Citizen Suburban Times Weekly 10-26-2022

Serena Williams Falls for the Beauty of the state of

Illinois COVID-related mortgage assistance program to reopen Nov. 1

Qualifying homeowners can receive up to $30,000 in assistance

By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com

SPRINGFIELD – The state will reopen a mortgage assistance program for pandemic-impacted homeowners on Nov. 1.

The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund, run through the Illinois Hous ing Development Authority, provides up to $30,000 in assistance to homeown ers through payments made directly to mortgage servicers, taxing bodies or other approved entities.

The program is funded through an appropriation from the federal Ameri can Rescue Plan Act and can be used for past-due mortgage payments and up to three months of future payments. The funding can also be used for delin quent property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, condominium or homeowner association fees, and mobile home lot rent.

Funds received do not need to be repaid.

More information is available at illinoishousinghelp.org/ilhaf, and the application portal will be open from Nov. 1 through the end of January 2023.

“The state of Illinois is committed to ensuring that homeowners who are struggling due to this terrible pandemic can stay in their home,” IHDA Exec utive Director Kristin Faust said in a news release. “We designed the ILHAF program to ensure the most vulnerable households are prioritized in order to stave off foreclosure to ensure they are given the opportunity to become current on their monthly housing expenses.”

To qualify, Illinois homeowners must:

Have experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic after Jan. 21, 2020, or a hardship that began before that date and continued afterward.

Currently own and occupy the home in the state as their primary resi dence.

Be at least 30 days late on their monthly housing payment.

Have a household income at or below 150 percent of the area median income.

Be able to demonstrate they have either communicated with their mort gage provider about their inability to pay or sought counseling with a federally approved counseling organization.

Individuals who participated in a previous round of mortgage assistance may apply again in the upcoming round, but the maximum amount a person can receive is $30,000 cumulatively.

As of Sept. 22, the state had approved $20.5 million in assistance through the program with 1,840 approved applications, according to IHDA. The aver age assistance amounted to $12,732 per household. Another 3,721 applications had been submitted to the servicer, 1,485 were under review, and 6,948 had been denied.

IHDA and its housing partners will hold information sessions on the pro gram, and a schedule is posted online at illinoishousinghelp.org. Information can also be obtained by contacting the ILHAF hotline at 1-866-454-3571.

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

ILLINOIS TOLLWAY AWARDS MORE THAN $95.4 million IN CONTRACTS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN OCTOBER

DOWNERS GROVE, IL –The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors today approved seven construction and professional engineering services contracts totaling more than $95.4 million at its October Board meeting.

Nearly $1.1 billion in contracts has been approved by the Tollway Board in 2022, as part of the 11th year of the Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion Move Illinois capital program.

To date, more than $10.5 billion has been invested by the Illinois Tollway since the Move Illinois Program began in 2012, with more than $2.7 billion of that total committed to small, diverse and veteran-owned firms. In addition, the capital program has created or sustained an estimated 114,660 total jobs as of September.

“Approval of these items today ensures that contracts are in place to continue work into the next construction season on the Tollway’s projects to maintain and improve existing roadways and bridges and deliver new infrastructure,” said Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “These contracts allow the Tollway continue to support a variety of businesses and provide jobs for the region’s construction and engineering industry.”

The contracts approved in October include three contractors and consultants and 20 subcontractors and subconsultants that are certified as disadvantaged, minority-and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms and one consultant and seven subcontractors and subconsultant that are certified veteran-owned firms. Commitments for D/M/WBE participation range from 23.42 to 53.38 percent per contract and commitments for veteran participation range from 0.98 to 74 percent per contract.

October construction contracts awards include:

An $81.2 million contract to Judlau Contracting, College Point, NY, for roadway reconstruction and widening between Flagg Creek and the Hins dale Oasis as part of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project.

A $4 million contract to Foundation Mechanics, Chicago, IL, for earthwork and drainage improvements at Taft Avenue as part of the I-490 Tollway Project.

A $2.5 million contract to Plote Construction, Hoffman Estates, IL, for improvements at the I-55 Ramp Toll Plaza as part of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project.

A $958,903 contract to Sheridan Plumbing & Sewer, Bedford Park, IL, for watermain and sanitary sewer installation at the new Hoffman Estates (M-5) maintenance facility on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90).

October professional engineering services contract awards include:

A $4.4 million contract to RS&H Inc./Kaskaskia Engineering Group, St. Charles, IL, for design services for the I-490 Tollway Project.

A $1.9 million contract to Civiltech Engineering, Itasca, IL, design services for reconstruction of the York Road Bridge on the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88).

A $482,353 contract to Orion Engineers, Chicago, IL for systemwide underwater inspection and scour analysis of bridge structures.

Illinois Tollway professional engineering services contracts are selected in accordance with the qualifications-based selection process (Illinois Public Act 87-673 (30 ILCS 535/1-535/80) Architectural, Engineering and Land Surveying Qualifications-Based Selection Act), which requires state agencies to select professional architects, engineers and surveyors based on demon strated competence and professional qualifications. Construction contracts for Illinois Tollway projects are competitively bid under the rules of the Illinois Procurement Code. All contracts are presented to the Illinois Tollway Board of Directors for review and approval.

The Illinois Tollway broadcasts all public meetings on the Tollway’s website at www.illinoistollway.com. This includes all board meetings and public bid openings. Also provided is detailed information about current Tollway construction and professional engineering services contracts through the Construction Contract Tracker. Contractors and consultants can also access resources online to help them learn about how to do business with the Tollway, including construction bid-letting schedules, professional service bulletins, manuals and construction bid calendars. These resources can be found in the “Doing Business” section of the Tollway’s website.

About Move Illinois

The Illinois Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future, is improving mobility, relieving congestion, reducing pollution, creating as many as 152,000 jobs and linking economies throughout the region. The first 10 years of Move Illinois are on schedule and within budget, delivering the new Illinois Route 390 Tollway and a rebuilt and widened Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) with its new SmartRoad corridor, as well as opening a new inter change connecting the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to I-57. Progress continues on projects addressing the remaining needs of the existing Tollway system, delivering the new I-490 Tollway Project and reconstructing the Central TriState Tollway (I-294).

AUNT JACKIE’S SURPRISES FISK UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS TEAM WITH $25,000

TUCKER, Ga., PRNews wire -- Recently, while on the Jennifer Hudson Show, the newly formed FISK University women’s gymnastics team was surprised with a $25,000 check from Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils. The donation will cover the sixteen-member team’s travel expenses enabling these talented student athletes to attend national competitions. This team is the first intercol legiate gymnastics team in HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) history and will compete against colleges across the country. The women, prior to going on the show, were also treated to a full Aunt Jackie’s glam makeover and the studio audience all went home with $100 Aunt Jackie’s gift cards.

“Having the first HBCU gymnastics team means making history,” trumpets Coach Corrinne Tarver. “We are paving the way for future gymnasts to be able to attend a HBCU and continue their gymnastics career; this donation means the world to us!”

“Aunt Jackie’s is dedicated to the ongoing support of HBCU students, and we’re thrilled FISK has launched the first ever women’s gymnastics team,” says HBCU graduate Kendria Strong, Chief Marketing Officer at House of Cheatham, parent company to Aunt Jackie’s. “These students are the best and the brightest and it’s our honor to help lay the groundwork for their future success.”

In 2021, House of Cheatham gifted three million dollars to Clark Atlanta University to fund The Robert H. “Bob” Bell/House of Cheatham Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development to support the educa tion and growth of Black entrepreneurs. Bob” H. Bell,

built House of Cheatham’s brands into household names.

Aunt Jackie’s continues to grow with the latest launch of the Elixir Essentials, a hair and scalp oil trio formulated with natural ingredients including Biotin, Rosemary, Collagen, Tea Tree Oil, and Jamaican Black Castor Oil to provide moisture while supporting thicker fuller strands and protective styles.

House of Cheatham is a privately held company located in Tucker GA, established in 1924, as a personal care and grooming products manufacturer. Its portfolio currently, sold in over 30 countries, includes 11 brands of hair and skin care products including Aunt Jackie’s and Originals by Africa’s Best. Learn more about the company’s brands and commitments at: www.houseof cheatham.com and www.auntjackiescurlsandcoils.com

Follow us on Facebook @AuntJackies; Instagram @AuntJackiescurlsandcoils; YouTube Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils

Postal Service Dedicating Kwanzaa Forever Stamp

ST. LOUIS, PRNewswire -- With this vibrant new stamp design, the U.S. Postal Service continues its tradi tion of celebrating Kwanzaa by dedicating a new Forever stamp. The ceremony took place at America’s Center Ferrara Theater in St. Louis.

The stamp design depicts two children — a girl and a boy — standing together with a kinara (candle holder) and the seven lit candles (mishumaa saba) in front of them. They are dressed in robes akin to spiritual garments. A light-blue circle behind the children’s heads represents wholeness and unifies the figures, and a mosaic motif frames the background.

Art Director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp with original artwork by Erin Robinson.

The Kwanzaa stamp is sold in booklets of 20. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #Kwanzaa Stamps.

Each year, millions of African Americans gather with friends and family throughout the week of Kwanzaa to honor the Pan-African holiday’s seven founding princi ples — unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba),

and faith (imani).

Kwanzaa is a festive time for rejoicing in the pros pect of health, prosperity, and good luck in the coming year. It is also a time for contemplation and recollection of past hardships, faced by both individuals and communi ties, and the ways in which history can inform and impact future happiness.

With origins in ancient and modern first-harvest fes tivities occurring across the African continent, Kwanzaa incorporates and reimagines many communal traditions as a contemporary celebration and reaffirmation of Afri can American culture.

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

Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com

Hennessy and Thurgood Marshall College Fund Announce partnership with Group Black

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Hennessy and Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) announce a new collaboration with Brook lyn-Based, The Bishop Gallery and Group Black, the largest collective of Black-owned media, to bring the “Our Friend Jean” Exhibition to six Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationwide. The HBCU campus tour of the exhibition includes Hampton University, Howard University, Clark Atlanta University, Tennessee State University, Dillard University, and Texas Southern University.

From now through Dec. 7, HBCU students will be able to partic ipate in gallery programs such as private tours, talks with curators and collectors, and special immersive experiences designed at each school.

“Our Friend, Jean” was first curated and exhibited by The Bishop Gallery in 2019 in the artist’s hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y. In conjunc tion with collector Alexis Adler, Gallerist & Curators Erwin John and Stevenson Dunn, Jr. developed this exhibition and tour in their continued mission to make the arts more accessible to underrepresented groups.

“Since the inception of our Hennessy Fellows Program in 2019, we’ve worked with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to advance educational pathways for Black students nationwide and encourage them to push the limits of their potential,” said Jasmin Allen, Senior Vice President, Hennessy US. This new commitment allows us to continue that mission and reach more HBCU campuses, providing students with access to renowned art and culture.”

“Our Friend, Jean” is a curated collection of 20 plus artworks on loan from collectors who knew Jean-Mi chel as friends, lovers, and collabo rators. The collectors consist of Jane Diaz, Hilary Jaeger, Katie Taylor, and Lucy Sante, and also include photographer Alexis Adler, who was Basquiat’s friend and roommate, and Al Diaz, Co-Creator of SAMO©. Adler’s rare photographs collection shines a light on Basquiat’s personal life, and they will be sharing their remembrances and untold stories about their friendship with Basquiat throughout the week at each location. Hennessy and TMCF will also host an exclusive experience celebrating Black excellence and the lega cy of Jean-Michel Basquiat in each tour city.

“The exhibition will highlight some of the earliest artworks created by America’s most influential artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. His massive influence on pop culture and record-breaking sales continue to dominate the art world, as he remains one of the most sought-after artists in his tory,” Stevenson Dunn, Jr., Co-Owner of The Bishop Gallery. “During the immersive gallery experience, there will be live discussions with Basquiat’s close friends and people who knew him personally. These stories will hopefully help students gain insight into Jean-Michel’s early influences and creative inspirations.”

Group Black has quickly become a major player in the media space, known for creating custom opportunities and scaled distribution for Black-owned media and creators that would not otherwise be avail able. With this experience, Group Black is working with The Bishop Gallery to create a unique opportunity to authentically connect the students and culture at HBCU’s with the inspiring works of Jean-Michel Basquiat.

“It is essential that we amplify diverse creativity,” said Bonin Bough, co-founder & Chief Strategy Officer. “By partnering with The Bishop Gallery to bring Jean-Michel Basquiat’s artwork to HBCU’s across the country it is our hope that it inspires the next generation of culture creators.”

To date, Hennessy has committed $14 million over 10 years to TMCF, through the Hennessy Fellows program, which has helped to increase the visibility of HBCU talent to take on leadership roles across major organizations in North America. As of 2022, more than 30 Hennessy Fellows have successfully completed the program and progressed into full-time employment. Now, Hennessy and TMCF are able to support The Bishop Gallery with Group Black in engaging and educating more HBCU students about “Our Friend, Jean” Exhibition, eliminating previous barriers to access and creating more equity in the arts community.

Kendria Strong, Chief Marketing Officer at House of Cheatham, parent company to Aunt Jackie’s, along with the FISK gymnastics team and Jennifer Hudson. PRNewsFoto.

PRNewsFoto.

Serena Williams Falls for the Beauty of the state of Yucatan

MERIDA, Yucatan — Tennis superstar, Serena Wiliams, is the latest celebrity to fall for the beauty of the state of Yucatan’s natural won der, traditions, gastronomy, and nature. Williams who posted on her Instagram account on her stay at the exclusive Chablé Resort last week, visited the state while on holiday with friends and family who also experienced the destination as part of an engagement celebration.

The athlete, who was ranked world No. 1 in singles by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) for 319 weeks and won 23 Grand Slams and 73 titles, and her friends toured the state of Yucatan extensively making their home base the “White City” of Merida.

The group visited the Tsukán Sanctuary of Life, where the group enjoyed the natural won der of a cenote surrounded by nature and vege tation. Later, they saw the emblematic archae ological zone of Chichén Itzá, where they took pictures in front of the mystical and imposing temple. Finally, they visited the “Magical Town of Valladolid,” where they tasted the delicious gastronomy of the region in the restaurant “La Casona de Valladolid” by the Xcaret group.

Williams is the latest in a group of cele brates who have made the state of Yucatan a must for the holidays. Other athletes and person alities who have visited the state this year in clude The Batman’s Zoe Kravitz, Magic Mike’s Channing Tatum, Supermodel Cindy Crawford and her daughter, Kaia Gerber, Formula One race car drivers Estaban Gutiérrez and Charles Lecrerc, and Denver Broncos Cheerleaders. Visitors to the state

of Yucatan will have cultural, gastronomic, and histori cal experiences that reliable and safe, particularly after the pandemic.

MIAMI HOTSPOT - MILA EXPANDS, ADDING A NEW LEVEL OF LUXURY

MIAMI, PRNewswire -- MILA, the vibrant dining destination by Riviera Dining Group, known to transport guests on a “MediterAsian” journey, is adding 7,900 square-feet to the origi nal space. The Miami-based hotspot’s expansion will include a new 2nd floor, housing multiple experiences: MM Club, MILA Omakase, MILA Lounge.

“The additional concepts provide the oppor tunity to lead the luxury and lifestyle industry in South Florida,” said Gregory Galy, CEO and Founder of RDG.

At ultra-private MM Club, Members will be welcomed into a dark and cozy space, providing a glamorous twist to the conventional speakeasy, while offering specialty menu of dishes. MM offers curated programming and member perks including priority seating and special arrange ments across all RDG venues.

At MILA Omakase, time stops as guests enter the enclosed room where the dramatic omakase countertop, the large Cherry blossom tree and 10 seats are revealed. The 15-course ex perience inspired by the Japanese 52 micro-sea sons will have additional wine and sake pairing.

At MILA Lounge, evenings continue as guests will enjoy an elevated and secluded night life experience in a glamorous atmosphere, with light bites, innovative mixology, bottle service,

music from top industry DJs. The vibe will be set with warm glow lamps, wooden ceilings, and dramatic lush foliage hanging from the walls.

The expansion’s design was led by Lazaro Rosa-Violan and Olya Volkova. Lazaro is an internationally acclaimed designer whose work has been graced in top worldwide publications. Hailing from Spain, he describes himself as a traveler and creator of atmospheres. Volkova is a profound Los Angeles-based designer with projects all over the U.S., and previously led the original design of MILA. The designers worked together, combining elements to create a memo rable space.

Riviera Dining Group is now hiring 50-70 new staff members both front and back of house. For more detail on hiring at MILA and apply, visit https://www.milarestaurant.com/join-theteam.

Following the success of its original restau rant, MILA in Miam Beach, Florida, Riviera Dining Group (RDG) was founded in early 2021 with the purpose to create an innovative and genuine hospitality company, meant to transform the way people experience dining. Since its in ception, RDG has already expanded its hospitali ty concepts and locations, with AVA MediterrAe gean opened last February in Winter Park, FL and Casa Neos opening in 2023 in Miami FL.

DISCOVER PUERTO RICO AND MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL LAUNCH LIVE BORICUA EXPERIENCE PACKAGES THROUGH THE HOLIDAY SEASON

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, PRNewswire -- Discover Puerto Rico, the Island’s Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) and Marriott International have announced the launch of Live Boric ua Experience Packages that offer immersive rooms, featuring arts, decor, experiences and culinary offerings deeply rooted in the Puerto Rican DNA. Inspired by Discover Puerto Rico’s Live Boricua brand campaign, which invites travelers to enjoy things the Boricua - or Puerto Rican - way, these travel packages include lodging and experiences that highlight Puerto Rico’s diversified talent and local brands.

Chocolatiers VIDA by Yara and Chocobar Cortés, Don Q Rum, and eye-catching art by Angelo Alvarez and Bernardo Medina are a few of the local brands and artists featured in rooms specifically curated in Marriott International properties throughout the Island. Bomba musical presentations, private cooking class es and heritage tours are examples of some of the experiences offered.

“The Live Boricua experience packages and immersive rooms celebrate what makes Puerto Rico unique, the people and its culture,” said Leah Chandler, Chief Marketing Officer of Discover Puerto Rico. “We are delighted to partner with Marriott Interna tional to highlight local brands and incredibly talented artisans for travelers to truly immerse themselves into all that Puerto Rico has to offer.”

“We’re thrilled that this collaboration with Discover Puerto Rico and the Live Boricua Experience Packages serve as a conduit to engage with residents and travelers alike, as well as putting a well-deserved spotlight on local talents and brands,” said Diana Plazas-Trowbridge, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Caribbean and Latin America, at Marriott International. “Our properties across the island are beyond excited to show visitors everything Puerto Rico has to offer with these uniquely enhanced guestrooms and series of cultural experiences. From its warmth traditions to its heritage and divine gastronomy, Puerto Rico is the perfect destination,” adds Plazas.

To learn more about the Live Boricua destination campaign and how to book experience packages currently offered in partner ship with Marriott International, visit https://www.discoverpuer torico.com/live-boricua. We also invite you to follow Discover Puerto Rico social channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,100 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly-awarded travel program. Connect with us on Facebook and @marriottresorts on Twitter and Instagram.

Yucatan

Tasting of premium Puerto Rican rums and chocolates at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. Credit Discover Puerto Rico. PRNewsFoto.

T.J.Maxx and “Find Your Maxx” Partner and Mentor Yvonne Orji Launch Interactive Workshop Series for Women Everywhere

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., PRNewswire -- As part of its mission to provide women with essential tools that empower them to ditch the fear of failure and put themselves first, T.J. Maxx is launching its Find Your Maxx workshop series this weekend. Find Your Maxx is part of The Maxx You Project, T.J. Maxx’s ongoing initiative to support women with tools and resources as they navigate the process of becoming their most authentic, unapologetic selves.

Earlier this year, T.J. Maxx and Emmy-nominated actress, comedian, and writer, Yvonne Orji partnered to launch Find Your Maxx, offering one lucky grand prize winner the mentorship of a lifetime and $50,000 in starter funds to help propel them toward their Maxx self. Now, Yvonne will kick off an interactive virtual workshop series with the ‘Maxx Your Mindset’ session, co-hosted by seasoned life coach Sophia Casey. The first workshop took place on Instagram Live via @ tjmaxx on Oct. 15. Following Orji’s workshop, five additional workshop installments will follow, each hosted by two influen tial women, throughout October and November via Instagram Live and TikTok Live and will provide viewers with support and resources they need to break down the barriers of self-pri oritization and maintain a confident mindset.

“Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s not always easy to Maxx Your Mindset – sometimes we just need a little help get ting started! During my virtual workshop, I’ll be hosting a dis

cussion on how I tap into my Maxx self, and I’ll share tools to help you become your best, most confident self,” said Yvonne Orji. “I’m also excited to introduce the Find Your Maxx grand prize winner as we kick start her journey. Be sure to tune in on @tjmaxx’s Instagram Live and ask questions – I can’t wait to pass along what I’ve learned from my mentors and inspire women everywhere to be their most unapologetic selves.”

The workshop series is designed to provide women with actionable tools to become their most authentic self and includes themes like ‘Maxx Your Mentors’ and ‘Maxx Your Confidence.’ T.J. Maxx will also collaborate with global non-profit organization Dress for Success – an ongoing partner – on the ‘Maxx Your Career’ virtual workshop to support its mission of empowering women to transform their lives and re-envision their futures.

“The Maxx You Project community has grown tremen dously since it began in 2017, and we’re proud to provide women with tools and resources that empower them,” said Robyn Arvedon, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, T.J. Maxx. “We look forward to kicking off the Find Your Maxx workshop series and continuing this impactful movement we’ve started.”

For more information on The Maxx You Project, as well as tools and resources to use during the Find Your Maxx work shops, visit maxxyouproject.com.

Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation Celebrates Commitment to Mental Health Support

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- On Tues day, Oct. 11, the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation celebrated its ongoing commitment to support mental health with a cocktail fundraiser hosted by Executive Chairman of Saks and President of the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation Richard Baker and Saks CEO Marc Metrick at L’Ave nue at Saks in New York City. The event raised $1.8 million to help strengthen the Founda tion’s mission to make mental health a priority in every community by increasing awareness and education, improving access to care, and promoting the tools and skills that build posi tive mental health for those who need it most.

“There is no doubt that the last two and a half years have challenged people around the world in unforeseen ways,” said Richard Bak er, Executive Chairman of Saks and President of the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation. “The need for mental health support has never been more urgent, and we are grateful to our many partners who make our efforts possible through their generous donations. With this latest fund ing, we are able to continue supporting our nonprofit partners in delivering crucial mental health support to those in need.”

Since the Foundation’s founding in 2017, Saks Fifth Avenue and the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation have donated more than $5.8 million for U.S. mental health initiatives and reached over 6.6 million individuals through programs that promote positive mental health, with a focus on allocating resources to under served communities. This year, the Foundation launched a $250,000 fund that will support grassroots, community-based organizations whose local efforts are critical in offering support to the health and wellbeing of those they serve.

“Five years ago, the Saks Fifth Avenue

Foundation embarked on a journey to make an impact on mental health, and today, we feel just as passionate about supporting this increasingly important cause,” noted Marc Metrick, CEO of Saks and Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation Board Member. “We are proud of the incredible work our nonprofit partners are doing to ensure that underserved communities and populations disproportionately affected by mental health issues receive critical access to care. We appreciate our many partners who make this work possible through their continued dedication to the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation’s efforts.”

Guests at the fundraiser enjoyed a special performance by six-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist and pop culture icon, Dionne Warwick, who sang three of her top hits including “What The World Needs Now Is Love,” “That’s What Friends Are For,” and “If I Want To.” Dionne joins an impressive roster of legendary artists who have performed at the Foundation’s annual Fall Fundraiser, includ ing Patti LaBelle, Cyndi Lauper and Rufus Wainwright.

“There’s something that can be done about mental illness and it takes all of us to do that,” noted Ms. Warwick. “All we have to do is care, truly care, and always try to make peo ple smile. In the fight against mental illness, we need to be of service to our neighbors, our children, our friends and to our enemies too. Most importantly, just remember that we all can make a difference.”

The Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation thanks and recognizes key partners for their significant contributions, including American Express, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, Cap ital One, Kering, Simon Property Group and Wendy & Steven Langman.

La Roche-Posay and the Women’s Dermatologic Society Partner for Diversity in Dermatology Fellowship

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- La Roche-Posay is proud to partner with the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) to sponsor a Fellowship in the Department of Dermatology at Howard University’s College of Medicine for UIM medical students. The fellowship was created to support UIM candidates who are seeking additional clinical or research experi ence in dermatology prior to applying to residency.

Dermatology is one of the most com petitive medical specialties. It is also one of the least diverse, only second to ortho pedic surgery, where only 3% of derma tologists are Black. Medical students must match with a program to move forward into residency. This Fellowship hopes to increase representation in Dermatology by providing an opportunity to support those students whose application may need to be strengthened. A fellowship of this nature can be a step in securing a spot in derma tology residency programs.

During this year-long fellowship, the fellow will conduct translational and clin ical research in addition to participating in Howard University’s dermatology clinics and community outreach events.

About Fellowships:

Many Dermatology Fellowship programs are unfunded, which limits the number of people that can participate in them. Even if the candidate has the grades, talent and drive to become a fellow, they may not have the financial means to sup port themselves.

The Diversity in Dermatology Fellowship was designed by a committee from the Women’s Dermatologic Society, La Roche-Posay and Howard University to include the following:

A livable salary that includes a sti pend for health insurance

A grant for the fellow to conduct research in dermatology

Funding for Howard University’s dermatology professors to support the fellow’s learning

A travel stipend for the Fellow to attend match interviews as well as two family visits during the fellowship

This year’s Diversity in Dermatology fellow is Chidubem Okeke. Ms. Okeke is a 3rd year medical student at How ard University College of Medicine and Co-President of its Student Dermatology Society. She graduated from Cornell Uni versity with a B.S. in Nutritional Sciences and a Minor in Inequality Studies. She is primarily interested in understanding skin diseases that disproportionately affect skin of color patients to help reduce health disparities. Additional research interests include contact dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and diversity and inclusion in medical education. She is co-chair of the Scarring Alopecia Foundation’s Journey to Acceptance medical student working group, which offers support resources for those affected by scarring hair loss. As the WDS-La Roche-Posay Dermatology fellow, she is excited to continue pursuing her passions for dermatology research as well as patient education and outreach.

The partnership with WDS and La Roche-Posay, a leader in dermatolo gist-recommended skincare, with Howard University, a historically Black research university, brings together three separate institutions in the industries of academia and organized medicine for a visionary and first-of-its-kind collaboration.

Photo Credit: Erik Carter

Improving Health Outcomes through Equity and Access

Betteraccess to healthcare equals better health outcomes. Biogen strives to increase access and address the barriers that patient populations face. Oftentimes, health outcomes depend on factors beyond the control of patients and their doctors. Dis parities across age, gender, race, ethnicity and socio economic level are some examples. One of the key parts to Biogen’s approach involves researching and understanding these issues as well as their compound ing factors, such as, inadequate representation in clin ical trials and limitations to accessing care. Overall, the goal is clear: improve health outcomes for Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino and other under served communities in Biogen’s main disease areas.

Research and Collaboration

Issues of culture awareness and mistrust remain prev alent alongside a host of other considerations prior to enrollment in a clinical trial. To address these issues, Biogen uses a multi-channeled health equity strate gy which includes incorporating diverse community perspectives and insights into our drug development and engaging with the community by partnering with organizations to educate, build awareness, establish trust, and drive health equity.

In partnership with the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP), Biogen formed a Community Advisory Board (CAB) of patient advocates from underserved and underrepre sented communities who co-develop honest and trans parent educational assets for patients, HCPs and clin ical trial sites to discuss the importance of diversity in clinical trials. The CAB has also advised on various program and study designs as well as the develop ment of Biogen Trial Link, a publicly facing website to learn more about and find clinical trials.

In collaboration with the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF), Biogen launched the Clinical Trial Index and Clinical Trial Learning Community (CTLC) which uses U.S. heat maps of Medicare/Medicaid ben eficiary data by patient demographics and maps them against clinical trial site locations. This information seeks to identify the right sites in the right locations to meet patient needs. The CTLC launched as a vir tual space for local stakeholders and subject matter experts to integrate routines in local care networks to increase underrepresented and underserved popula tion participation in clinical trials.

Clinical Recruitment and Specific Disease Areas

As the clinical study recruitment begins, Biogen teams track and report their progress toward the study tar gets that represent the epidemiology of their respec tive disease. Given this commitment, 2021 had 100% of Phase 1–4 studies in the U.S. including a plan to recruit participants from underrepresented commu nities to ensure the study population is representa tive of the intended treatment population. They also launched an Internal Participant Demographic Dis tribution Dashboard to track and measure the demo graphic distribution of participants across programs and studies, and to compare directly to epidemiology targets. Within certain disease areas, Biogen has built community and faith-based outreach and education programs for disease awareness and general clinical trial education with trusted organizations such as HEAL Collaborative and Proximity Health Solutions.

In Alzheimer’s specifically, they have sponsored the Bright Focus Foundation’s Virtual Community Out reach Series, bringing sustained Alzheimer’s disease and clinical trial education and access to communities with an underrepresented focus. Additionally, Biogen co-developed a paper with the NMQF titled “A Road map for Real-World Evidence Generation in Alzhei mer’s Disease.” It highlights how real-world evidence can include larger patient populations that are his torically underrepresented in randomized controlled trials.

In Lupus, Biogen collaborated with Saira Z. Sheikh, M.D., Director of University of North Carolina (UNC) Rheumatology Lupus Clinic and Director of the Clin ical Trials Program at UNC’s Thurston Arthritis Re search Center, to gather insights on barriers to clini cal trial enrollment among underrepresented groups. These insights are being used to inform Biogen’s clin ical development programs in lupus and address eq uity in study participation. For the Phase 3 studies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Biogen set enrollment targets that reflect the prevalence of SLE in Black or African American and Hispanic and/or Latino communities to achieve appropriate represen tation. Through partnerships with community-based Proximity Health Solutions and faith-based HEAL Collaborative, along with expert panels of commu nity leaders, HCPs and patient advocates, they par

ticipated in seven events across the U.S. in 2021 to educate communities about lupus and clinical trial research.

A Holistic Approach to Inclusion and Equity

Beyond this commitment to the patients and their specific needs, Biogen also focuses on the workers in volved in clinical trials. In 2021, they joined the Asso ciation of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) as part of ACRP Partners in Workforce Advancement™, which works to expand the diversity of the clinical re search workforce and to set and support standards for workforce competence.

Additionally, Biogen has fostered employee collabo ration to increase awareness of health equity needs cross-functionally. In 2021, they introduced a Health Equity Ideas Cafe Series to deepen organization-wide understanding of Biogen’s commitment, including representation in our clinical trials and equitable ac cess. The three-part series engaged internal and ex ternal guest speakers on themes of lupus awareness, patient voices and community partnerships, and equi table access to healthcare. In addition, Biogen hosted an event with John Sawyer, Ph.D., ABPP-CN and a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist of the Ochs ner Neuroscience Institute; and Donnie Batie, M.D., on successful approaches to caring for underrepre sented patients.

From their research into healthcare disparities and patients’ needs, Biogen’s approach to health equity is guided by the motivation to help those who have his torically been underserved. Concretely, this commit ment to health equity looks like: clinical trial diver sity, empowering underrepresented groups, engaging employees, and launching new tools to improve acces sibility.

Visit Biogen Trial Link to learn more about clinical trials and how you can support equity and access ef forts such as these.

Dave East and droppLabs Offer Fans the Opportunity to Executive Produce His Next EP

NEW YORK -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- droppLabs, a lead ing subsidiary of dropp group (“Dropp”), a future-forward Web3 enabler, and Dave East, commercially and critically acclaimed music artist and actor in Wu-Tang: An American Saga, today announced the launch of the flagship program “Dave East Total Access.” The program allows 5,000 members to collaborate with Dave East’s team, become credited executive producers for his upcoming EP, and receive exclusive benefits.

“We are thrilled to work with Dave East on this Web3-en abled music experience that will turn fans and aspiring music industry professionals into credited executive producers on his next project,” said Gurps Rai, CEO and co-founder of drop pLabs. “This is the first experience of its kind that offers fans and those interested in the music industry real-world production experience and access to one of their favorite signed artists. As the digital age transforms how music is produced and con sumed, there is vast potential for creating new access to histori cally gated knowledge and experiences.”

As part of the program, Dave East Total Access Members will have exclusive access to a six-module interactive course with 21 hours of instructional content. The course will be taught by some of the biggest names in the business, including Dave and his cohorts, such as multi-platinum producer Buda Da Future, who has worked with some of rap’s biggest superstars, Gunna, Juice WRLD, Rick Ross, and many more. The immer sive program will prepare members to build & develop a career in the music industry.

The program will also utilize peer-to-peer learning with members working collaboratively with Dave East and his team. Members will also have the opportunity to be involved in various aspects of the EP production. The offering is designed to create a digitally democratized system of access to working in the music industry which was previously blocked. The Dave East Total Access program highlights the tangible utility of tokenized digital assets and immersive Web3 experiences that reimagine the relationship between artists and their fans.

“I’m excited to use Web3 technology to give my fans and aspiring music producers across the globe the chance to be a real part of one of my projects,” said Dave East. “This is the only project that lets members learn Web3 technology and build a valuable community while doing what we love most – making great music.”

Members will also receive a unique and tradeable Dave East NFT created by one of the industry’s most creative young artists, Marly McFly. “This is an innovative project combining the best of music, technology, art and education. I am thrilled to join Dave East and droppLabs to provide fans a truly unique experience,” said Marly McFly.

Memberships for the Dave East Total Access and additional details are now available at www.daveeasttotalaccess.com.

For more info, please visit www.dropplabs.io.

Clubhouse Media Group, Inc. Closes Promo Deal With Klay Thompson, Four-Time NBA Champion

LOS ANGELES, PRNews wire -- Clubhouse Media Group, Inc. (OTCMKTS: CMGR) (“CMGR”), an influencer-based social media firm and digital talent management agency, announced that they have finalized a brand promotional deal with four-time NBA champion and five-time NBA All-Star, Klay Thompson. Thompson was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2011. He holds the NBA regular season records for most points scored in a quarter and most three-pointers made in a game. Off the court, Thompson has become active on social media, boasting 13.4M followers on Instagram alone.

“It was a pleasure to work with James Barry, and Klay’s broad er team at Wasserman” said Alden Reiman, President

of The Reiman Agency. “They are best in class and a key partner which has allowed us to bolster our services to top brands.”

“The agency has been closing deals with brands and talent of the highest stature” said Amir Ben-Yo hanan, CEO of CMGR. “As we continue to grow our sales team, we can extend our reach and make a lasting impression in the digital advertising space.”

CMGR offers management, production, and deal-making services to its handpicked influ encers, a management division for individual influencer clients, and an investment arm for joint ventures and acquisitions for companies in the social media influencer space.

Follow CMGR on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClubhouseCMGR

Passage to Host “Knostalgia” Hip-Hop/Martial Arts Festival in the Metaverse

WINCHESTER, Va., PRNewswire -- Passage, a platform for creating and connecting metaverse experiences, announced Knostalgia, a hip-hop / martial arts festival in partnership with rapper Philippe Prosper (better known as “Rap Is A Martial Art”).

Hosted in Passage with 3D video chat and spatial ized audio, the virtual event will feature the exclusive release and performance of Rap Is A Martial Art’s new project “Knostalgia” on Feb. 25.

The Knostalgia lineup will feature performances, talks, and appearances by prominent hip-hop and martial artists, including:

RZA of the WuTang Clan Martial Club, the fight choreographers from Everything Ev erywhere All At Once Cory Gunz Mickey Factz

Additional per formers and speakers to be announced

“It’s been a long-time dream of mine to merge the worlds of hip-hop and martial arts in one event,” said Rap Is A Martial Art. “The Passage team shares my disruptive, out-of-the-box DNA. With top-notch 3D aesthetics and an unparalleled vision, they were the ideal partner and right hand to bring this experience to life. Hosting Knostalgia in the Passage metaverse is allowing us to create a one-of-a kind event with global reach, while maintaining a personal touch and delivering high artistic value.”

The brainchild of rapper and former Internation al Kung Fu Grand Champion Rap Is A Martial Art, Knostalgia is a first-of-its-kind event merging the worlds

of hip-hop and martial arts in an immersive virtual environment.

Fans interested in attending the festival can join the waitlist for tickets at RIAMAFest.com.

“As Martial Club, we have long prided ourselves in being on the cutting edge of martial arts in cinema,” said Daniel Mah, co-founder of Martial Club. “We are excited to work with Passage and Rap Is A Martial Art to contribute to a future where martial arts and hip-hop can be expe rienced on a whole new level in a virtual space. Innovation is key to the survival and evolution of our art form, and we believe the metaverse is the platform on which we can elevate it to the highest level.”

Knostalgia is hosted exclusively in Passage, a platform for building and connecting virtual and physical experiences. Attendees can join the festival via their internet browser on any device thanks to Passage’s in-browser streaming and 3D communication infrastructure. Passage is built with Unreal Engine 5, enabling high-end, real-time 3D graphics and immersive visuals.

This news follows the recent appointment of Passage CEO Caleb Applegate, a web3 and enter tainment industry veteran who is currently leading a $9.2M private sale of the project’s native PASG token. To date, the team behind Passage has worked with leading brands like Capitol Records, Amazon Studios, and American Girl to host custom experiences using Passage technology.

PRNewsfoto/Clubhouse Media Group, Inc

droppLabs and Dave East announce the launch of “Dave East Total Access.”

(Graphic: Business Wire)

THETA OMEGA CHAPTER TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

The Theta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated will host a double celebration to commemorate its Centennial and to celebrate the payoff of its 30-year mortgage on its multimillion-dollar AKARAMA Foundation Community Service Center in 15 years. The Center is under the umbrella of the AKARAMA Foundation, the charitable arm of Theta Omega chapter.

The Chapter will honor these milestones with a Reception on Saturday, November 5 from 2-5 PM at the Center, 6220 S. Ingleside. The theme of the celebration is “100 Years of Sister hood and Service: Strengthening Our Community.” Founded on November 5, 1922, the chapter is hailed as one of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s premiere chapters. Theta Omega Chapter was the first Graduate Chapter in Chicago and boasts an illustrious history.

During the reception, members will reflect on the past 100 years and will make projections for the future. Several organizations such as Legal Aid Chicago, DLA Piper Law Firm, University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement will be recognized and will receive expressions of appreciation for being sustained supporters through the years.

In making the announcement, Kimberley Egonmwan, Esq. President of the AKArama Foundation and Theta Omega chapter declared that the reception will hail the chapter’s Centennial milestone. Egonmwan also asserted: “Retiring the mortgage is a triumph and a reflection of the Foundation’s love and devotion to serving the community.”

Located in the heart of the Woodlawn community, the Center is heralded as a beacon of light. Under its roof is a service haven where programs are planned and hosted by mem bers who reach out to the community and provide information, tools and resources.

Egonmwan declared that the payoff of the Center rep resents the culmination of a dream by the Foundation members. “In illustrating their financial might, members pooled their

resources, combined their talents, crafted a plan, harnessed their strengths and executed their mission: to own, manage and control the Foundation’s direction and destiny. It is a powerful show of Black economic empowerment by African-American women.”

The President revealed that the early payoff was because aggressive fundraising efforts were mounted. Additionally, with extra-generous donations from members and substantial amounts bequeathed to the chapter, the mortgage was paid off in half the time.

During the event on Saturday November 5, members will host a symbolic “Burning of the Mortgage.”

The AKArama Community Service Center stands as a brick-and-mortar extension of the Foundation members’ passion, resolve and commitment to service. Under its roof, the Foundation has served millions, awarded over $1 million in scholarships and, overall, earned its designation as a citadel of service.

The acquisition and ownership of the Community Service Center is a major part of the arc of history of Theta Omega and the AKARAMA Foundation. In the 1990s, members began craving for a bigger space. These constant laments represented the tipping point that led to the eventual building of the Center. Audrey Cooper-Stanton, chapter president in 1999, led the charge. She put in motion a plan, assembled a team, and did the preliminary work that achieved results.

To seek support, Cooper-Stanton met with State Senator Emil Jones, Jr., who was also president of the State Senate.

Impressed with the community service focus, Jones directed Cooper-Stanton to prepare a plan capturing the vision. She crafted and submitted a proposal. Within a month, Coo per-Stanton received a commitment that the Foundation was awarded $500,000 from the Illinois First Fund. Additionally, the City sold the chapter eight parcels of land valued at $450,000 for a total of $1 per parcel. Reflecting on the significance of

these two developments Stanton-Cooper remarked: “With these two events, the Center went from a dream to a reality.”

The contractors charged with the overall project were Black-owned firms: The architect was Raymond Broady of RBA Architects; construction management was entrusted to UBM, Inc., whose president is Paul J. King, Jr.

In 2007, five years after the groundbreaking, the AKAra ma Foundation Community Service Center opened its doors to much fanfare and excitement.

Spotlighted among the attendees was State Senator Emil Jones, Jr. who was hailed for his role in giving life to the Center. Jones is invited to attend and will be applauded at the reception on November 5.

With pride, Egonmwan declared, “The AKArama Com munity Center is emblematic of the 100 years of service that defines the Foundation and the chapter. The Center has emerged as a service haven where programs are planned and hosted by members who reach out to the community and provide infor mation, tools and resources. We invite the public to participate in the many activities that take place at the Center.

The reception will be the first of three events to com memorate Theta Omega’s Centennial. Following are the other high-profile events and the dates:

• On Saturday November 12 the chapter will host a gala formal at the Marriott Hotel, 540 N. Michigan Avenue begin ning at 6:00 P.M. Members will reflect on 100 years of service through testimonials and anecdotes.

•On Sunday, November 13.the Centennial Celebration will culminate with a brunch, also at the Marriott, beginning at 11: A.M. Members will offer final words of praise and gratitude while looking forward to the second century.

To purchase tickets to the Centennial events and for more information, log on to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrat ing-100-years-of-sisterhood-service-a-centennial-ball-tick ets-412891378227.

American Lung Association Invests

$13.1 Million in New Research

CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- Lung health research is more im portant than ever. Never have we faced so many challenges to our lung health, including COVID-19, vaping and smoke from increased wild fires. To find solutions to alleviate the burden of lung disease, today the American Lung Association announced it awarded research grants and is now funding more than 100 innovative projects. The funded projects address a wide range of lung health topics, including asthma, COPD, lung cancer, COVID-19 and more.

For its 2022-2023 funding cycle, the Lung Association funded $13.1 million for more than 130 lung health research grants. Through the Awards and Grants Program, the Lung Associ ation supports trailblazing research, novel ideas and innovative approaches. For this round of funding, the Lung Association placed a greater focus on strategic partnerships with key orga nizations like American Thoracic Society and CHEST, and grants that focus on equity like the Harold Amos Scholar.

“More than 34 million Americans live with lung disease, includ ing asthma, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). On top of that, we are seeing emerging lung health threats that we have never seen before. That’s why the American Lung Association is investing in the top scientific minds to find better ways to reduce the burden of lung disease and investigate the long-term impacts of lung health challenges like vaping, climate change and COVID-19,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “We are honored to welcome our 2023 Research Team and empower them to help us prevent lung disease and improve the lives of people living with lung disease for years to come.”

Research projects funded by the Lung Association are carefully selected through rigorous scientific review and awardees represent the

investigation of a wide range of complex issues. Awards were given in eight different categories; ALA/AAAAI Allergic Respiratory Diseases Award, ALA/ATS/CHEST Foundation Respiratory Health Equity Re search Award, Catalyst Award, COVID-19 Respiratory Virus Research Award, Dalsemer Award, Innovation Award, Lung Cancer Discovery Award, and Public Policy Research Award.

A few of the recent grant awardees include:

Lung Cancer Discovery Award Presented to Moumita Ghosh, PhD, from the University of Colorado Denver for his study on lung cancer titled, “Deconstructing and reconstructing the impact of the immune microenvironment.” When it comes to treatment of lung cancer, early detection is critical to the success of lung cancer treatments. One potential marker that signals early lung cancer could be changes in progenitor cells, which are a type of stem cell critical for tissue repair and mainte nance of a healthy lung. Dr. Ghosh’s lab discovered that these cells are impaired in people with lung cancer, which coincides with an increased level of immune cells. Their study will look at epithelial progenitor cells and how their function is affected by their location relative to a tumor, as well as the presence of immune cells. This investigation could lead to new methods of early detection of lung cancer and also new targets to enhance progenitor function and slow or stop the formation of cancer.

The Lung Association’s Nationwide Research Program includes the Awards and Grants Program, and also our Airways Clinical Research Network, the nation’s largest not-for-profit network of clinical research centers dedicated to asthma and COPD treatment research.

For more information about the new grant awardees and the entire American Lung Association Research Team, visit Lung.org/re search-team.

Remedy Organics Unveils Their New Immune Supporting Wellness Shots

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Remedy Organics, the lead ing producer of award-winning plant-based functional bever ages, unveils its newly elevated packaging and ready-to-drink immune supporting Wellness Shots. The updated products are now available in a more convenient shelf stable format, which are offered in four varieties: Heal, Protect, Energize and Digest.

“The beauty of these Wellness Shots is that they are made to fit conveniently into your everyday lifestyle and can be taken any time throughout your day,” - Cindy Kasindorf, founder of Remedy Organics.

Heal - the super immunity shot featuring ginger, turmeric, lemon, and prebiotics.

Protect - the immunity and defense shot featuring elderberry, ginger, cay enne, and prebiotics.

Energize - the immunity and energy shot featuring Japanese matcha, ginger, L-Theanine, and prebiotics.

Digest - the immunity and digestion shot featuring apple cider vinegar, ginger, cayenne, and prebiotics.

Focused on a holistic approach to optimal health, Remedy Organics’ Wellness Shots are cen tered around providing immune support and include additional functional ingredients that have been shown to boost energy, aid in digestion, metabolism, and support the body’s natural defense. Remedy Organics’ Wellness Shots are bolstered with ingredients such as elderberry and ginger for immune support, turmeric for inflammation, cayenne for metabolism, Japanese matcha for energy, and prebiotics for gut health. The available four SKUs are also formulated with certified organic ingre dients, contain 150% Vitamin C, and are all rich in Vitamin D and Zinc. The updated packaging features vibrant colors,

which highlight the key functional ingredients and benefits.

“The beauty of these Wellness Shots is that they are made to fit conveniently into your everyday lifestyle and can be taken any time throughout your day”, said Cindy Kasindorf, founder of Remedy Organics. “Our Wellness Shots can be taken every day to support wellness throughout the year and when feeling run down. You can kickstart your day with our Wellness Shots, take in-between meals, as a hangover remedy, the possibilities are endless!”

The Remedy Organics Wellness Shot line is available at leading stores nation wide and can also be purchased online at www.remedyorganics.com and amazon. com.

Remedy Organics is a leading producer of award-winning plant-based, functional beverages including Wellness Shakes and Wellness Shots. Founded by Cindy Kasindorf, Remedy Organics is the only functional beverage company led by a Certified Nutritional Health Counselor. Remedy Organics products are truly multi-functional and packed with adaptogenic herbs, superfoods and ayurvedics - providing health and well ness benefits that go well beyond general nutrition. Remedy Organics beverages are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and non GMO; all formulated with the highest quality, certified organic, plant-based ingredients to help unleash the body’s natural healing power. Inspired by the quote, “Let Food be Thy Medicine and Medicine be Thy Food,” the company’s mission is to make functional nutrition accessible and convenient to all. Remedy Organics products are available at major retailers across the US, online at Amazon.com, and remedyorganics. com. Discover more at @remedyorganics and remedyorganics. com.

Governor Pritzker Continues Effort to Adjust COVID-19 Requirements

Chicago — As part of an ongoing effort to carefully roll back Illinois’s COVID-19 executive orders, Governor Pritzker on Mon day, Oct. 17, updated masking and testing requirements for healthcare facilities and long-term care centers. These new guidelines, which go into effect today, are in line with updated Center for Disease Control recom mendations. Federal requirements remain in effect for those facilities.

“Thanks to the tremendous efforts of our health care workers and residents, Illinois has done better at keeping our people safe with vaccines, boosters, and masking, which puts us in a position to continue to scale back health care requirements in line with the CDC,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “COVID-19 is on its way to becoming endemic, like the flu, but it still poses a real threat to our immunocompromised and disabled communities. Here in Illinois, we look out for one another—it’s what defines us as Illinoisans. Let us continue to live up to those ideals by masking up and testing when we have symptoms and getting COVID-19 booster shots—as I recently did—so that we can protect our neighbors.”

“As we continue to learn how to live with COVID-19, it is important for the State of Illinois to adapt our policies to better align with federal guidelines,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “The Department continues to monitor COVID-19 closely. And we are working with our health care and long-term care partners to promote staying up-to-date with vaccinations, make treat ments available, and protect our health care workforce. The updated Executive Order demonstrates our state’s ability to effectively combat COVID-19 with the many advanced tools at our disposal that can both prevent and treat this disease. I continue to encourage of all our residents, but especially those most at-risk of severe outcomes, to take advantage of the vaccinations and treatments available to protect themselves and their families.”

The updated executive order removes the weekly testing requirements for unvacci nated healthcare and LTC workers. The order will also trigger an update of IDPH policy on face coverings. Face coverings are no longer required in all healthcare facilities but are still recommended in healthcare facilities in areas of high community transmission, consistent with CDC guidance. Finally, the amended or der removes the state-issued vaccine mandate for LTC and healthcare employees, consistent with the CDC’s guidance.

Although the vaccine mandate has been removed on the state level, a federal rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requiring vaccination for workers at Medicare/Medicaid-certified facilities remains in effect. The state’s amended exec utive order does not impact that requirement and many Illinois healthcare and LTC sites will continue to have a COVID-19 vaccine mandate under this federal rule. As always, employers are encouraged to put appropriate testing, vaccination, and masking regulations in place if they so choose.

REAL ESTATE

AC 10-19-2022

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHEBANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANYAS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR AMERICAN HOMEMORTGAGE INVESTMENT TRUST 2007-2; Plaintiff, vs. VICKY SMITH; UNKNOWN OWNERSAND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 2421NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause IntercountyJudicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, November 21, 2022 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite718A,Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash,as set forth below, the following describedmortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 32-25-116-029-0000. Commonly known as 21763 Peterson Avenue, Sauk Village,IL 60411.Themortgaged real estate is improvedwith a single family residence. If the subjectmortgaged real estate is a unitof a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit otherthan a mortgagee shallpay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certifiedfunds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOTbe open for inspection. For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff's Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455.W22-0042 ADC

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIALSALES CORPORATIONintercountyjudicialsales.com I3204919

AC 10-26-2022

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT- CHANCERYDIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK NATIONALASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FORASSET BACKED SECURITIES CORPORATION HOME EQUITYLOAN TRUST SERIES OOMC 2005-HE6,ASSET BACKEDPASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES OOMC 2005-HE6; Plaintiff, vs.UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF DELORES JONES; DAWAUE I. JONES AKA DAWAVE I. JONES; JASMINE JONES; UNKNOWNHEIRSAND LEGATEES OF GEORGE HULLUM; THOMAS QUINN, AS SPECIALREPRESENTATIVEOF DELORES JONES; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORDCLAIMANTS; Defendants, 20 CH 276 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuantto a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause IntercountyJudicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, November 28, 2022 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite718A,Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash,as set forth below, the following describedmortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 33-31-118-018-0000. Commonly known as 22545 Brookwood Drive,Sauk Village,IL 60411.Themortgaged real estate is improvedwith a single family residence. If the subjectmortgaged real estate is a unitof a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit otherthan a mortgagee shallpay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certifiedfunds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOTbe open for inspection. For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff's Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455. W19-1113 ADC INTERCOUNTY JUDICIALSALES CORPORATIONintercountyjudicialsales.com I3205322

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHEBANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FORTHE REGISTEREDHOLDERS OF MORGAN STANLEY ABS CAPITALI INC. TRUST 2007HE1 MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-HE1; Plaintiff,vs.

CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS; UNITED STATE OF AMERICAMIDLANDFUNDING LLC; SELECT FUNDING LLC; UNKNOWN OWNERS ANDNONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 8745 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBYGIVEN thatpursuanttoa Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled causeIntercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, November 28, 2022 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.31-25-302017-0000. Commonly known as 470 LakewoodBoulevard,ParkForest,IL 60466.Themortgaged real estate is improvedwith a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interestcommunity, the purchaser of the unitotherthan a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) ofSection18.5ofthe Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certifiedfunds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Law Clerkat Plaintiff's Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455. W19-0657 ADC INTERCOUNTY JUDICIALSALES CORPORATIONintercountyjudicialsales.com I3205323

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONALASSOCIATION,NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUALCAPACITYBUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FORTHE RMACTRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT Plaintiff, -v.- WILLIAM KROLL, AS EXECUTOR OFTHE ESTATE OFJAMESD. KROLL,DECEASED, WILLIAMKROLL, ROBERTKROLL, BARBARAKROLL, WAYNEKROLL, THE TRADITIONS OF OLYMPIAFIELDS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, VILLAGE OF OLYMPIA FIELDS, UNKNOWNHEIRS AND DEVISEES OF JAMES D. KROLL, DECEASED, UNKNOWNCLAIMANTS ANDLIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE ESTATEOF JAMES D. KROLL, DECEASED, UNKNOWNCLAIMANTS ANDLIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE UNKNOWNHEIRS AND DEVISEES OF JAMES D. KROLL,DECEASED Defendants 18 CH 13923 19940 BURNSIDE COURT OLYMPIAFIELDS, IL 60461

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBYGIVEN thatpursuanttoa Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 29, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 1, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a publicsaleto the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following describedreal estate:Commonly known as 19940 BURNSIDECOURT, OLYMPIA FIELDS, IL60461 Property Index No. 3114-104-056-0000 The real estate is improvedwith a single familyresidence. The judgment amount was $113,803.91. 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 $1,000or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wiretransfer, is

due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring theresidential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring theresidential 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 taxeslevied against said real estate and is offered for salewithout anyrepresentation as to qualityor quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiffand 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 deedto the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOTbe open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representationas to thecondition 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 unitat the foreclosuresale, otherthan a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legalfeesrequired byThe CondominiumProperty Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interestcommunity, thepurchaser of theunit at theforeclosure sale other than a mortgagee shallpay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHTTO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITHSECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOISMORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entryintoourbuilding and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and thesame identificationfor sales held at other county venues where The Judicial SalesCorporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact 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 311635. THE JUDICIALSALESCORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL60606-4650(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 WESTJACKSON BLVD, STE 610 ChicagoIL, 60606 312-263-0003 E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw.comAttorneyFile No.311635 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 18 CH 13923TJSC#: 42-3862 NOTE: Pursuanttothe Fair DebtCollection Practices Act,you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be

attempting to collect

will be used for thatpurpose.Case# 18CH13923 I3205761

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