation, 35 percent of black Americans have expressed hesitancy towards getting vaccinated. The public service initiative is a combined effort between agilon health, an organization that champions the roles of independent physicians, and primary care doctors representing more than 50 independent physician practices across the country. Their goal is to combat the doubt felt by an alarming percentage of Americans who say they have no plans to get vaccinated. The “Roll Up Our Sleeves” video highlights the effectiveness of vaccinations over the past century, such as polio, mumps, and measle vaccines, which have wiped out infections and drastically reduced mortality rates. The website contains information about the effectiveness of the vaccine, side effects, phases of eligibility, tips about how to sign up for vaccines, and resources for healthcare professionals. View the national video on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/tL5OcYFu6OE View the FamilyCare Medical Group video here http://www.fcmg.org

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CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of March 24, 2021

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CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of March 24, 2021

NEWS

Proactive Health Tips to Help Navigate Year 2 of the Pandemic Family Features - After months of unfamiliar restrictions and guidelines, pandemic fatigue is affecting how some Americans protect their health. However, experts warn that diligence is still extremely important because new mutations and variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 are being discovered. The typical cold and flu season also brings added threats to people’s health and wellness. “Staying diligent is one of the most important things we can do as we navigate through cold and flu season as well as the COVID pandemic,” said family medicine physician Dr. Jennifer Caudle. Though you may still be spending more time at home, it’s important to take proactive steps to maintain your health. Caudle offers these practical tips to help protect your health while you’re waiting for vaccination eligibility amid the pandemic this cold and flu season. Avoid Exposure As COVID-19 continues to impact communities from coast to coast, there’s no better time to avoid getting sick. Even if you catch a less serious illness like a cold or the flu, health care professionals in many areas are stretched thin. What’s more, getting sick could

compromise your immune system, making you more susceptible to a more serious infection. Minimizing your risk of exposure means limiting close contact with others outside your household, wearing a mask and washing your hands regularly with soap for at least 20 seconds. An alcohol-based sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol can substitute for hand washing, if necessary. Always avoid touching your face when out and about, and when possible, avoid high-touch surfaces like door handles and light switches. If you’re prone to allergies, be conscious of what triggers allergic reactions and manage your allergies so you’re able to easily identify any new symptoms that may not be allergy related. Practice Self-Care Staying healthy isn’t just about avoiding germs. Managing your physical health means keeping your body in top condition by eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep and ditching habits that can negatively impact your body, like smoking and excess drinking. It’s also important to monitor your mental health since factors like stress and depression can take a physical toll that

impacts your body’s immune response. Pinpoint Symptoms If you get sick, it’s important to pay close attention to your symptoms. However, this cold and flu season brings a unique variable with the possibility that your symptoms may actually stem from a mild case of COVID-19. Weather may also fuel stronger than usual allergy responses, so distinguishing between cold, flu, COVID-19 and allergy symptoms can be especially tricky. Testing may be necessary to get the proper diagnosis and ensure you’re taking the right precautions to prevent the spread of any infection. If you have questions or concerns about your symptoms or about COVID-19, consult your health care professional. Treat Symptoms Depending on your diagnosis, a health care professional may suggest medication to help treat symptoms until your illness runs its course. There are a variety of products available over the counter that are commonly used to treat symptoms of respiratory viral infections. Many provide relief from multiple symptoms in a single dose. For example, an option like Mucinex DM lasts 12 hours when used as directed

VIRTUAL

IN-PERSON

HYBRID

and contains dextromethorphan, which helps to control cough, and guaifenesin to help thin and loosen mucus. Control a Pesky Cough How long a cough lasts depends on its cause, but you may be able to tame the symptoms until it’s gone. Eat Right * Produce is packed with vitamin C, a nutrient that helps support your immune system. * Menthol may be a soothing natural remedy. It’s one of the compounds that gives mint its flavor, so brew a cup of strong mint tea and put it to the test. Steam and Hydration * Both steam and water help thin your mucus, which may help clear chest congestion. Try a warm, steamy shower or a soak in a hot tub and drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated. Around the House * If you’re struggling with a parched throat from your cough, try gargling salt water to soothe discomfort. * Lozenges increase your saliva production to help soothe a parched throat and get you feeling better as your cough subsides. * Exposure to particulates in the air, like pollutants and irritants, may be

linked to nighttime dry coughing. A high-efficiency particulate air filter can help remove them. * Wipe down surfaces. Cleaning removes settled dust and pollen while disinfection can help remove lingering cold and flu germs. * If you’re smoking, stop. Smoking is a leading cause of chronic cough. Also avoid secondhand smoke as much as possible. * Rest recharges your immune system, and getting enough sleep may help you cope with an illness that is the cause of a lingering cough. An option like Mucinex Fast-Max All-In-One Cold & Flu relieves nine symptoms including cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, fever and headache so you can get on with your day. * Rely on a cough medication that contains dextromethorphan, which works on the cough center of your brain to help suppress coughing. You can identify the right formula to provide relief based on symptoms you are experiencing by using the online tool at Mucinex.com, where you can also find more information regarding self-care remedies. SOURCE: Mucinex

Strive FOR EXCELLENCE

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8 | CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of March 24, 2021

HOME

Creating a naturally healthy home (BPT) - The pandemic has changed the way many of us think and feel about home. More than ever, it has become a place of refuge, safety and comfort in an uncertain world. The need for our dwellings to be sources of both physical and emotional well-being has never been stronger. Architects and designers looking to maximize the unique and personal qualities of a residence - the subtle factors that turn it from a house into a home - have long recognized that specifying wood offers a natural means of achieving that goal. Now COVID-19 is making that strategy even more attractive to savvy homeowners. "We hear it from professionals and consumers alike: Today, families want an especially cocooning home environment," says Linda Jovanovich, of the American Hardwood Information Center. "Wood is an inherently warm and characterful material that engenders feelings of reliability and familiarity in us. But along with that tried-and-true aspect, hardwood also offers a wide range of different looks and design possibilities, so there's always an element of uniqueness and personalization whenever it's used." The kitchen is often called "the heart of the home" - a gathering place that provides sustenance through food and the companionship of friends and family - making it an ideal space in which to put wood's authentic natural powers to work. Replacing tired old cabinets with stylish hardwood ones is a good starting point, as shown in the makeover of a 1920s Bungalow house kitchen where a classic American hardwood - quarter-sawn white oak - is used for all the new millwork and flooring. The floorboards are lightly white-washed to create the look of bare wood; the base cabinets, supplied by Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry, get a slightly darker cerused finish to distinguish them from the rest of the woodwork. The wall cabinets are painted white to match the kitchen's shiplap ceiling. "It's peaceful rather than exciting," notes the homeowner. "And that's exactly what we wanted." Without doubt, a good part of wood's appeal is due to the fact that, like us, each piece of timber is unique - its color, texture and grain are as individual as a human personality, so we keep discovering new aspects of its beauty and versatility to delight in. "But there are other good reasons why being surrounded with hardwood makes us feel good," Jovanovich points out. "It is exactly the kind of material that today's environmentally conscious consumer demands: One that's renewable, sustainable, plentiful, durable and easy to work with - all of which makes it an excellent return on investment, too." And that feeling of well-being is not just in our minds or pocketbooks: Wood is healthy, it doesn't harbor dust and

other allergens, and it gives off almost no VOCs in its natural state. And what could be more reassuring than that? Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about the uses and benefits of American hardwoods.

5 ways technology can make home maintenance easier ( BPT) - Even if you're not the tech savviest person, you probably already use some technology to make your life easier, from your smartphone giving you directions to a digital calendar that keeps track of appointments. Today's technology has made staying on top of many tasks a whole lot easier. If you're interested in exploring more ways to make your busy life a little less complicated, here are some ideas to get you started on automating essential household tasks.

1. Take advantage of subscription services From HVAC filters to batteries or other products you need for your home on a regular basis, see if your preferred vendor now offers a subscription service. You can set up how frequently you want the items delivered, and most will allow you to adjust the frequency of delivery over time. And there's a bonus: Most vendors offer discounts for anyone signing up for a subscription service. 2. Use a smart app to monitor appliances like your water softener How do you remember when to refill your water softener with salt? Most people don't think about it until the dishes get spotty or the laundry comes out stiff and scratchy. Then suddenly you're arranging a special trip to get more salt. Those last-minute trips to buy salt are a thing of the past with the Connected Salt Level Sensor and the Pentair Home app. A simple Wi-Fi-enabled device clips easily into your softener's brine tank and monitors your salt level. When salt starts to run low, it sends alerts to your smart device, so you can buy salt when it's convenient for you - not when it feels like an emergency. With life being super busy, it's nice to have to think of one less thing, like refilling the salt in your water softener. Learn more about how the Connected Salt Level Sensor works at Pentair.com. 3. Use your digital calendar for home reminders Similar to keeping up with your water softener's salt level, it can be hard to remember when to check your smoke detector's batteries, when to have your gutters cleaned, or other annual or semi-annual maintenance chores. Make full use of your digital calendar by inputting all these items on a recurring basis, so you'll never forget about one of these crucial tasks again. It can give you peace of mind knowing you're up to date on any and all important safety and maintenance tasks. 4. Learn to use programmable features From your smart thermostat to programmable lights or a security system, once you've learned how to use them, you'll appreciate their benefits. Programming your thermostat to keep your home's temperature on an even keel - lowering it at night and when you're away will save both money and energy, helping your wallet and the environment. If you "set it and forget it," you'll eliminate family squabbles about turning the heat or air conditioning up and down. And if you can program your lights and security system to help protect your home, especially when you can't be there, you'll have even more peace of mind. 5. Upgrade to a smart appliance Next time you need a new appliance, take a look at recent smart technology innovations. From laundry you can monitor on your phone while you're away from home to ovens you can preheat from anywhere or refrigerators that can adjust temperatures via your phone or even keep inventory for you, the latest connected appliances may have you relying on tech to make every aspect of your life simpler. Embracing technology can be a plus for your daily life, especially if you learn to use tools that are the most helpful to you. Smart apps can not only simplify that endless "to do" list - making sure you never forget anything important - but can also help your house stay safer, cleaner and healthier for your entire family.

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CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of March 24, 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

The Big Pitch Returns: BIPOC Filmmaker Competition Now Open for Submissions TLG Motion Pictures (“Hoarders”), founded by American film and television producer Courtney LeMarco, recently announced it will begin accepting submissions for The Big Pitch, a now national, quarterly competition providing opportunity for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) with a strong interest in film, production, and content creation. Previously only open to aspiring BIPOC filmmakers in Seattle, this is the first time The Big Pitch will be accepting submissions on a national level. Now through March 31, eligible individuals may submit their television or film concept for an opportunity to win a $20,000 Service Grant toward the development of their project, as well as other professional support to bring their film, series or short to fruition. Additional updates to The Big Pitch include the opportunity for applicants to submit short film concepts for the first time. “We created this competition with the hope of uplifting young creatives who otherwise would be presented

with very few opportunities in Hollywood,” says LeMarco. “What was once a local Seattle competition has now grown into a powerful opportunity for BIPOC filmmakers nationwide.” Last year’s winner of The Big Pitch was 25-year-old Mexican-American filmmaker Crisantos Chavez of Tacoma, Washington. His film “PRIV-I-LEGE” followed the story of a 13-year-old boy who gets a crash-course in privilege after transferring from a prestigious school to the lowest-performing middle school in the country. However, Chavez’s was just one of many impressive submissions from last year’s competition. Nine additional finalists were also selected to pitch their project to top Hollywood executive producers. To enter The Big Pitch, eligible individuals are asked to submit a one-sheet pitch detailing their television or film concept to bigpitch@ tlgmotionpictures.com. A script, reference images, and comparable movie or television examples are also

TLG Motion Pictures

encouraged, though not required. For more information,

please visit https://www. tlgmotionpictures.com/thebigpitch.

Bilingual Children’s Book First of its Kind Some of them are well known and iconic, and others are lesser known, but all of the women highlighted in Little Giants: 10 Hispanic Women Who Made History fought for the rights of those who had no voice. Author Raynelda A. Calderon, a native of the Dominican Republic, works as a public librarian. In the introduction to the book, Ms. Calderon describes her attempts to find a children’s anthology about the lives of notable Hispanic women who impacted Latin America. In finding nothing of the sort, she decided to take on the project of writing one herself. Her desire for such a book to exist is twofold: firstly, to tell the largely untold stories of Latin American women without whom, she says in the book’s introduction, Latin America would not be the free and rich continent it is today; secondly, to inspire young

Litle Giants: 10 Hispanic Women Who Made History

readers to follow their passions and to never take “no” for an answer. The

author describes Little Giants aim: “to motivate and inspire our children today to accomplish great things tomorrow, based on the example of role models of past and present.” Included in this anthology are the stories of Cuban native Alicia Alonso, who beat the odds and overcame barriers to become a world-famous ballerina; Dolores Cacuango, an indigenous native of Ecuador who fought against the injustice and mistreatment of her people; and Elvia Carrillo Puerto, who secured women’s right to vote in Mexico. Little Giants also teaches children key Spanish definitions and suggested activities. Written for children aged eight to twelve, this book includes beautiful illustrations that help bring these inspiring women to life. The book is available in hardcover and paperback. For more information you can visit www.cayenapress.org.

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NFL Hires First Black Woman Referee BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Maia Chaka knows well that Women’s History Month is all about commemorating, observing, and celebrating the vital role of the fairer sex in American folklore. She just didn’t know she would become a part of that history. After years of officiating games in the Pac-12, Conference USA, and the NFL’s Officiating Development Program, Chaka will head to the NFL in the Fall. When she takes the field in September, the Norfolk State University graduate and health and physical education teacher will do so as the first Black woman to work as a referee in the NFL. She’ll also be just the second woman to wear the zebra stripes. Sarah Thomas, who worked last month’s Super Bowl, is the other. “This is a funny thing. I was actually at home, and I was playing NBA2K with my nephew online because that’s what I like to do at night,” Chaka told NNPA Newswire just hours after an appearance on NBC’s “Today” show. “Then, I received a phone call at around 9:15 p.m. [March 4], and I just dropped everything I was doing. The next thing I know, I’m getting told ‘welcome to the National Football League,’” Chaka exclaimed. Did she think it was for real? “I just jumped up and threw everything off my lap. I thought I was being punked because I didn’t believe it at the time. But it was true,” she remarked. Troy Vincent, an African American and the NFL’s second-in-command behind Commissioner Roger Goodell, celebrated Chaka’s appointment. “Maia’s years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance – including as par to the NFL Officiating Development Program – have earned her a position as an NFL official,” Vincent declared. “As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Maia is a trailblazer as the first Black female official and inspires us toward normalizing women on the football field,” Vincent concluded. Chaka told NNPA Newswire that she expects coaches and players to treat her the same as any other official. “I think the coaches just want a good official who is going to get the play right,” Chaka stated. “And I think they just want consistency. I hope they do not hold us to a different standard [than men] because we are all officials at the end of the day. It does not matter what gender we are. We are all wearing the same uniform.” The importance of her historic promotion isn’t lost on Chaka. “It’s an honor to join the National Football League, commented Chaka, who works with at-risk girls in Virginia. “I just want young girls of color – young women – to know that if you have a drive for something, don’t let anything hold you back just because you think something may give you some limitations. Work hard and follow your dreams.” Her promotion to the big league also demonstrates to women of color that they can work and succeed in a male-dominated field, Chaka said. “As long as you put in the work and you are fundamentally sound in anything that you do, you know you will reach your goal,” Chaka offered. “I think it’s important that they see the representation in these fields.” Asked if she would switch from playing NBA2K with her nephew and challenge him to Madden Football, Chaka demurred. “No, he couldn’t handle me on Madden,” she retorted.

10 | CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of March 24, 2021

GOOD EATING

Delicious and Delightful Carrot Cake Twists for Easter

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) John Kanell

( StatePoint) Carrot cake has been an Easter staple for years, so why not serve some fun

takes on this popular dessert for your celebration? With Easter landing on International Carrot Day, April 4, John Kanell, culinary expert and founder of Preppy Kitchen, partnered with McCormick spices to create exclusive Easter dessert recipes that put a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake. “Growing up, desserts were always the highlight of Easter, with my mother and grandmother making wonderful carrot cakes from scratch,” says John Kanell. Because carrot cake brings back great memories, Kanell wanted to channel that nostalgia, while adding whimsical touches. His resulting creations are fun, family-friendly and beyond-delicious. As darling as they are tasty, Carrot Cake Cookies bring all the flavors of carrot cake in a fun, handheld way that allows the whole family to get involved in the kitchen. Big and little kids alike can help frost and decorate! Make room at the dessert table for Carrot Cake Roll with Lemon Cream Cheese Filling – a fluffy spiced cake loaded with carrots and the warm flavor of McCormick spices. Rolled up with a light and airy lemon and cream cheese filling, it’s a sweet way to celebrate the season. “As a nod to my Greek heritage, my family always incorporated lemon into our dessert recipes. Adding it to the cream cheese filling provides a bright complement to my slightly sweet and tender Carrot Cake Roll recipe,” says Kanell. Kanell is also sharing his top baking tips for success. • Feature carrots front-and-center in desserts. Beyond their beautiful orange color, they add moisture to baked goods. • Too much flour makes for dense, gummy baked goods. Always measure your flour correctly by using a scale or fluffing the flour and sprinkling it into your measuring cup

before leveling off. • Don’t over-mix your batter. It will activate the gluten in the flour and cause your baked goods to go from tender and airy to tough and overly chewy. Mix your dry and wet ingredients until just combined. • Use room temperature butter and cream cheese – left out of the refrigerator for about 30 to 60 minutes. They should show a slight indent when pressed, yet still hold shape. Remember that consistency is important when creaming butter with sugar and it should be visibly fluffy and not cling to the side of your mixing bowl. • Stock your spice rack with McCormick pure vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg so it is ready for all your baking needs. Spring is all about nature waking up after a long slumber and these essential spices brighten and add warmth to seasonal dishes. • Even if your little ones are too young to make a recipe, they can still help measure, mix and combine ingredients, and of course decorate cakes, cupcakes and cookies. For these exclusive Easter carrot cake-inspired recipes, crafting ideas for kids and kids-at-heart, and everything else you need to complete your Easter celebration, visit mccormick.com/easter. With delicious takes on the classic carrot cake, your family can hit the sweet spot between nostalgia and whimsical fun this Easter.

CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of March 24, 2021

CST Weekly

Classifieds REAL ESTATES AC 3-10-2021 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION MIDFIRST BANK Plaintiff, -v.- JOSEPH M. HUIZENGA, STEVEN R. HUIZENGA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS Defendants 19 CH 11936 326 WINNEBAGO STREET PARK FOREST, IL 60466 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 4, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 8, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 326 WINNEBAGO STREET, PARK FOREST, IL 60466 Property Index No. 31-26-402-0040000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $110,903.11. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twentyfour (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff's Attorneys, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 2911717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please refer to file number 19-091832. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. LOGS Legal Group LLP 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301

Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-2911717 E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 19-091832 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 19 CH 11936 TJSC#: 41264 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 19 CH 11936 I3165183 ____________________________ AC3-24-2021 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DITECH FINANCIAL LLC; Plaintiff, vs. ROXANNE C. LONDON; Defendants, 17 CH 13601 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 26, 2021 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. 31-12-122-009-0000. Commonly known as 2842 Scott Crescent, Flossmoor, IL 60422. 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 Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 20-003985 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3165751 ____________________________ IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR AMERIQUEST MORTGAGE SECURITIES INC, ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-R10 Plaintiff, -v.JIMMY E. MILLER, MARY A. MILLER, MANOR CARE OF SOUTH HOLLAND, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 20 CH 00394 226 LEONARD STREET CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL 60411 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 12, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 22, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 226 LEONARD STREET, CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL 60411 Property Index No. 32-08-117-0090000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $79,514.94. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twentyfour (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium

Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, Alexander Potestivo, POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 263-0003. Please refer to file number 311675. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago IL, 60606 312-263-0003 EMail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw.com Attorney File No. 311675 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 20 CH 00394 TJSC#: 41-346 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 20 CH 00394 I3165940 ____________________________ IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS TRUSTEE FOR AMRESCO RESIDENTIAL SECURITIES CORPORATION MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 1997-2 Plaintiff, -v.ARTHUR WA L K E R D e f e n d a n t s 2020CH00939 1406 EAST 14TH PLACE FORD HEIGHTS, IL 60411 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 22, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 27, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1406 EAST 14TH PLACE, FORD HEIGHTS, IL 60411 Property Index No. 32-23415-004-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twentyfour (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION

FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th

Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-11456 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2020CH00939 TJSC#: 41-113 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2020CH00939 I3166006 ____________________________

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12 | CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of March 24, 2021