Facing weekend august 30 2018

Week of August 30, 2017 Vol 48 • No 35 • www.thechicagocitizen.com

Church

Weekly

WEEKLY INSPIRATIONS FROM REV. DR. DERRICK B. WELLS, SENIOR MINISTER OF CHRIST UNIVERSAL TEMPLE +P6

Chicago Weekend

Audit Bureau of Circulation ABC AUDITED

Member

NORTH LAWNDALE COLLEGE PREP STUDENTS JOIN MYC PROGRAM > SEE MORE ON PAGE 2

Exelon’s Midewin Youth Corps (MYC) program gives North Lawndale College Prep students the opportunity to work and experience a new environment on Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie preserve in Will County.

Photo Credit: Kivvit, a strategic advising organization

BUSINESS

ENTERTAINMENT

BUSINESSES SEEK GUIDANCE ON HEALTH PLANS

ACADEMIC SUCCESS COULD INVOLVE MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

P4

P10 www.thechicagocitizen.com • 52 years of serving the Black community

> SEE MORE ON PAGE 2

2 / CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of August 30, 2017

news

1NORTH LAWNDALE COLLEGE

BRIEFLY EDUCATION

Chance The Rapper Takes To Twitter With His Desire to Attend Clark Atlanta University Grammy winner sends viral tweet about his educational dreams

ATLANTA (August 28, 2017) Grammy-Award winning rapper, social activist and philanthropist, Chance the Rapper, took to Twitter Sunday evening as he expressed his desire to attend Clark Atlanta University (CAU). His tweet instantly went viral: \“I was tryna go to Clark ATL. I’m still tryna go. Like not honorary, the full blown ya dig. Can someone help me sign up,” tweeted the 24-year-old rapper. \Immediately CAU alumni and staff encouraged Chance to pursue his dreams. Chance, whose real name is Chancellor Bennett, is a Chicago native. He grew up on Chicago’s South Side and recently made headlines for donating one million dollars to the Chicago Public School system. Sources close to the Bennett family reveal that Chance always wanted to attend CAU and that “his tweet didn’t come out of the blue”. \Second to Atlanta, Chicago sends the largest pool of applicants to CAU of other U.S. cities. “Amazing talent comes from the Windy City,” says Getchel L. Caldwell, II, Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement and University Relations. “Chicago students travel to Atlanta for the very education and cultural experience that our city has to offer and we welcome Chance with open arms.” \Next month Clark Atlanta University will visit Chicago for the 20th Annual Football Classic. CAU Panthers are suiting up to play in a highly anticipated game against Grambling State University (GSU) on Saturday, September 30.

PREP STUDENTS JOIN MYC PROGRAM

The state of Illinois requires that all children (public, private, and parochial) in kindergarten, second grade and sixth grade be required to have an oral health examination with a signed Proof of Dental Examination Form signed by their dentist. If the dental forms are not turned in the school may hold the child’s report card. DecisionOne Dental CEO Dr. AJ Acierno’s “Back to School Dental Check List” for parents includes information parents need to know for children of all ages. “Back to school is the perfect time to re-set habits and routines, like brushing and flossing twice a day, explained Dr. Acierno. “Although the state only requires seeing the dentist in kindergarten, second and sixth grade, all children should see the dentist every six months for cleanings and exams. August is the perfect time to schedule not just your back to school exam, but your six month check up as well,” he said.

POLITICS & LAW Plan to study chronic absence cases becomes law

CHICAGO – To better understand the scope and effects of truancy and absences so officials can address them, a new law will require schools to collect and review chronic absence data. Sponsored in the Illinois Senate

by State Senator Jacqueline Collins, the measure was signed into law recently. The legislation also encourages schools to provide support to students who are chronically absent. The legislation was House Bill 3139, and takes effect in July of 2018.

1

GOVERNMENTAL Affairs Janice Garth

Continued from Page 1

By Christopher Shuttlesworth

Since 2012, North Lawndale College Prep students have had the opportunity to work with the National Forest Foundation to help restore Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie preserve in Will County through Exelon’s Midewin Youth Corps (MYC) program.

During the six-week program, two crews of MYC student interns work 30 hours a week and earn a living wage as they participate in ongoing restoration projects.

Steve Solomon, who is the president of the Exelon Foundation, said the foundation decided to fund the MYC program because they wanted to give North Lawndale students the opportunity to spend the summer at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie preserve.

“The [intern] students learn a lot of great things about nature and about the Prairie,” Solomon said. “Monday through Thursday they learn how to track population, measure the growth of plants, maintain trails and remove invasive species.”

He continued to explain on Friday the

interns learn about the ecosystem, health and management, types of flora and fauna and much more.

“What we often hear from students is that Monday through Thursday is a lot of tough work with being out in the sun and working on the prairie,” Solomon said. “But it’s great to be somewhere where it’s calming, peaceful and completely different from where they live.”

He said at the end of the program, the students leave with great pride and have a greater appreciation for the environment.

“It was a very good experience working with the Prairie,” Student Intern, Clarence Harris said.

“I would encourage more students to join the program because it will help them see the big difference from where they come from compared to living on a Prairie.”

Over the six years of the MYC program, interns have planted over 25,000 plants, removed 1,000 garbage bags of invasive vegetation and cleaned out unwanted plants all while moderating over 50 miles of grasslands’ bird habitats and accomplishing over 15 miles of trail work.

Solomon said future students can begin registering for the program during the Spring of 2018.

HEALTH BACK TO SCHOOL DENTAL CHECK LIST FOR PARENTS

news

CITIZEN Chicago Weekend / Week of August 30, 2017 / 3

COMMUNITY FOCUS Black AIDS Institute Honors Heroes in the Struggle LOS ANGELES- The Black AIDS Institute inducts a select group of individuals and organizations that have made commendable heroic contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Black America. The 16th Annual Heroes in the Struggle Awards Presentation & Reception will be held on September 16, 2017 at the Darryl F. Zanuck Theater at 20th Century Fox Studios in Los Angeles at 6:00 PM. The 2017 inductees include Taraji P. Henson, Laverne Cox, Vanessa Williams, Alfre Woodard, Gina Belafonte, and Gina Brown. The 2017 Corporate Hero is Novant Health. Black AIDS Institute Board Member Jussie Smollett serves as Chair and Host. The 2017 theme is Black Men Honoring Black Women and celebrated R&B singer/ songwriter Ledisi performs a special tribute. The awards presentation is produced by Russelli & Hall.

“At the age of fifteen, I began working with the Black AIDS Institute and I am proud to be a member of the Board of Directors,” said Jussie Smollett. “Although it is not spoken about like it used to, the AIDS epidemic is not over, especially in Black communities. I am humbled to pay tribute to these remarkable women in our community.”

Nearly 100 individuals have been inducted into the Heroes in the Struggle Hall of Fame over the last 16 years. It is a photographic tribute to HIV/AIDS allies; elected officials and policy makers; artists from television, film, stage and music; civil rights leaders; healthcare providers; advocates and activists; and people living with HIV/ AIDS. Since its debut in 2002, the exhibit has traveled the world— raising awareness; challenging Black Americans, key thought leaders and institutions to get involved in their communities; and generating

critical conversation about HIV stigma, testing, prevention, treatment and care.

“Black women are the single most important engine in the survival of Black people, including with HIV/AIDS,” said Phill Wilson, President and CEO of the Black AIDS Institute. “59% of women living with HIV in the United States are Black. Black women account for 60% of the new HIV infections among women, and are 16 times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV than white women. This event not only allows us to acknowledge the invaluable role Black women have played in the AIDS fight, but it helps raise awareness about the devastating impact AIDS continues to have on Black women and the opportunities we have to turn that around if Black men and women work together.”

Tickets and sponsorship packages are priced at various levels, from VIP packages to a limited number of community seats for as little as $75.00.

“Because the event is completely underwritten by major donors, every penny raised goes directly into efforts to end the epidemic, help people get into care and stay in care, protect themselves from HIV infections, and advocate for sound HIV/AIDS policies,” said Wilson.

For more information about purchasing tickets, becoming a sponsor, joining the host committee, or placing an advertisement in the program book, go to www.heroesinthestruggle.org or contact Wendell Miller.

Connect with the Citizen at www.thechicagocitizen.com

Follow us on

Twitter @CitizenNewsNow Like us on Facebook at

dgarth@thechicagocitizen

www.thechicagocitizen.com • 52 years of serving the Black community

AmeriCorps Funds Now Available from Serve Illinois

The Serve Illinois Commission (Serve Illinois) announced on Aug. 24 that funding is available for agencies interested in administering AmeriCorps programs in the state. AmeriCorps members serve their communities by improving education and health care, protecting public safety, safeguarding the environment, providing disaster relief, and promoting civic engagement.

“Each year, AmeriCorps members dedicate a year of their lives to get things done in their communities,” said Scott McFarland, Executive Director of the Serve Illinois Commission. “Members work with disadvantaged youth, veterans and their families, people with disabilities, the homeless, and many other individuals who need a helping hand to AmeriCorps members receive student loan deferment and training. Full-time members are also eligible to receive a modest living allowance and health insurance. Members who successfully complete their service receive an educational award to help pay for college, graduate school, vocational training, or to pay off student loans.

If the member is 55 or over, they may transfer the education award to a child, grandchild, or foster child.

Serve Illinois will host mandatory webinars in September and October.

Webinar details and information about the application process are available at www.Serve.Illinois.gov. Applications are due by December 1, 2017. Funded programs will begin their work in July or August of 2018.

Alderman Harris Announces 8TH Ward Back-To-School Parade

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The Office of 8th Ward Alderman Michelle A. Harris and 33rd District State Representative Marcus C. Evans recently announced the 11th Annual “8th Ward Back-toSchool Parade & Jamboree” will take place Saturday, September 9, 2017.

“Today I’m spreading the word throughout the 8th Ward, and to local south side Chicago residents about a great opportunity to get outside, enjoy the late summer weather and join me for an exciting neighborhood event, on Saturday, September 9th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm,” said Harris.

The September 9th end-of-summer parade is a high-energy, family-friendly, end of summer event. This year’s theme is “One Community-One Family & A Celebration of Education”, focusing on celebrating the dual themes highlighting the importance of education and stopping neighborhood violence through community engagement.

“I strongly believe that every child, whatever neighborhood they live in - deserves a quality education, that’s why I’ve been committed to hosting this event each year, for the youth of Chicago’s 8th Ward,” emphasized Alderman Harris. “We must focus on educational excellence and achievement today, so these young people can participate in the career opportunities for tomorrow.”

The Parade steps off starting at 10:00 a.m. in front of her service office at 8539 South Cottage Grove, and culminating at Jesse Owens Park, located at 8800 South Clyde Avenue. After the parade, the ‘Jamboree’ will take place in the park from 12noon 2:00 p.m., with performances by The South Shore Drill Team, the Jesse White Tumblers and other local performers.

2017 Cream of the Crop Photo Winners Announced Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recently announced the winners of the 2017 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest. The annual contest encourages young photographers to share their vision of agriculture in Illinois.

“Each year, this photography contest highlights the beauty of Illinois agriculture and the talent of children throughout this state,” Frerichs said. “Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest, it was fun to get a glimpse of local farms, animals, and the beautiful landscape of the place we call home.” The winning entries will be featured in the Treasurer’s tent on the north side of Brian Raney Avenue during the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. The fair kicked off on August 10 with the Twilight Parade and ended on August 20.

Solar Spotlight students join Anne Pramaggiore, president and CEO of ComEd, in front of ComEd’s Solar Spotlight Pyramid, which was unveiled on Friday, Aug. 18, at Gallery Guichard in Bronzeville.

COMED UNVEILS SOLAR SPOTLIGHT PYRAMID IN BRONZEVILLE

By Christopher Shuttlesworth

ComEd executives and community leaders celebrated the unveiling of ComEd’s new Solar Spotlight Pyramid, which was created by Artist Shala and ComEd’s Solar Spotlight high school students, in the Bronzeville neighborhood.

In 2016, ComEd’s Solar Spotlight program was launched to teach and develop high school students through STEM courses like science, technology, engineering and math, according to a ComEd press release. The 2017 Solar Spotlight program incorporated the Arts and included workshops on solar energy, AfricanAmerican trailblazers and the earliest forms of STEM. “In part of STEM education, it is a critical factor for our students today,” said Andrea Zopp, who is the Deputy Mayor and Chief Neighborhood Development Officer.

“We have a real focus on it because we know it is a critical element in achieving in jobs and future opportunities.”

Solar Spotlight students helped Shala create personalized symbols on the solar pyramid by designing elements from modern-day logos and ancient hieroglyphics.

“I wanted to create a magnet that

would bring power to my people and my community,” Shala said. “Pyramids have always been known to do that and this one literally empowers lives.”

Senator Matty Hunter of the 3rd Ward said solar energy is so important and is truly the way of the future.

“The more we learn about Solar, then the more educated we will become,” Hunter said.

“We will save more money on our energy bills and here we are with a pyramid on 47th and energy will actually resonate throughout.”

Gallery Guichard, a Bronzeville’s gallery of art, collaborated with ComEd to construct plans for the solar pyramid installation, which is the first art project created by students in ComEd’s Solar Spotlight Program, according to a ComEd press release.

“This journey has been truly fulfilling and I believe activism is contagious,” Andre said.

“I believe this project will help more people to collaborate amongst each other.”

Alderman Pat McDowell said she asked a couple who noticed the solar pyramid as they were walking by and they replied ‘It made them feel good this morning.’

McDowell added, “That is what we’re trying to achieve on 47th Street. We want people to stop and look and think about the possibilities for our community.”

www.thechicagocitizen.com • 52 years of serving the Black community

4 / CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of August 30, 2017

business

1

CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of August 30, 2017 / 5

28th Annual

Businesses Seek Guidance On Health Plan ‘Affordability’ And ‘Access’ (NAPSI)—When it comes to the national discourse on health insurance, politicians and the media frequently combine the terms “affordability” and “access” as if they naturally go together.

But across the U.S., employers and their workers are finding that a balanced combination of the two is more exception than rule. This is why so many are turning to benefit experts for help, particularly smaller businesses with 100 or fewer employees.

“Today, there are a lot of new plan options with many variables that can be overwhelming to decipher,” Goldstein said. “An agent can provide the necessary guidance and clarity to understand and navigate the tradeoffs around cost, choice and availability.” It’s also where

The Problem

With so much high-profile and public discussion around health care reform, the concepts of affordability and access are getting bandied about as never before. Yet market forces frequently conspire to keep these ideas misaligned or even at direct odds.

Common examples are new network configurations that offer a cost-access trade-off that’s not always simple to decode. For instance, a plan might offer lower premiums for pricesensitive customers in exchange for access limits to certain care providers—limits that are not always clear to consumers.

This often leads to a very frustrating disconnect for businesses and employees seeking the best of both.

A Solution

One way to dial back frustration is to get connected to a good broker or benefit adviser, says Ron Goldstein, president and CEO of CHOICE Administrators, the nation’s leader in developing and administering employee-choice health benefit programs and exchanges for employer groups. The company’s exchanges include the country’s first and only multicarrier private exchange, CaliforniaChoice.

well-designed health care exchanges, private and public, can shine because they enable plan comparisons based on price along with many other choice factors.

Take affordability. For many, the word connotes “inexpensive,” but the term is relative and depends on a myriad of factors such as household income, care needs, overall health and much more. At the core, affordability boils down to price—for the plan premium, deductibles, co-pays, out-of-pocket costs and so forth.

Access, on the other hand, is an extremely complicated descriptor. At its baseline, “access” refers to whether physician, pharmacist, therapist, hospital and other provider services are available and, if so, if there is an adequate supply.

This definition, however, only scratches the surface. Factors such as location, quality, use and more are also important components in the overall equation.

Also, coverage levels can lead to unintentional distortions or misrepresentations of “accessibility.”

A person covered by a Bronze plan living in a more populated region may have much better access to care than someone with Platinum coverage in a rural area. Assessing these potential disparities requires a keen eye and the practiced hand that a health plan professional can effectively provide.

Clearly, the notion of health care accessibility is extremely complex. That said, most people tend to internalize and define “access” personally.

They want to know that their doctor, specialist or hospital is available to them before making a plan selection. This is simple to say but not always easy to do. Benefit specialists play an integral role in helping small businesses shop and compare plans while working with employees to confirm that selected plans connect them to desired networks and care providers.

Conversations about affordability and access in the health care marketplace will likely continue to dominate headlines for months and years to come. Leaning heavily on the skills and insights of advisers will help businesses and their employees find the right equilibrium.

#RESPEC T Labor Day Weekend Washington Park 300+ Exhibitors • Live Entertainment African Drum Village • Food Court Global P.E.A.C.E. Village Children’s Pavilion • Health Pavilion Family-Fun Activities & More!

Fri. Sept. 1 1PM - 10PM Sat. - Mon. Sept. 2 _ 4 10AM - 10PM 51st & Cottage Grove Daily Admission $15 in Advance $20 at the Gate $10 Seniors (65 and over) $5 Children (12 and under) Admission Includes All Performances No Rain Date No Refunds

TO PURCHASE TICKETS GO TO:

Learn More

tiny.cc/afatickets

For additional information, visit www.mycalchoice. com or www.calchoice.com.

APPEALS COURT SAYS FLINT WATER LAWSUIT CAN CONTINUE

By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor)

The United States 6th Circuit Court of Appeals’ reversal of a federal court’s decision in two lawsuits filed by Flint, Michigan residents over the contamination of their drinking water, has emboldened lawyers and their plaintiffs, who said residents of the predominately African-American city still are being billed for dirty water they cannot use.

“The court’s decision means that the trial court’s dismissal of the case was legally incorrect and the appeals court has sent it back,” said Nicholas A. Szokoly, a partner in the Baltimore firm of Murphy, Falcon & Murphy, who represents Flint residents in a class-action suit. “A lot of our case deals with the fact that residents in Flint have been charged three-times the national rate for water, because the city is trying to balance their budget and these charges and fees come at the exact time that they couldn’t use the water.”

Szokoly continued: “Not only did they come during the period in which they were getting contaminated water and having their children poisoned, but the water bills kept coming and they were told not to drink the water by an EPA mandate

and they were also told that if they didn’t pay their bill, they’d have a lien placed on their home and face foreclosure. That’s not America.”

In the latest ruling, the court overturned a lower federal court ruling that dismissed a major class-action lawsuit filed in 2015 on behalf of tens of thousands of Flint residents against Gov. Rick Snyder (R-Mich.), the city of Flint and city officials who were involved in deciding to switch to the Flint River as its water source.

A three-judge panel reversed that decision, while dismissing the possibility of seeking penalties for Snyder in one case, the state of Michigan, the state Department of Environmental Quality and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The decision allows the plaintiffs to seek relief from Snyder in another case in the form of compensation for education, medical monitoring and evaluation services for ongoing harm from Flint’s contaminated water crisis, according to the Detroit News.

The court allowed cases seeking financial damages against individual state employees, the city of Flint, city employees and state-appointed emergency managers to proceed.

Attorney General Bill Schuette and his legal team have pursued criminal and misdemeanor charges against or accepted plea deals with 15 people including former Flint employees and former and current state officials, as well as two former Flint emergency managers appointed by Snyder, a Republican.

The class-action lawsuits involve Flint residents who experienced personal injury and property damage from the Flint River decision, after they were exposed to toxic lead that leached from the city’s pipes into the water supply.

Emergency managers made the decision to switch to the Flint River, and state officials and local officials failed to use corrosion control chemicals that would have prevented the lead leaching, according to The Detroit News.

The plaintiffs alleged that their constitutional rights were violated and that they were deprived of “the equal protection of the laws, or of equal privileges under the laws,” according to the court’s opinion.

The lower court ruled that the Safe Drinking Water Act stopped the plaintiffs from seeking damages, but the appeals panel ruling allows U.S. District Judge Judith Levy to continue weighing the issue.

www.thechicagocitizen.com • 52 years of serving the Black community

WIZKID

TAYLOR BENNETT

fri • sept. 1st

Get instant updates, win prizes and more…

WAYNE WONDER

sat • sept. 2nd

WYCLEF JEAN

HEATWAVE mon • sept. 4th

sun • sept. 3rd

@AfricanFestivaloftheArts |

@AfricanFestChi |

@AfricanFestivalChicago | #AFACh

For more info visit: www.africanfestivalchicago.comi SPONSORED BY

MEDIA PARTNERS

6 / CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of August 30, 2017

church

> Profile > Inspirations > Bible verse

SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING: ARE YOU A CARD-CARRYING CHRISTIAN?

By James Washington (The Dallas Weekly/ NNPA Member)

Just how hard is it to be a card carrying Christian these days?

Republicans, Democrats, the NAACP, the ACLU all carry cards and encourage like-minded people to become cardJames Washington carrying members. You can get a car for just about any group or organization.

Now when it comes to being a spiritual card-carrying man or woman of faith, the results can be devastating; someone scream, “Incoming!” for there is indeed an artillery barrage headed our way. Scripture suggests that, historically, life was no easy task for those early practitioners of the Christian faith. Crucifixion, becoming lion food for fun and games, beheadings and, at a minimum, being labeled an outcast, were normal expectations for those who believed and then lived according to the Word of God. Is today so different?

Once one takes up the standard of this revolutionary thinking, once you commit, once you decide to live humbly and mercifully in love and forgiveness, isn’t it interesting the kind of attention you attract?

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” —1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV).

Looking around the world today, it would be naïve not to recognize that religious persecution is still a critical component of man’s inhumanity to man. Real and fake news will show you that people all over the world are being annihilated for the God they worship. We sometimes take for granted the religious freedom we have in this country and I believe that has lulled us into a false belief that being

CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of August 30, 2017 / 7

Inspirations

a Christian is easy. Well it’s not. It’s empowering. It’s enlightening. It’s eternal.

But it is not easy.

The good news is we are not alone and never have been. Living for God is probably the best realty check. Its reward is an inner understanding of the workings of the universe that affords one the idea that physical life is temporary while the spiritual is eternal. Many of us believe in life after physical death. The faithful have some insight into this. Life as we know it can be cruel. We have come to think that eternal life is just the opposite. Rationalizing the difference is where and when faith resides. Is it any wonder then that belief in a deity that invites humility, demands love and recognizes mercy is cause for ruthless and radical reaction among those who would live otherwise? Is it any wonder that love for Christ Jesus invites the wrath of Lucifer in all of his forms? That spiritual card we carry as Christians indeed needs to be worn as a red badge of courage, because courage is what it’s going to take to withstand the ridicule and violence of this world, as well as the scorn of those who would tempt you with the weaknesses of your passions. And lastly, courage is a prerequisite for the certainty of death that will befall all of us.

If life after death is a fact that most can agree upon, then I believe it stands to reason that our membership card is most assuredly a ticket into a kingdom of blood and faith preserved for believers; the same believers who are shunned and persecuted and murdered today and yesterday in the name of God. I continue to be moved by the acts of faith in the Bible where mere acknowledgement of one’s beliefs in the Son of God invites certain death. This is not ancient history; not if you profess Jesus is still Lord.

May God bless and keep you always.

The Dallas Weekly is a member publication of the NNPA.

THEME: DEDICATION

Psalms 32:8 - I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

If you have a calendar item or news event that you would like to include in the Citizen’s church news section, please submit your information to

editorial@thechicagocitizen.com.

You can also mail your information to: The Chicago Citizen Newspaper Inc., 8741 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago,Illinois 60619, Attn: Church News

from Rev. Dr. Derrick B. Wells,

Senior Minister of Christ Universal Temple

ARE YOUR HABITS WORKING FOR OR AGAINST YOU? It is not really a secret that the habits we employ today are the predictors of our experiences tomorrow. Therefore, the gateway to a preferred future lies in our ability to modify our habitual patterns of behavior and ensure that our thinking, feeling, and actions are more consistently aligned with the good desires of our heart. Because habits are automatic patterns, we rarely think about them. Perhaps now is as good a time as any to recalibrate these automatic approaches and adopt some new, different patterns as seeds to be sewn into the harvest of your tomorrow.

This is not to suggest that every habit we have needs to be changed. In fact, most of the habits we have are useful. We all learn to write and develop the complex skill of writing through habit. Habits give us the ability to perform hundreds of mundane tasks without devoting precious energy and creative capacity to the task. There is something to be said for being able to tie, strap, or buckle ones shoes without exerting a ton of mental attention. Habits are wonderful when used the right way.

What happens when we develop what might be considered a bad habit? When we develop bad habits, we establish ways of thinking and behaving that produce undesirable and unproductive experiences.

These undesirable experiences collide with the better versions of our self and we have difficulty reconciling why our new wine inspiration seems to keep getting lost in the wine skins of our former thinking, feeling, words, and actions. A bad habit never goes away on its own. Moreover, it is an undo it yourself project. As Jim Rohn suggested, “You don’t get better by chance, you get better by change.”

Fortunately, if we have learned the habits, then we can unlearn the habits. If you have ever seen a stream run across a rock over a period of time, you know that the stream can cut right through the rock because of its consistency and persistency. Similarly, we overcome unproductive habits by consistently and persistently reconditioning the thoughts we think, the words we speak, and the actions we take. In order to do something you have never done, you have to become someone you have never been, but then, that is not really a secret.

Photo for story below: Address: 11901 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60643 Phone: (773) 568-2282 www.cutemple.org

8 / CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of August 30, 2017

fashion

calendar

Free High School Equivalency & English as a Second Language Registration Days Coming Soon at South Suburban College South Suburban College’s Adult Education Department is offering a wide range of opportunities for adults to build the basic skills required for success.

Adult Basic Education (ABE) helps men and women whose skill levels are below the ninth grade. ABE students improve their skills in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.

Many adults choose to further build on these skills and pursue a high school education through the High School Equivalency (HSE/GED) program. The HSE program will develop the skills required to pass the High School Equivalency exams. Studies will includeReasoning through Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, and the US and Illinois Constitutions. Additionally, English as a Second Language (ESL) allows non-native students to improve their English skills from beginning to advanced levels.

Most of the Adult Education programs are offered both full and part-time at the Main Campus in South Holland or the Oak Forest Center. At the time of registration, all students will take a Placement Test. The complete schedule of locations for registrations and classes is as follows: High School Equivalency: SSC Adult Education Center South Suburban College (SSC) 15800 South State Street South Holland, IL 60473 w Part-time ABE/ASE/GED®/HSE: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays (September 18 – December 15, 2017) Register: September 11, 12, 13, 2017 at 6:00pm in Room L233 Classes Begin: Monday, September 18, 2017 Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm in Room L233 w **NEW** Full-time ABE/ASE/GED®/HSE: Monday through Friday (September 18 – December 15, 2017) Register: September 11, 12, 13, 2017 at 9:00am in Room 1243B Classes Begin: Monday, September 18, 2017 Time: 9:00am-2:30pm in Room 1243B w Part-time ABE/ASE/GED®/HSE: Monday through Friday (September 18 – December 15, 2017) Register: September 11, 12, 13, 2017 at 9:00am in Room 1243B Classes Begin: Monday, September 18, 2017 Time: 9:00am-12:00pm in Room 1243B w**NEW** Part-time GED®/HSE Technology Bridge Classes: Monday through Thursday (October 2 – December 14, 2017) Register: September 25, 26, 27, 2017 at 10:00am in Room L233 Classes Begin: Monday, September 18, 2017 Time: 10:00am-2:00pm in Room L233 High School Equivalency (HSE) for ESL Students Full-time ABE/ASE/GED®/HSE: Monday through Friday (September 18 – December 15, 2017) Register: September 11, 12, 13 2017 at 9:00am in Room 2452 Classes Begin: Monday, September 18, 2017 Time: 9:00am-2:30pm in Room 2452 Oak Forest Cen ter, Room 5240 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue Oak Forest, IL 60452 (708) 225-6029 w Part-time ABE/ASE: Monday through Friday (September 18 – December 15, 2017) Register: September 11, 12, 13, 2017 at 9:00am in Room 5240 Classes Begin: Monday, September 18, 2017 Time: 9:00am-11:30am in Room 5240 OR 12:00pm-2:30pm in Room 5240 w **NEW** Part-Time ABE/ASE/GED®/HSE: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (October 2 – December 14, 2017) Register: September 25, 26, 27, 2017 at 5:30pm in Room 5240 Classes Begin: Monday, October 2, 2017 Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm in Room 5240 SSC Adult Education in Riverdale, IL Thornton Township Center 14323 S. Halsted St.

EVENT OF THE WEEK

Lake Lawn Resort Helps Families Celebrate Labor Day pulled BBQ pork sandwiches, as DELAVAN, Wis. - As well as cheddar bratwursts, chipotle summer comes to a close, visit cherry BBQ glazed chicken, Lake Lawn Resort for four days fresh salad, fruit and other picnic of fun in the sun this Labor Day favorites like potato and pasta weekend, Friday, Sept. 1 through salad, honey ale chili, corn bread Monday, Sept. 4. From the lake muffins, and Lake Lawn’s famous to the lawn, there’s an activity pink lemonade. For dessert, Chef for every member of the family.

Ross will prepare caramel apple Live musical entertainment and spiced mini cupcakes and a craftcountless recreational activities your-own summer berry shortcake. including a lawn party pig roast The cookout is open to the makes Labor Day at Lake Lawn public, with tickets available for Resort. $25 for adults, $15 for children 4 The resort’s recreation to 12 years old and complimentary department has coordinated Lake Lawn Resort has planned numerous activities to help for children three years old and daily outdoor activities and celebrate Labor Day weekend, Friday, Sept. 1 through younger. games that children of all ages Monday, Sept. 4.

Guests can enjoy live musical can participate in beginning entertainment all weekend long, at 4 p.m. on Friday. Activities starting with local artist, Brian Fictum, at the Frontier Restaurant that will be offered throughout the weekend include: laser from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday. Check out the Lakeside Bandstand tag, Quiddage, bingo, guided lake walks, limbo and hula hoop for Bands, Bites & Beers Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 8 p.m. contests, obstacle course bubble ball, a bag toss tournament, pool Labor Day weekend packages are available for families games, sand volleyball, a homerun derby, a tic-tac-toe relay, and looking to maximize their final days of summer. Packages for a more. Plus, an outdoor movie will play Saturday evening at 8 p.m. in the Inner Courtyard. Guests can kick back under the stars family of four start at $569 for two nights and $269 for Sunday night only, plus resort fees and taxes. Each package includes while snacking on concessions available for purchase and watch admission to the Sunday lawn party and pig roast, along with this year’s movie selection, Lego Batman. unlimited mini golf for each guest.

The weekend celebration will continue on Sunday, Sept.

For more information on Lake Lawn’s Labor Day weekend 3 with Lake Lawn’s annual Labor Day Lakeside Pig Roast and Lawn Party from 4 to 8 p.m. Director of Culinary Operations and celebration or to make a reservation, call 800.338.5253 or visit LakeLawnResort.com Executive Chef David Ross will prepare a whole roasted pig for

Riverdale, IL 60827 w Part Time ABE/ASE/HSE: Monday through Thursday (October 2 – December 14, 2017) Register: September 25, 26, 27, 2017 at 10:00am Classes Begin: Monday, October 2, 2017 Time: 10:00am-1:00pm English as a Second Language: SSC Adult Education Center South Suburban College (SSC) 15800 South State Street South Holland, IL 60473 Full Time ESL: Monday through Friday (September 18 – December 15, 2017) Register: September 11, 12, 13, 2017 at 9:00am in Room L233 Classes Begin: Monday, September 18, 2017 Time: 9:00am-2:30pm in Room L233 Part-time ESL: Monday through Friday (September 18 – December 15, 2017) Register: September 11, 12, 13, 2017 at 9:00am in Room L233 Classes Begin: Monday, September 18, 2017 Time: 9:00am-11:00am in Room L233 Part-time ESL: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (September 18 – December 15, 2017) Register: September 11, 12, 13, 2017 at 6:00pm in Room 1243 B Classes Begin: Monday, September 18, 2017 Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm in Room 1243 B w NEW!!! OAK FOREST PART TIME ESL PROGRAM

CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of August 30, 2017 / 9

Oak Forest Center Rooms 5240 & 5320 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue Oak Forest, IL 60452 (708) 225-6029 Part Time ESL: Monday through Friday (September 18 – December 15, 2017) Register: September 11, 12, 13, 2017 at 9:00am in Room 5320 Classes Begin: Monday, September 18, 2017 Time: 9:00am-11:30am in Room 5320 OR 12:00pm2:30pm in Room 5320 All courses are offered free of charge. For the purpose of compliance with Section 511 of Public Law 101-166 (the Stevens Amendment) Federal funds of $395,020 provides approximately 37% of the support of these programs.

Indiana residents are not eligible to participate in the Adult Education programs.

THE 49TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS TO AIR LIVE ON TV ONE – TWO HOUR SPECIAL MOVES TO MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2018, MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY LOS ANGELES, CA - The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and TV One, recently announced that the 49th NAACP Image Awards will be nationally telecast live on TV One on Monday, January 15, 2018, the federal holiday marking the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The two-hour special will also include a live pre-show from the star-studded red carpet.

In addition, the call for submissions for the 49th NAACP Image Awards begins. Submissions for the 49th NAACP Image Awards may be submitted at NAACPImageAwards.

net in the categories of motion picture, television, recording, and literature. Nominees will be announced the week of November 13 and the winners will be determined by the vote of the NAACP membership.

The eligibility period for all projects is January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. Motion picture category projects (and individual achievements within it) must have been initially released and distributed in the U.S. with a minimum commercial theatrical run in Los Angeles or New York for seven (7) consecutive days.

All entries are evaluated and narrowed to the top five in each category by the members of the NAACP Image Awards Nominating Committees which are comprised of individuals within the entertainment industry (studio/networking executives, actors, artists, managers, agents, publicists, journalists, literary agents, and others) and NAACP Board Members, NAACP Foundation Trustees, staff and key interfaces.

AMC Theatres is the 49th NAACP Image Awards Submissions sponsor.

Following are the key calendar dates for the 49th NAACP Image Awards: The NAACP Image Awards is the preeminent multicultural awards show, from an African American point of view. It celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film, and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.

For all information and the latest news, please visit the official NAACP Image Awards website at: http://www. naacpimageawards.net.

FB: /naacpimageaward | Twitter: @naacpimageaward (#ImageAwards)

www.thechicagocitizen.com • 52 years of serving the Black community

Have A Hand In Fighting AIDS (NAPSI)—Soothing rough hands can be a way to help soothe hearts and minds concerned about AIDS. That’s because, in celebration of the eighth annual Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR, a multi-city charitable motorcycle ride, Kiehl’s Since 1851, the venerable New York−based purveyor of fine-quality skin and hair care, has a new Limited Edition Ultimate Strength Hand Salve. The company’s classic formula is packaged in a specially designed, bright-red, jumbosized tube, and 100 percent of the purchase price, up to $25,000, will benefit amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.

Created for the Getting this big red tube of hand salve can be a good driest, most active way to help in the fight hands, this heavy-duty against AIDS. moisture treatment is a thick, rich formula offering all-day care and protection. The blend of select ingredients lets skin actually draw and

More than 1.1 million people in America are living with HIV/AIDS, and 1 in 7 don’t know their status. From participating in New York City’s Pride Parade for more than 15 years to our yearly LifeRide benefit, Kiehl’s has been a strong supporter of finding a cure for HIV/AIDS for more than 20 years. The annual Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR is a week-long motorcycle ride across the country that raises awareness and funds for the cause. In conjunction with the event, a special edition Ultimate Strength Hand Salve puts the cure in your hands.

absorb water from the air, forming a “glovelike” protective barrier against moisture loss.

Chris Salgardo, president, Kiehl’s USA, and Kevin Robert Frost, CEO, amfAR, will lead this year’s riders, including actors Ian Bohen, Gilles Marini, Tyler Posey and J.R. Bourne, Anthony Carrino of “Kitchen Cousins,” Grant Reynolds of “What Could Possibly Go Wrong?” and tattoo artist Luke Wessman, from Minneapolis to Nashville.

In addition to getting the salve, you can help by: • Sharing a selfie on Instagram with a heart

made from your hands, tag @Kiehls, @amfAR and hashtag #LifeRide8. Kiehl’s will donate $1 for every Instagram post, up to $25,000, to amfAR. • Sharing the amfAR PSA featuring Charli XCX. • Donating to amfAR in a Kiehl’s store.

To get the salve, find out more about LifeRide, obtain a schedule of events or get involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS, visit www.Kiehls.com/LifeRide2017. The product is also available at (800) KIEHLS-2, select retailers and the company’s own stores.

DTLR and VILLA merge to create a retail leader in lifestyle footwear and apparel NEW YORK -- On August 14, 2017, New York based private equity firms Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co. and Goode Partners LLC completed a transaction that will merge DTLR, Inc. (“DTLR”) and Sneaker Villa, Inc. (“VILLA”) to form a leader in lifestyle footwear and apparel retailing.

The merged company has a significant geographic reach with nearly 240 stores covering 19 states and the District of Columbia, spanning the East Coast from New York to Florida, the Midwest, the Southeastern U.S. and Texas. The store footprints of DTLR and VILLA are complementary, with little overlap. This broad reach, along with a rapidly growing e-commerce platform, will give the combined entity the strength of a national retailer.

Both DTLR and VILLA have communitycentric cultures. DTLR and VILLA both partner with the top footwear and apparel suppliers, who can look forward to the combined reach of two retail brands and enhanced operational efficiencies. Employees of the combined organization will benefit from the sharing of best practices and a stronger company focused on accelerating growth.

“This merger will allow us to better serve our customers, employees and vendor partners” said Glenn Gaynor, Chief Executive Officer of DTLR. “The combination will allow us to enhance the consumer experience by leveraging the best practices of both VILLA and DTLR. By combining our talent and resources we can accelerate growth and expand our reach. We look forward to bringing our teams together.”

Steals.com Launches Marketplace and Quadruples the Number of Online Listings SALT LAKE CITY -- Steals.com recently announced the launch of the Steals.com Marketplace.

Steals.com, an online marketplace with daily deals catering to women, online shoppers, and deal finders, has been in business 9 years. Deals range from women’s clothing to home décor, many of which sell out quickly.

Boasting the latest fashion finds and must haves from notable brands around the world, Steals.com allows shoppers access to products for the home and family while saving time and money.

“This is a huge change to the Steals. com business model, which primarily focused on one deal a day. Now, in addition to the daily deal, customers can search for and discover thousands of quality products at a discount,” says Steals.com CEO, Rett Clevenger.

www.thechicagocitizen.com • 52 years of serving the Black community

CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of August 30, 2017 / 11

entertainment

1 Academic Success Could

Involve Music To Your Ears (NAPSI)—Here’s an idea many families may be wise to note: Research shows letting your kids learn music can help them do better in other subjects and enhances skills they’ll need in other areas.

Lend An Ear To Expert Advice

“The development of language over time tends to enhance parts of the brain that help process music,” explains Dr. Kyle Pruett, clinical professor of child psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. “Language competence is at the root of social competence. Musical experience strengthens the capacity to be verbally competent.”

What’s more, a study by E. Glenn Schellenbergat the University of Toronto at Mississauga, as published in Psychological For families looking to buy a piano, experts advise: Get the best one you Science, found an increase in the IQs of 6-yearcan afford—it’ll sound better, longer. olds who were given weekly voice and piano lessons.

Another study, led by Ellen Winner, professor of chords and the way they look written out on the staff. psychology at Boston College, and Gottfried Schlaug, Regular piano playing sharpens fine motor skills professor of neurology at Beth Israel Deaconess and improves hand-eye coordination in the young.

Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Plus, studying piano has been shown to improve found children who had just 15 months of weekly memory and build good habits such as focus and music instruction and practice had improved sound perseverance, diligence and creativity. discrimination and fine motor tasks.

According to many music teachers, the piano Keys to Piano Success can be a great first instrument. There are several If you’re considering investing in music education reasons. First, pianos are simple to play; children for your child and purchasing a piano, there are three can begin their music studies as soon as their fingers things you should learn first. can reach all the keys. In addition, a piano can help Invest in a good acoustic piano. Look for a highstudents learn to read music because it’s easy to see the quality tone, not tinny or shallow, but round and relationships between pitches in both melodies and warm that fills the room with vibrations. An

1

acoustic piano can last longer, have more aesthetic appeal, and provide a better music educational experience. For example, touch sensitivity of an acoustic piano lets you play the more subtle musical expressions and dynamics required in most musical genres.

As one professional music teacher put it: “Learning to play on an acoustic instrument offers a range of dynamics, responsiveness, tone color and action that a digital piano cannot match.”

Although acoustic pianos tend to be more expensive than digital, the Boston and Essexpiano models designed by Steinway bring the world-class tone within financial reach. Furthermore, should your child become more serious about his or her piano studies, you can trade in the instrument toward a more expensive Steinway piano. If you think you can’t afford a piano at this time or you’re not sure you and your child want to commit to the instrument, consider renting a piano—a smart option provided by authorized Steinway dealers.

Even more important than the quality of the piano is the quality of the teacher. It’s important to find someone who is the right fit for your child and willing wholeheartedly to invest in your child’s success. One way to find a good teacher is to reach out to your Steinway dealer for suggestions.

Finally, the best teacher and the best piano can’t help your child learn to play if he or she doesn’t practice. Consistency is key, and a daily routine is by far the most effective practice structure.

You can learn more about affordable piano rental options at www.steinway.com/rental.

2

3

INHERIT CHICAGO RELEASES ITS FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CHICAGO, IL - What happens when you bring over 30 cultural institutions together to produce programing in neighborhoods throughout the city? The Chicago Cultural Alliance (CCA) hopes that this new collaborative format will become a monumental step towards encouraging Chicagoans to connect on a hyper-local level, in a new and meaningful ways through cultural exchange.

Last month, Chicago Cultural Alliance announced that it would launch Inherit Chicago (release attached), the city’s first intercultural festival that brings together cultural centers, historical societies and heritage museums in collaboration to produce programing throughout neighborhoods in the region.

This week they released the full schedule and registration details on InheritChicago.org.

“The goal for this inaugural year is to have a wide, intergenerational cross-section of Chicagoans visit a neighborhood and experience a cultural exchange they had little knowledge of before,”

CLASSIFIEDS Classified

Weekly

10 / CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of August 30, 2017

says Emily Reusswig, Executive Director at the Chicago Cultural Alliance. “Collectively we believe this begins when we leave our comfort zones, our bubbles, and get out and meet new people, taste new foods, hear new music and explore our similarities. ” Inherit Chicago will offer Chicagoans and visitors a cultural journey through arts, conversation, and food in a month-long, multi-event festival happening in collaboration with 30 neighborhood based heritage museums and cultural centers, all members of the Chicago Cultural Alliance.

Registration for all events is now live at InheritChicago.org. More information is available at www.

www.thechicagocitizen.com • 52 years of serving the Black community

HELP WANTED DRIVERS Drivers: up to $.52cpm Loaded & Empty! $500.00 Orientation Pay! $16.00/ hr Detention Pay! Medical, Dental, Vision, Home Weekends! 1yr CDL­A: 855­842­ 8498 __________________________________ Drivers: OURS GET PAID!Sign­On Bonus, Orientation! All Miles, Stops!

Benefits, Bonuses, Referral, Mileage, Fuel & More!No­Touch, Weekly Settlements!1yr CDL­A: 855­867­3412 __________________________________

RENTAL 3 Bd Rms modern apts. for rent for (Sept.1,2017) 8334 So. Marquette Av. CHA & others may apply. Call 773­972­ 3180 Ms. Easterling. __________________________________ 2 Bedroom for rent $850.00 plus $850.00 security Heat included 825 W 122nd Street No pets allowed 825 W. 122nd 2nd floor Mr. Mitchell 773 430 2078 __________________________________ Newly decorated two bedroom, $625.00 a month, stove and refrigerator includ­ ed. 5200 S. Racine ask for Herman 773­ 370­7744 __________________________________

MISC HEALTH If you or a loved one were diagnosed with ovarian cancer after use of talc products such as Baby Powder or Shower to Shower, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Charles H. Johnson 1­800­535­5727. __________________________________

HELP WANTED MIDDLETON FARMERS COOPERATIVE, Middleton, Wisconsin is seeking a quali­ fied CEO/General Manager. Full service coop with sales of $22 million.

Successful agricultural business man­ agement and financial experience desired.

Apply:https://tinyurl.com/yan64ykv Contact:David.Lemmon@chsinc.com (320) 219­0270 __________________________________ TRAINING/EDUCATION AIRLINE CAREERS FOR NEW YEAR BECOME AN AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECH. FAA APPROVED TRAINING. FINANCIAL AID IF QUALIFIED JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE. CALL AIM 800­481­8312 __________________________________

REAL ESTATE Available Commercial Warehouse and Furnish Office Space, located on the Southeast side 773­821­4000 __________________________________

LEGAL NOTICE Mary R. is informing William Y. that I have file for a divorce. Contact me, please!!! __________________________________

My Income Never Stops And Neither Will Yours Http://www.myfavoritewaytomake­ money.com __________________________________

SERVICE

SERVICE

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: THE 1970s ACROSS 1. Private instructor 6. It’s shining in “America the Beautiful” 9. Not all 13. Lickety­split 14. Eyeball shape 15. Take a chance 16. Pull strings 17. *____ People’s Democratic Republic 18. Not quite right 19. *Poison to members of Peoples Temple 21. *Olympic massacre location 23. Weary traveler’s destination 24. Competently 25. Cha­____, dance 28. ____ ex machina 30. Buddhist doctrine 35. Centers of activity 37. “Hey ... over here!”

39. Result of pitcher’s domi­ nance 40. *Islamic Revolution locale 41. Romanov rulers 43. Deity, in Sanskrit 44. Singular of loci 46. Iranian coin 47. The sun, e.g.

48. Brain teaser 50. France’s third­largest city

52. *Heavyweight champion 53. Ice ____ or Middle ____ 55. Short for detective 57. *First U.S. space station 60. *Gregory Peck horror film 64. Declare invalid 65. Be in the red 67. Blind alternative 68. Gaelic­speaking Celts 69. Neither 70. In accordance with law 71. Fencing weapon 72. Old­fashioned “far” 73. Declaration of Independence, e.g.

DOWN 1. It needs to be done 2. “____ ____ no good” 3. Hawaiian tuber 4. Pantheon and Jefferson’s Rotunda windows 5. Put behind bars 6. Auctioneer’s final word 7. *Unsuccessful amendment to Constitution, acr.

8. Manhattan Project invention 9. Big rig 10. Like ear infection 11. Pit at a concert 12. Lt.’s subordinate 15. India’s national tree 20. All thumbs 22. Final, abbr.

24. Goes after 25. *Pinochet’s home

26. Great lake 27. Primitive calculators 29. *Kabul invader 31. Show of agreement, pl.

32. Kappa Alpha _____ 33. One to beat 34. *Pong manufacturer 36. Like a bug in a rug 38. Cafeteria holder 42. Three­toed tree dweller 45. S on garment, pl.

49. Turkish military leader 51. Goad or provoke 54. Jet black 56. Like apple prepped for cook­ ing 57. Ginger cookie 58. Proposal joint 59. Eggnog time 60. Seaside bird 61. New Testament sages 62. *Record label of The Jacksons and ABBA 63. Post­deductions amount 64. “This is the dawning of the ____ of Aquarius” 66. Go a­courting

12 / CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of August 30, 2017

INTRODUCING OUR

HOMEBUYER GRANT PROGRAM

We want to help make your dream of homeownership a reality. If the down payment is the only thing standing between you and your own home, we may have a tool for you. We’ve partnered with local nonprofits to offer the Homebuyer Grant Program to help first-time homebuyers overcome the challenge of covering a down payment. This program can offer up to $2,000 to qualifying borrowers purchasing a home as their primary residence and can be paired with federal, state, and local grants or loans. If purchasing a home seems out of reach because of the down payment, we’ve got a solution for you.

TO QUALIFY, HOMEBUYERS MUST: • Be applying for your first mortgage • Have an annual household income at or below 80 percent of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s median income of the county in which the property is located, adjusted for household size • Contribute at least $1,000 from personal funds toward the purchase of your home • Complete an approved homebuyer counseling program • Be applying for a minimum five-year loan term and, on adjustable rate mortgages, an initial interest rate lock period of five years minimum

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BANKING!

For a full list of our nonprofit partners and what area each covers, visit wintrust.com/buyergrant.

WE’RE PROUD TO BRING IT HOME. As a company made in this area, for this area, Wintrust and its family of true community banks is dedicated to the unique neighborhoods each serves.

For 25 years, we’ve been banks that invest in, give back to, and get to really know our communities and the people living in them. When you bank with a Wintrust Community Bank, you can be confident your money is going back into the things that matter most to you.

Mortgage Lending is provided through our affiliate Wintrust Mortgage. Wintrust Mortgage is a division of Barrington Bank and Trust N.A. NMLS # 449042