Citizen Suburban Times Weekly 5-15-2024

Measure excludes certain tax-exempt entities after negotiations

SPRINGFIELD – With two weeks left before the General Assembly’s spring session is set to adjourn, negotiations continue on a labor union-backed initiative that would allow Illinoisans to skip religious and political work meetings without reprimand.

Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago, listens to questions from his Republican colleagues about the union-dubbed “Worker’s Freedom of Speech Act.” It advanced out of the Senate 38-18 last week and awaits action in the House. (CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS PHOTO BY ANDREW CAMPBELL)

New state laws taking effect Jan. 1

Minimum wage hike, pets in public housing among new changes

Labor-backed bill banning ‘captive audience’ meetings awaits House action

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Continued from page 1

BY PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

Measure excludes certain tax-exempt entities after

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.

negotiations

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. 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.

BY ALEX ABBEDUTO CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS ABBEDUTO@CAPITOLNEWSILLINOIS.COM

SPRINGFIELD – With two weeks left before the General Assembly’s spring session is set to adjourn, negotiations continue on a labor union-backed initiative that would allow Illinoisans to skip religious and political work meetings without reprimand.

Dubbed the “Worker Freedom of Speech Act,” Senate Bill 3649 advanced out of the Senate on May 2 with only Democratic support.

Other new laws include:

The Illinois AFL-CIO labor organization brought the measure to Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago, in an effort to ban what the unions refer to as employer-sponsored “captive audience meetings” pertaining to religion and politics. Labor advocates say the meetings give employers an opportunity to coerce employees to listen to anti-union rhetoric.

Minnesota earlier this year that is pending. In Illinois, the bill ran into roadblocks earlier this session as advocacy groups were worried it would prevent them from talking to their employees about their jobs. An amendment to the measure now exempts organizations working in religion and policy from the act – specifically, groups with 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), and 501(c)(6) IRS statuses.

Unlike 501(c)(3) organizations – the designation typically given to charities – social welfare groups, labor and agricultural organizations, and business leagues and trade associations with 501(c)(4, 5 and 6) designations can freely lobby and engage with political campaigns. Since much of their work involves policy issues, some felt like they needed extra protections to continue it.

The law allowing public housing

Darrell Garth

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.

Employers found breaking the law would have to pay $1,000 per violation and provide relief to the wronged employee as the court dictates, which could involve paying owed wages and reinstating their position.

Research from the Economic Policy Institute

Ed Yohnka, director of communications and public policy for the Illinois American Civil Liberties Union, which has a 501(c)(4) designation, said his was one of the groups pushing for an amendment because there was concern staff would no longer be able to talk about work at mandatory work meetings.

The measure has thus far not been assigned to a substantive committee in the House.

Darrell President / Publisher

President / Publisher

Darrell

Garth President / Publisher

Janice Garth

Janice Garth

Janice

Garth Sales Manager/ General Manager

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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.

Rep. Marcus Evans, D-Chicago, a union ally and chair of the House Labor and Commerce Committee, is the measure’s House sponsor. He said he believes there is enough support for it to pass in the final two weeks – although a minor amendment could be forthcoming.

indicates six states –Connecticut, Minnesota, Maine, Oregon, New York and Washington – have outlawed the meetings, while

“If we spoke about an issue that we were working on – to try and advance trans rights, or try to advance reproductive rights, or try to advance other rights in some other way –would that run afoul of the black letter of the law in terms of compelling someone to hear speech about an issue as part of their job, even when someone may not be working on that?” Yohnka said.

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 issues annually). W ritten permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or part from the General manager or the publisher CST Weekly does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited marterials. Deadline for advertising is every Monday at noon. For information on subscriptions or advertising call us at (773) 783-1251. Our office is located at 8741 S. 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.

Read more: Unions back measure protecting employees who skip religious or political work meetings

10 other states, in addition to Illinois, introduced similar legislation within the last year.

In 2022, Jennifer Abruzzo, the National Labor Relations Board’s general counsel, filed a memorandum asking the board to review its stance on the meetings. She wrote “forcing employees to listen to such employer speech under threat of discipline – directly leveraging the employees’ dependence on their jobs” violates labor law. An updated ruling on the matter could come once the NLRB finishes reviewing an ongoing court case from 2018.

In the 1946 case NLRB v. Clark Bros Co. Inc., the NLRB decided captive audience meetings were illegal under the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, labeling them an anti-union tactic. The Taft-Hartley Act, which passed in 1947, reinstated an employer’s right to host the meetings if they do not threaten or bribe the employees.

The amendment added language that explicitly says nothing in the bill prohibits organizations with a 501(c) (4, 5 or 6) designation from mandating meetings where the employer would communicate its political beliefs.

Yohnka said it was clear during conversations with Peters and his legislative team, the measure was not intended to interfere with the work of advocacy groups. Because of the changes, he said ACLU believes the measure “won’t have any impact on the work of the ACLU or other similar organizations.”

The amendment also created exemptions for religious organizations to communicate their religious beliefs and for regulatory bodies, like the General Assembly, to communicate policy initiatives.

Although it does not explicitly exclude 501(c)(3) organizations, Peters told Capitol News Illinois the law would not apply to employers talking to employees about political and religious matters related to their work.

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.

Research from the Economic Policy Institute indicates six states – Connecticut, Minnesota, Maine, Oregon, New York and Washington – have outlawed the meetings, while 10 other states, in addition to Illinois, introduced similar legislation within the last year.

He said it only applies to meetings and conversations that have “nothing to do with your work” and are “explicitly trying to get you to change your beliefs.”

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

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

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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

A lawsuit filed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce against the state of Connecticut for its implementation of a “captive audience meeting” ban was partially dismissed in 2023. The plaintiffs, who believe the law violates employers’ First and 14th Amendment rights to political speech, requested a judgment in April 2024. Various business associations, including the National Federation of Independent Business Inc., filed a similar suit against

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.

Lemonade stands: SB119 prohib-

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.

A previous amendment granted exemptions for required diversity, equity and inclusion training and higher education employers speaking to employees about coursework and research.

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. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.

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.

SURGE INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES

Open Applications for the New 2025 Cohorts in Detroit, Philadelphia and Chicago

Applications Open for the Chicago Fellowship and Detroit and Philadelphia Academies

CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- Surge Institute is excited to announce the opening of applications for its new 2025 cohorts in Detroit, Philadelphia and Chicago, with closing dates running from late June to late July. Aspiring education leaders in these cities are invited to join this transformative leadership program dedicated to fostering equity and excellence.

Applications for Surge Academy Detroit (a six-month program) are found at https://surgeinstitute.org/ surge-institute-det-info-form/.

Detroit applications close on July 5.

Applications for Surge Academy Philadelphia (a six-month program) are found at https://surgeinstitute.org/ surge-institute-phl-info/.

ers to have a safe space to learn, grow and connect to create powerful impact.”

“Chicago’s transformation is powered by the Surge Fellowship, emboldening local leaders to spearhead impactful change within our diverse

tics, preparing them to become influential change agents in their communities.

Over the next two months, there will be several opportunities for interested parties to engage with Surge Institute teams, prospective Fellows and partners through a number of in-person and virtual events.

Philadelphia applications close on July 26.

Applications for Surge Fellowship Chicago (a 10-month program) are found at https://surgeinstitute.org/surge-institute-chi-info-form/.

Chicago applications close on June 28.

“Our mission is to illuminate the path for our fellows, guiding them through a journey of self-discovery, professional development and community impact,” said Andrea Black Evans, executive director of Surge Academy in both Detroit and Philadelphia. “Launching new cohorts in Detroit and Philadelphia deepens our commitment to transformative leadership. It’s crucial for Black and Latine education lead-

neighborhoods,” said Ulric Shannon, Surge Fellowship executive director. “Our goal is to develop leaders who are committed to justice and equity in education, leveraging Chicago’s dynamic community spirit.”

The Surge Fellowship and Surge Academy have a proven track record of catalyzing the growth and impact of education leaders committed to the well-being and advancement of children of color. During their fellowships, cohort participants will enhance their executive skills, improve their problem-solving abilities and strengthen their capacity for team building. They will also engage deeply with issues of historical inequity in education and poli-

The Detroit Surge Academy is made possible through collaboration with and support from the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative and the Skillman Foundation. The Philadelphia Surge Academy is made possible through collaboration with and support from Comcast NBCUniversal and Spring Point Partners. The Chicago Surge Fellowship is made possible through collaboration with and support from a host of Chicago funders, investors and community partners who deeply believe in the genius within the Surge community.

Surge Institute is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established with a simple but important mission: to develop and elevate leaders of color who create transformative change for children, families and communities. Founded by Carmita Semaan in 2014, the organization was designed to empower emerging diverse leaders to change the landscape of education by providing them with a unique, authentic leadership development experience. To learn more about the Surge Institute, please visit www.surgeinstitute.org.

EBONY POWER 100 RETURNS

Submissions

now open

LOUISVILLE, Ky., PRNewswire -- For nearly eight decades, EBONY, the iconic and beloved Blackowned media company, has been the leading platform showcasing the excellence and brilliance of Black individuals in America and around the globe. And we are thrilled to announce the return of the EBONY Power 100 list!

The EBONY Power 100 list is not just a recognition, but a celebration of the diverse accomplishments of individuals who have made a significant impact on our culture. From civil rights icons to visionary entrepreneurs, from groundbreaking scientists to influential artists, and many more the list reflects the rich history of individuals who have shaped the cultural landscape and have championed the essence of Black expression on our collective journey. Past honorees such as Quinta Brunson, Usher,

for EBONY’s most prestigious award

and the Honorable Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson continue to leave an indelible mark in their respective fields.

Community Crusaders

Submissions are now open for the 2024 EBONY Power 100 list, including brand new categories spotlighting leaders in sports, and music innovators. The full list of 2024 EBONY Power 100 categories include:

Artists in Residence

Business Disrupters

Entertainment Powerhouses

Generation Next Influential Creators

Leaders in Sports

Media Mavens

Music Innovators

Stem Trailblazers

To learn more about EBONY Power 100 and to nominate visit https://www.ebony.com/2024-ebony-power-100-nomination-form

All nominations must be submitted by June 7, 2024. Final honorees will be celebrated at the highly anticipated EBONY Power 100 gala in Los Angeles mid-November 2024.

For more than 75 years, EBONY has served as the leading voice of the Black American experience and is the most influential Black-owned media company in the world. Under new ownership and leadership, EBONY has grown into a multi-media entity, covering cultural news, entertainment, and lifestyle with a commitment to Move Black Forward with EBONY, EBONY Studios, and JET. EBONY continues to be the leading authority and anchor for all facets of Black culture, illuminating the Black perspective and serving as the ultimate curator for the past, present, and future of the Black and African American experience.

EBONY

Discover Unique, Only-in-Vail Moments this Summer

VAIL, Colo., PRNewswire -- This summer, discover unique only-in-Vail moments with new events, flights and more. Vail’s quaint mountain village has welcomed year-round visitors for nearly 60 years with unlimited outdoor adventures, inventive dining experiences and unique ways in which guests can rest and recover from a day of play in the mountains. From goat happy hours to headliner concerts and performances, Vail offers endless ways to inspire travel to its Rocky Mountain playground.

New Flights, Events & Activity News

There’s no place like Vail for yearround recreation, dining and cultural experiences in the heart of the Rockies.

Vail Regional Airport Doubles Summer Flight Markets

Exciting news for travelers as Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) doubles its summer flight routes beginning this June. The airport, which is conveniently located 40 minutes from Vail, will now offer summer service to four nonstop markets, with new flights to Houston and Chicago in addition to the existing flights to Denver and Dallas. The Houston and Chicago flights are set to run from June through September. Both flights are scheduled to arrive on Friday and Saturday evenings and depart on Saturday and Sunday mornings. In the winter months, flights from EGE currently go to 13 destinations including Houston and Chicago.

Trunk Bay in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, Named the #1 Beach by The World’s 50 Best Beaches™

ST. JOHN, U.S. Virgin Islands, PRNewswire -- The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is excited to announce that Trunk Bay, located on St. John, has been ranked No. 1 on the prestigious list of The World’s 50 Best Beaches™ 2024. Presented by Banana Boat, this annual list, curated by a panel of travel experts, influencers, and enthusiasts, showcases the most breathtaking and sought-after beaches around the globe. Trunk Bay’s inclusion in this renowned ranking is a testament to its exceptional natural beauty and the unforgettable experiences it offers visitors.

Known for its pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical surroundings, Trunk Bay’s vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life make it a hot spot for nature-driven snorkelers. Visitors can take in the natural relaxation of the bay or explore the underwater world, teeming with colorful fish, and discover the famous underwater snorkeling trail.

“It is with great pride that we celebrate this honor! Trunk Bay and the many beaches across the U.S. Virgin Islands hold a special place in the hearts of those who call our beautiful islands home as well as our returning visitors,” shares Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of the USVI Department of Tourism. “We have long regarded our beaches as some of the best in the world, and this recognition helps us share that with the world.”

Vail Dance Festival Names Duo Artists-InResidence for 36th Season

The Vail Dance Festival returns for its 36th season July 26 - August 5 with 13 performances featuring dance luminaries from across the United States and around the world. The Festival’s packed performance calendar includes appearances by Dance Theatre of Harlem, Limón Dance Company, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Colorado Ballet, and DanceAspen, as well as artists from New York City Ballet, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, BalletX, Philadelphia Ballet and other extraordinary independent artists.

adventure sports. This year, the event enters its 22nd year of arts, athletes, music and mountains with fresh energy and a lot of new and exciting opportunities for pro and amateur athletes, concert-goers and spectators. This year’s event features more tween and teen (aka “grom”) events and categories than ever before to provide the next wave of mountain athletes and outdoor lovers a place to celebrate their love of the mountain lifestyle.

Bravo! Vail Music Festival Offers Music Luminaries, Opera & More

The Bravo! Vail Music Festival returns June 20-August 1 presenting more than 80 performances. Highlights include Mexico’s Sinfónica de Minería— the Festival’s first Latin American orchestra; two staged productions of La bohème with The Philadelphia Orchestra, Jaap van Zweden’s last concerts as New York Philharmonic’s music director and more.

Tine Holst, co-founder of The World’s 50 Best Beaches, adds, “The 2024 list is a reflection of the countless days spent by our judges, Beach Ambassadors, and World’s 50 Best team discovering beaches around the world. Our list will help inspire travelers to leave the beaten path behind and enjoy the most stunning and relaxing beaches on earth.”

To learn more about Trunk Bay and other amazing locations in the US Virgin Islands, please visit VisitUSVI.com.

To explore the complete list of the World’s 50 Best Beaches for 2023, visit https://worlds50beaches.com/top50-worlds-best-beaches.

The U.S. Virgin Islands are an official U.S. territory in the Caribbean that consists of three individual islands – St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands are rich with culture, history, surrounded by breathtaking beaches. When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens can enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel as no passport is required for U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the United States. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI).

This season, the Vail Dance Festival welcomes New York City Ballet principal dancer Sara Mearns and acclaimed choreographer Jamar Roberts as this year’s duo Artists-In-Residence. Mearns will perform in a range of repertory, teach master classes and participate in various aspects of the Festival’s community engagement. Her appearances on the stage will include debuts in George Balanchine’s Elegie, and in an excerpt from Martha Graham’s Clytemnestra and she will dance in fellow Artist-in-Residence Jamar Roberts new work. Roberts will create a new work to debut on the NOW: Premieres program on August 5, 2024, teach master classes and participate in various aspects of the Festival’s community engagement.

GoPro Mountain Games Goes “Grom” for 2024

The GoPro Mountain Games, held each June is Vail, is the country’s most celebrated festival of

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater Hosts More Headliners Than Ever Before

This breathtaking, outdoor Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre aka The Amp at the base of Vail Mountain is no longer Colorado’s best-kept secret. A continued partnership between the venue and AEG Presents has led to more headliner performances than ever before with more than 10 major artists already confirmed for this summer including Portugal the Man, Norah Jones and Barenaked Ladies. In 2024, the venue will also continue to host Hot Summer Nights, a series of free concerts that welcomed eight amazing bands last year. The storied venue is also home to the Bravo! Vail Music Festival and Vail Dance Festival events and more.

For more information, visit DiscoverVail. com.

Trunk Bay St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. PRNewsfoto/U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

Discover Vail, the official destination tourism marketing effort for Vail, Colorado. (PRNewsfoto/Vail Local Marketing District Advisory Council)

Jared Launches Exclusive Le Vian Tramonto

AKRON, Ohio, PRNewswire -- Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry, a leader in accessible luxury and the premium luxury banner within Signet Jewelers, has partnered with Le Vian, a leading luxury jewelry brand, to launch their exquisite Tramonto D’Oro Collection, available exclusively at all Jared stores nationwide and Jared.com.

The Le Vian Tramonto D’Oro™ Collectionis currently available, with prices ranging from $1,600 to $5,000. Crafted in luminous 14K gold, each piece in this collection is a testament to the surreal allure of the sunset. Natural brilliant-cut diamonds, reminiscent of twinkling stars, are delicately set into gold, creating a mesmerizing celestial effect that mirrors the intricate brilliance of the heavens.

Jared®, the leading off-mall destination specialty retail jewelry chain in the U.S., is operated by Signet Jewelers Limited, the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry. For additional information on Jared® Jewelry visit Jared.com, and like us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.

“Amidst the excitement of Mother’s Day shopping, we’re thrilled to unveil our latest collection with Le Vian—a nod to timeless beauty and heartfelt sentiment,” says Claudia Cividino, President of Jared. “With our customers seeking meaningful, personalized gifts, Jared stands ready to help you find that perfect expression of love, making the Tramonto D’Oro Collection an ideal gift.”

Translated in Italian as “Sunset of Gold,” the Le Vian Tramonto D’Oro™ Collection is inspired by that magical moment when the sky is painted a golden hue as the sun sets into the Tyrrhenian Sea. The new product offerings feature a range of 11 styles including earrings, bangles, necklaces and pendants, and rings.

“Le Vian’s Tramonto D’Oro™ Collection honors those who cherish the day’s fleeting beauty while embracing the tantalizing twilight and the potential it holds,” says Eddie LeVian, CEO of Le Vian. “It encapsulates the warmth and nostalgia of the golden hour, allowing you to celebrate the special person in your life with lasting elegance.”

To learn more about the Le Vian Tramonto D’Oro™ Collection, visit www.jared.com/tramonto-doro.

Signet Jewelers Limited is the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry. As a purpose-driven and sustainability-focused company, Signet is a participant in the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. Signet is a Great Place to Work –Certified™ company. Signet operates approximately 2,700 stores primarily under the name brands of KAY Jewelers, Zales, Jared, Banter by Piercing Pagoda, Diamonds Direct, Blue Nile, JamesAllen.com, Peoples, H. Samuel, Ernest Jones, and the jewelry subscription service, Rocksbox. Further information on Signet is available at www.signetjewelers. com. See also www.kay.com, www.zales.com, www.jared.com, www.banter.com, www.diamondsdirect.com, www.jamesallen.com, www. bluenile.com, www.peoplesjewellers.com, www. hsamuel.co.uk, www.ernestjones.co.uk, and www.rocksbox.com.

Le Vian is a family-owned, New York-headquartered jewelry company which can trace its roots to jewelers in the 15th century and is today regularly worn by Hollywood celebrities. Le Vian is at the forefront of creating the most exquisite natural fancy color diamond jewels in a kaleidoscope of colors including pink, yellow - and the exclusive Chocolate Diamonds®, which have in the last 20 years attracted over 5 million collectors. The fine jewelry house of Le Vian is the fashion couture fine jeweler of choice, uniting two luxury worlds – glamorous high style fashion trend forecasting and hand-made fine jewelry designs incorporating rare, precious natural diamonds and gemstones.

Marshalls Launches First-Ever “Good Stuff Style Collective” in Partnership with Celebrity Stylists Molly Dickson, Zerina Akers and Enrique Melendez

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., PRNewswire -- Marshalls (NYSE: TJX) today announced the launch of its inaugural team of style experts: Marshalls Good Stuff Style Collective. As some of the industry’s top stylists to the stars, Zerina Akers, Enrique Melendez and Molly Dickson, embark on this partnership to share their fashion expertise and styling advice for shoppers everywhere. Featured in Marshalls Spring/Summer ‘24 trend report, The Edit by Marshalls, the Style Collective is all about highlighting quality, on-trend fashion at every price point and providing a peek behind the curtain on how Marshalls hustles to get the good stuff™ in its over one thousand stores nationwide.

The launch of the Style Collective comes at a time when 80% of people feel it’s hard to find high-quality fashion items on a tight budget, according to a recent survey*, but Marshalls serves as a solution by providing access to quality finds at a great value. Armed with insights directly from Marshalls buyers about their buying process and innate ability to deliver high-quality and on-trend brands and designer names at amazing prices, the Style Collective have helped curate The Edit Shop on Marshalls. com. Much like the brand’s iconic shops like The Designer Shop, and Made in Italy, The Edit Shop is a simplified shopping tool to help shoppers score what’s trending seasonally across fashion and beauty.

“We are always looking to give our consumers access to what they want when they need it most – whether it be great quality fashion for any budget, style inspiration, or the inside scoop on shopping our stores like a pro, plus so much more,” says Sonya Cosentini, Vice President, Brand Marketing, Marshalls. “Enrique, Molly and Zerina are some of the most in-demand and talented fashion stylists in Hollywood, and we are so excited to partner with them to bring their invaluable styling advice to Marshalls customers.”

Shot by renowned photographer/director Emily Soto, and penned by InStyle Fashion Director Kevin Huynh, the Style Collective cover story in The Edit by Marshalls showcases how Marshalls has always been a reliable fashion resource throughout their styling careers.

“My mother worked multiple jobs just to keep us afloat and make sure that I had everything, but also that I wasn’t counted out because of what I did and didn’t have access to,” shared Enrique Melendez, “and by shopping at Marshalls, I was able to have access to brands or premium products that I would see on either television, music videos, or fashion magazines.”

For Molly Dickson, the partnership is a way to let her followers in on her best-kept shopping secrets. “When I moved to New York as a fashion assistant, I would shop at Marshalls, and now, I still find myself shopping at Marshalls. Where else can I get a luxury handbag and a good pair of jeans that are up to my standards in quality with amazing prices?”

As for Zerina Akers, “It’s really fun to be able to partner with Marshalls. Fashion has been gatekept for so long, and it’s shifting into a way where it’s really in the hands of the consumer now.” She continues, “I think the Marshalls shopper is hardworking. They appreciate good quality, they appreciate affordability, and they don’t want to sacrifice that quality for affordability.”

For fashion tips, style inspiration, and more from Marshalls Good Stuff Style Collective, visit Marshalls on Instagram and TikTok at @Marshalls. Visit The Edit Shop online and locate your nearest Marshalls store here for all the good stuff™.

*Marshalls commissioned a survey of 1,000 individuals across the United States about their shopping habits and how they’re finding deals and quality.

Marshalls is one of the nation’s leading off-price family retailers with over 1,100 stores spanning 48 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Since opening its first store more than 40 years ago, the Marshalls name has become synonymous with off-price shopping. Marshalls shoppers can find an amazing selection of high-quality, on-trend, brand name and designer merchandise for women, beauty, accessories, footwear, men, kids, and home merchandise - all at amazing prices.

Molly is a Celebrity Stylist to Hollywood’s It Girls. Zerina is an Emmy Award Winning Costume Designer, Celebrity Stylist, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist. Enrique is a Los Angeles-based Celebrity Stylist to the next generation of Hollywood’s Hottest Superstars: Gen Z.

Jared Launches Exclusive Le Vian Tramonto D’Oro™ Collection. PRNewsfoto/Jared.

Chicago’s historic Fine Arts Building hosts free Second Fridays

Artistic tenants showcase their work throughout the building, including artist Cecilia Beaven, Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, Chicago Opera Theater, the Center for Mad Culture, Exile in Bookville, Alyson Lyon Arts, Oak Street Design, Patrice Olsen Fine Art, Performers Music, and Ann Pickett Studio and Gallery

CHICAGO — On the heels of its 125th anniversary last year, Chicago’s historic Fine Arts Building (410 S. Michigan Avenue) presents a monthly showcase of artists throughout the building with its ongoing Second Fridays open studios events, free and open to the public on the second Friday of each month from 5-9 p.m. Upcoming dates are June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13 and Oct. 11, 2024. For more information, visit fineartsbuilding.com/second-fridays.

The Fine Arts Building is a home for art in all forms. Second Fridays open studios feature artists and creatives across disciplines, from opera and puppetry to visual art, literature, jewelry and design. Additionally, historic exhibits Art Alone Endures and Staging Ground (5th Floor) share stories of the artists and companies that have called the Fine Arts Building home over the past 125 years. Both the building and his -

toric exhibits are open to the public seven days per week—but Second Fridays offer a unique opportunity to experience the artistic vibrancy of the Fine Arts Building and meet the artists and craftspeople who inhabit Chicago’s premier artistic landmark.

A self-guided walking tour of historic sites and artists’ studios throughout the building is available online at fineartsbuilding.com/map, with informational plaques outside notable studios to guide visitors on their journey. Guests will be transported back to a time when notable artists like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz illustrator W. W. Denslow and sculptor Lorado Taft roamed the halls of the Fine Arts Building, and discover why artists from all over the world have made this building their artistic home for over a century.

Regular Second Fridays open studios participants include:

· Artist Cecilia Beaven (Studio 915)

· Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival (Studio 433)

· Chicago Opera Theater (Studio 404)

· The Center for Mad Culture and Press Here Studio (Studio 419)

· Bookstore Exile in Bookville (Studio 210)

· Alyson Lyon Arts (Studio 618)

· Oak Street Design (Studio 636)

· Patrice Olsen Fine Art (Studio 610)

· Performers Music (Studio 904)

· Ann Pickett Studio and Gallery (Studio 601)

· The Second Floor Art Gallery (2nd Floor), curated by Stanley Smith of Oak Street Design

· Original Art Nouveau Murals in the 10th Floor lobby

The Fine Arts Building is a home for art in all forms: from pioneers like Poetry magazine’s founding publisher Harriet Monroe, architect Frank Lloyd Wright, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz illustrator W. W. Denslow, sculptor Lorado Taft and the Chicago Little Theatre, to the ongoing legacies of painters, musicians, booksellers, puppeteers, dancers, photographers and craftspeople who inhabit the building today, the Fine Arts Building is buzzing with more than a century of Chicago creativity and innovation. A Chicago Landmark since 1978, the building features original manually-operated elevators, Art Nouveau murals from the late 19th century and the recently renovated Studebaker Theater, one of the city’s oldest and most significant live theatrical venues. For more information, visit fineartsbuilding.com.

State Representative Larry Walsh Jr. Rejects Increasing Truck Access via IL 53

JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., (D-Elwood), has pushed back on a recent request to increase truck traffic on Illinois Route 53 (IL 53) made to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) by the City of Joliet and “Northpoint,” the developer of the Third Coast Intermodal Hub project. Walsh opposed the request for change in a letter sent to IDOT on May 3rd.

“If IDOT is considering granting this modification to the permit, it cannot and should not do so without a full and complete traffic study,” said

Walsh. “Increasing truck traffic on IL 53 will have consequences that will ripple far beyond this ‘temporary access’ point. This decision cannot be made without a full investigation of how a new access point to the Northpoint project will impact traffic flow in the area.”

The Northpoint development was originally planned to exist within the Village of Elwood, but after the project was rejected, developers instead worked with the previous administration of the City of Joliet to annex land from unincorporated Jack-

son Township. The permit that the city has asked to modify severely limited the amount of truck traffic that could flow through IL 53. The requested change would lift those limits.

“Up until this point, the developers have not offered any concrete solutions or plans to deal with the increased truck traffic the project would bring to communities across the 86th District,” said Walsh. Walsh’s letter to IDOT is attached. For more information, please contact Rep. Walsh’s district office at 815-730-8600.

Rita Sola Cook President, Bank of America Chicago

6 CARNEGIE MELLON ALUMNI

Nominated for 11 Tony Awards

PITTSBURGH, PRNewswire -- The spotlight will shine brightly on several Carnegie Mellon University alumni at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York at The 77th Annual Tony Awards® on Sunday, June 16.

Six Carnegie Mellon University alumni were nominated for 11 Tony Awards. This year marks 15 consecutive years in which Carnegie Mellon alumni have earned Tony nominations.

2024 Carnegie Mellon University Tony Awards Nominees

Actor Will Brill, 2009 School of Drama alumnus, was nominated for his role as Reg in “Stereophonic” (Best Featured Actor in a Play).

Producer Jamie deRoy, 1967 Carnegie Mellon alumna, received a total of five nominations in two categories: “Cabaret,” “Gutenberg! The Musical!” “Merrily We Roll Along,” “The Who’s Tommy” (Best Revival of a Musical) and “Stereophonic” (Best Play).

Playwright Joshua Harmon, 2010 School of Drama alumnus, was nominated for “Prayer for the French Republic” (Best Play).

Actor and Producer Leslie Odom, Jr., 2003 School of Drama alumnus, was nominated for his role as Purlie Victorious Judson and his work as a producer on “Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch” (Best Revival of a Play).

Actress Sarah Pidgeon, 2018 School of Drama alumna, was nominated for her role as Diana in “Stereophonic” (Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role).

Director Leigh Silverman, 1996 School of Drama alumna, was nominated for “Suffs” (Best Director).

“Carnegie Mellon University congratulates all of the 2024 Tony Award nominees, with a special nod to our Tartans,” said CMU President Farnam Jahanian. “Our community takes immense pride in the creativity and unwavering commitment to excellence demonstrated by our accomplished alumni. We eagerly await the momentous evening for theater in June and look forward to celebrating their

achievements.”

Carnegie Mellon alumni have won 60 Tony Awards to date. CMU’s School of Drama is the first degree-granting drama program in the United States and celebrates its 110th anniversary in 2024.

Academy Award winner and Tony Award nominee Ariana DeBose returns to host The 77th Annual Tony Award for the third time, from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City on Sunday, June 16 (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S. (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs). DeBose will also serve as producer and choreograph the opening number for this year’s show. DeBose hosted the 76th and 75th Annual Tony Awards, the former for which

she earned an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Variety Special.

The 77th Tonys celebration will recognize all the award categories and honor the incredible artistry of the 2023-24 season. The Tony Awards, which honor theater professionals for distinguished achievement on Broadway, is presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League and has been broadcast on CBS since 1978.

Teachers Take Center Stage

During the June 16 ceremony, CMU and The Tony Awards will present the 2024 Excellence in Theatre Education Award. One of theater’s unsung heroes — a performing arts teacher from somewhere in the U.S. — will be celebrated with all of the evening’s industry stars.

In partnership with the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League, CMU and the Tonys annually recognize an exemplary K-12 theater teacher selected from a nationwide search. The Excellence in Theatre Education Award winner’s work has demonstrated a monumental impact on the lives of students while embodying the highest standards of the profession.

Carnegie Mellon is the exclusive higher education partner of The Tony Awards. The annual Excellence in Theatre Education Award was co-created by the Tonys and CMU and has been presented since 2015.

The winner of the 2024 Excellence in Theatre Education Award will be announced later this spring, ahead of the 77th Annual Tony Awards.

For more information about CMU and The Tony Awards, visit cmu.edu.

Carnegie Mellon, cmu.edu, is a private, internationally ranked research university with acclaimed programs spanning the sciences, engineering, technology, business, public policy, humanities and the arts. Our diverse community of scholars, researchers, creators and innovators is driven to make real-world impacts that benefit people across the globe. With an unconventional, interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial approach, we do the work that matters.

Great-granddaughter of Booker T. Washington Releases Latest Book

CLAYTON, N.C., PRNewswire -- Dr. Sarah Washington O’Neal Rush, great-granddaughter of Booker T. Washington, releases her fourth book, “Blueprint to Excellence: Being, Growing, Leading, Soaring” (BTE). She states, “I strive to follow in my great-grandfather’s footsteps by accomplishing just a fraction of what he was able to achieve in his brief lifetime.” She believes the privilege of being born into this lineage comes with an obligation to continue his legacy of uplifting others. She explains, “Since I first learned about the depth of his work, which unfortunately didn’t happen until I was a young adult, I have been on a mission to keep his legacy alive and his name honored. I’ve also made it my life’s purpose to encourage as many as I can to be, to grow, to rise, and to soar.”

The book was created to enhance the future of individuals, groups, and especially rising and aspiring leaders. It is made up of sixteen success principles grounded in lessons from Dr. Rush’s professional training in education, leadership, and mental health. The book is rooted in her great-grandfather’s evidence based “head, hand, and heart” teachings. The same philosophy that he instilled in his students at Tuskegee Institute, today known as Tuskegee University.

Booker T. Washington once said, “A man’s position in life is not measured by the heights which he has attained, but by the depths from which he has come.” It was in that spirit that he led thousands of former slaves and their descendants out of poverty. In the book, Christian Business Legends, Lessons from History, they cited that “in 1905, Tuskegee turned out more self-made millionaires than

Washington (1856-1915), Former slave, turned famous educator and founder of Tuskegee Institute, today known as

Yale, Harvard, and Princeton universities combined.” Dr. Rush attributes that success to three things: Washington’s relentless commitment to improving the lives of former slaves in the South in the face of unimaginable difficulties; his unyielding belief in their strength and potential; and his keen ability to sustain the school by forging strong relationships across socioeconomic and ethnic boundaries.

Dr. Rush draws from her expertise in education,

leadership, and mental health—as well as from the wisdom of her great-grandfather, Booker T. Washington—to meticulously craft a comprehensive guide to personal and professional development. With an integration of strength-based, solution-focused, and cognitive-behavioral theories, the book is divided into four powerfully immersive quadrants—Being, Growing, Leading, Soaring. Each quadrant takes the reader through four of the sixteen fundamental principles, interwoven with thought-provoking exercises, discussions, and assignments. All aimed at fostering a holistic approach to growing in excellence. It includes lessons in character building, critical thinking, effective writing, goal setting, and much more.

BTE is a practical, easy-to-read workbook. It is a transformative guide, designed for individuals, groups, and especially rising and aspiring leaders, and/or for those who train or work with them—from older, mature teens, to senior adults. The online course will be available this fall.

Dr. Rush is a national speaker, author, and educator. Her previous books include, “Rising Up from the Blood: A Legacy Reclaimed, A Bridge Forward” and “Timeless Treasures: Reflections of God’s Word in the Wisdom of Booker T. Washington,” cowritten with her cousin, Gloria Jackson. She is a featured writer of empowerment material, and has appeared in print, on television, radio, in documentaries, and on podcasts highlighting her work and the achievements of her esteemed great-grandfather. To learn more, visit www.btwexcellence.com. The workbook is available now on Amazon.com.

The Blueprint to Excellence: Being, Growing, Leading, Soaring. PRNEWSFOTO.

Booker T.

Tuskegee University. PRNEWSFOTO.

Actor and Producer Leslie Odom, Jr. PRNewsFoto/CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

ASTHMA AWARENESS MONTH: American Lung Association Focuses on Addressing Challenges of Extreme Heat and Asthma

CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- Millions of people in the U.S. live with asthma, which is a life-long chronic lung disease. While we have proven asthma management techniques and treatments, people living with asthma and their healthcare providers face increasing challenges due to climate change and extreme heat. During Asthma Awareness Month, the American Lung Association is working to increase awareness and help people with asthma and healthcare providers better manage asthma during times of excessive heat or extreme weather.

“Thanks to decades of research into better asthma management techniques and treatments, most people with asthma lead normal, active and healthy lives. Unfortunately, climate change threatens this progress. Climate change is resulting in extreme weather, increased ozone pollution, increased allergens, more frequent and intense wildfires, and more cases of excessive heat,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “These events can make a person’s asthma more difficult to manage and even trigger asthma attacks. The American Lung Association is working hard to ensure that people with asthma and their healthcare providers are prepared for these changes and can take the proper precautions.”

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes it harder to move air in and out of your lungs. It can start at any age. More than 26 million Americans live

with asthma, including 4.5 million children. Extreme temperature, both heat and cold, is a trigger for individuals with asthma. Excessive heat increases the risk of asthma episodes, asthma-related hospitalizations and asthma-related deaths. Children and women with asthma are especially at risk. Hot, humid air can cause asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Heat can trigger asthma symptoms because high temperatures and humidity cause air to not move, trapping pollutants that can irritate the airways.

During Asthma Awareness Month in May, the American Lung Association is working to help people with asthma and healthcare providers better manage their asthma during times of excessive heat or extreme weather by:

Helping healthcare providers better treat asthma by offering the Asthma Educator Institute, which is a professional education course for frontline healthcare professionals eligible to sit for the national asthma educator certification exam. The Lung Association also provides a new, free one-hour online course Asthma Management Guidelines: A Review for Healthcare Professionals that is designed to help healthcare professionals learn and apply guidelines-based asthma care.

Educate people living with asthma with the free Asthma Basics course and by offering resources at

Lung.org/asthma. This program was recently updated and is provided in English and Spanish. The experts at the American Lung Association’s Lung Helpline (1-800-LUNGUSA) can also answer questions and help people with asthma questions and navigating insurance challenges and medication changes.

Encourage people living with asthma or who care for someone living with asthma to join the Patient & Caregiver Network to get free support, education and connection to others.

Advocate for H.R. 5749, the Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act to expand the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s National Asthma Control Program, which aims to increase federal, state, and local efforts to address asthma in our communities.

Learn more and support asthma research by donating to the American Lung Association at Lung. org/donate.

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.

Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine Announces Founding Dean and Location in Downtown New Orleans at Benson Tower

NEW ORLEANS, PRNewswire -- Xavier University of Louisiana (Xavier), a leading undergraduate institution in preparing Black students to successfully complete medical school, has announced continued progress with Ochsner Health (Ochsner), the Gulf South’s leading academic medical center in training physicians, to launch their transformational Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM). This groundbreaking partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing medical education by addressing health disparities in diverse communities and helping fulfill the urgent need for more physicians in Louisiana and the nation. The new medical school will be in the burgeoning BioDistrict New Orleans, located downtown in Benson Tower next to Caesars Superdome.

“With the establishment of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, Ochsner and Xavier aim to address long-standing health disparities and foster stronger, healthier communities in pursuit of the mission to promote a more just and humane society gifted to Xavier nearly 100 years ago by our foundress, St. Katharine Drexel and her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament,” said Dr. Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana. “Our partnership with Ochsner affirms our commitment to advancing health equity and excellence. XOCOM

will provide cutting-edge medical training and biomedical research and, through a culture of mentorship and leadership, empower our students to be agents of change in healthcare.”

At a XOCOM signing celebration on April 29, 2024, Xavier and Ochsner officials announced that Dr. Leonardo Seoane, MD, FACP, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of Ochsner Health, will serve as the new HBCU medical school’s founding dean.

The announcement follows votes by the Xavier University of Louisiana Board of Trustees and the Ochsner Health Board of Directors in February to approve the formation of the new medical school. On Monday, officials announced XOCOM’s founding board of directors, which includes Xavier and Ochsner appointees:

C. Reynold Verret, PhD, President, Xavier University of Louisiana

Pete November, CEO, Ochsner Health

Trevonne M. Thompson, M.D., FAAEM, FACEP, FACMT, Associate Dean, Admissions, University of Illinois College of Medicine

Matthew Block, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Ochsner Health

Gary C. Butts, M.D., Executive Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Mount Sinai Health

System

Veronica Gillispie-Bell, M.D., MAS, FACOG, Senior Site Lead and Section Head, Women’s Services, Ochsner Kenner; Medical Director of Quality, Women’s Services, Ochsner Health; Medical Director of Minimally Invasive Center for Treatment of Uterine Fibroids, Ochsner Health; Associate Professor, Ochsner Clinical School

Gregory N. Rattler Sr., Managing Director, JP Morgan Chase

Deborah Grimes, RN, JD, MSHQS, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Ochsner Health

Slated to be the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) medical school in the Gulf South when it opens, XOCOM expands opportunities for New Orleans’ downtown area as part of the BioDistrict, a development district that is growing biosciences and the local economy. As XOCOM advances healthcare equity and expands the physician workforce in the Gulf South, the medical school will also help the BioDistrict lead the region in healthcare excellence and promote inclusive, equitable job growth.

“Ochsner Health is committed to meeting the needs of the diverse communities we serve, and we are honored to continue our work with Xavier

9 Ways to Support Mental Wellness

(StatePoint) When it comes to overall wellness, focusing on mental health is critical, especially for older adults, according to experts.

“As people age, they may experience stressors such as serious illness, losing close friends and family members, managing life on a fixed income, and coping with concerns about their own mortality. While seniors may show resilience to these dimensions of vitality, when they’re compounded, these losses and stressors can result in a myriad of behavioral health issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia,” says Dr. Lindsay Evans-Mitchell, board certified adult psychiatrist and behavioral health medical director for Cigna Healthcare’s Medicare Advantage business.

Dementia, which includes memory loss and language difficulties, is another issue often more pronounced with age, and in earlier stages, it can often mimic some symptoms of depression.

Fortunately, Dr. Evans-Mitchell says making healthy choices can improve

your quality of life, including your overall mental well-being, and potentially reduce your risk of both depression and dementia: Practice good nutrition: There is evidence that plantbased diets are associated with better health, including better emotional health. That’s another reason to add more green, leafy vegetables to your diet.

Exercise: Regular exercise can positively affect cognitive ability. If you have a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan offering access to a fitness program at no extra cost, then make sure to take advantage of it. You can learn about Cigna Healthcare’s MA plans at cignamedicareinformation.com.

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can negatively affect cognitive performance. Even mild dehydration can drain energy and cause fatigue.

Enjoy some sunshine: Sunlight provides needed vitamin D. Getting sunshine may increase your serotonin and help you stave off depression caused by Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Also, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, expo-

sure to vitamin D can lower dementia risk by as much as 40%. Of course, make sure to take proper precautions, such as wearing a hat, using sunscreen, and wearing eye protection that shields against UV light.

Get plenty of rest: Older adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night, according to the National Institutes of Health. People who get six hours of sleep or less a night are at greater risk of developing dementia later, the organization says. Additionally, poor sleep could be a sign of depression and should be discussed with your doctor.

Stay away from harmful substances: Dealing with behavioral health issues in unhealthy ways, such as abusing prescription or illicit drugs or alcohol, will only worsen the situation. According to the National Institutes for Health, research shows heavy alcohol use can increase the risk of both dementia and depression.

Pick up a hobby: Hobbies like gardening, cooking and solving puzzles can help improve your memory and your physical and mental health.

Be social: Isolation can lead to depression, which only worsened for many during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reach out to friends and family in person, via video chat, or over the telephone.

Find help if you need it: Keep your regular medical appointments, and don’t hesitate to seek additional help from your network, if you need it. This may take the form of a financial advisor, a clergy member, or a mental health professional. Medicare generally covers the cost of behavioral health services, including depression and addiction treatment, as well as talk therapy. Virtual services are often available to those living in rural areas. And if you’re experiencing a crisis that includes suicidal thoughts, call 988 immediately.

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