Facing weekend december 20 2017

Week of December 20, 2017 Vol 48 • No 51 |

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Founder Says Iris Botanicals Restores Natural Hair

Iris Patterson, founder and creator of “Iris Botanicals,” an all-natural hair and skincare product line, says Iris Botanicals not only grew her natural hair back but it can do the same for women and men of all backgrounds.

> MORE ON PAGE 2

Photo Credit: Iris Botanicals

NEWS:

TODD STROGER RUNNING FOR WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT COMMISSIONER >P3

FASHION: FASHIONMIA INTRODUCES NEW LINE OF DRESSES >P6 advertising@thechicagocitizen.com

stweekly@citizen6news

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news

1 Founder Says Iris Botanicals

briefly EDUCATION

Illinois Federation of Teachers Endorses JB Pritzker for Governor

Continued from Page 1

Restores Natural Hair

By Christopher Shuttlesworth

Chicago, IL – The Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) recently endorsed JB Pritzker for governor, which is the largest public-sector union to make an endorsement in the race. The Illinois Federation of Teachers joins 30 other individual unions along with the Illinois AFL-CIO to support JB Pritzker’s campaign.

HEALTH

Sleep Position and Stillbirth Risk: Is There a Connection?

Researchers in the UK say they have found a link between a woman sleeping on her back during late pregnancy and an increased risk of her suffering a stillbirth.A team of researchers at Tommy’s Stillbirth Research Centre at the University of Manchester interviewed more than 1,000 women - 291 of whom had a stillbirth late in the pregnancy. The women were interviewed about their sleeping positions, along with a number of other factors.

The researchers say their data showed that sleeping on the back more than doubled a woman’s risk of late stillbirth.

However, according to Dr. Michael Leonardi, a high risk obstetrician and director of obstetrics at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, while the findings are something to consider, it’s not necessarily a cause and effect relationship.

LAW & POLITICS

THE EXTRAORDINARY DIPLOMATIC CAREER OF THE ‘LITTLE ELAM GIRL’ FROM BOSTON In her new memoir Diversifying Diplomacy (Potomac Books, 2017), Ambassador Harriet Lee Elam-Thomas shares the story of her life as a young black woman who distinguished herself with a diplomatic career at a time when few colleagues looked like her.

Ambassador Elam-Thomas’s memoir is a firsthand account of her decadeslong career in the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service, recounting her experiences of making U.S. foreign policy, culture, and values understood abroad. Elam-Thomas served as a United States ambassador to Senegal (2000–2002) and retired with the rank of career minister after forty-two years as a diplomat.

Iris Patterson, founder and creator of “Iris Botanicals,” an all-natural hair and skincare product line in Chicago, recently shared with the Citizen on how losing her natural hair helped her develop a hair product that not only grew her natural hair back but now helps women and men of all backgrounds do the same.

During the Citizen’s interview, Patterson explained that a few months before her 2014 wedding, she was taking workout sessions that always resulted in her natural hair turning into an afro.

As she grew tired of her hair turning into an afro, Patterson decided to research an online hair stylist to buy a quick weave.

“I received this beautiful quick weave but after three weeks, I felt it was time for me to get a fresh new look,” said Patterson.

She continued to explain that she made an appointment with the hair stylist and says that’s where her hair disaster all began.

Patterson explained that quick weaves, like the one she originally had, are generally removed by being soaked off by a shampoo girl because the weave is so tightly bonded to the head. She said although women wear stocking caps to protect their natural hair, the glue still wets through the stocking cap and bonds to the hair.

“The shampoo girl impatiently decided to not let the quick weave soak off properly,” Patterson said. “Irresponsibly, she sped up the process by pulling the trax attached to the stocking cap, which was attached to my natural hair and I then began hearing tears.”

She continued “I’m thinking it was just the bond tearing but a few weeks later, I discovered that I had no hair under my glue-in.

So, I pulled back the trax and soaked the stocking cap off and found out that I had a receding hairline, similar to Late Actor Sherman Hemsley who played George Jefferson.”

Patterson said after she cried, she texted the hair stylist but said there was no apology or admission given to her, which resulted in Patterson wearing wigs to bed so her fiancé wouldn’t see her hair disaster.

“I was like, man should I go after her,’” Patterson said. “I had no idea where to go or what to do. A lot of times, women don’t have the answers so we just cover up the [bald spots] with more trax or wigs.

The hair stylists who mess our hair up don’t have the education to reverse the mess so the women continue wearing weaves or wigs for life.”

But Patterson said she was determined to grow her natural hair back and as a massage therapist she furthered her knowledge on essential oils and how they benefit hair skins.

“I decided to take essential oils and make it more concentrated because I wanted to see quick natural hair results,” she said. “I did months of research on all of the benefits of essential oils and I sparked enough growth where I was able to walk down my wedding aisle and feel beautiful.”

Patterson said when she got back from her honeymoon, she continued with her essential oil regimen and after gaining enough of her natural hair back, she posted on social media a before photo of when her hair was damaged and the after photo of her natural hair that had grown back.

“My inbox lit up with comments and people was like ‘that is nice but what did you do and what is the formulation,’” Patterson said. “I started getting people saying ‘I’m crying because I have no hair.’”

She explained that this prompted her to begin selling Iris Botanicals via social media and in her house during 2014.

“White women in Lincoln Park were writing me in my emails asking me was my product for straight, thin hair,” Patterson said. “So, White women; Black women; Mexican women; White men, and lupus and cancer survivors began using my product.”

Patterson, a tomboy who grew up in Englewood and lost friends to gun violence, said she didn’t even like doing her daughter’s hair. But she says she is amazed at how her pain created a hair product that now brings back women’s self-esteem.

“Do you understand that a women’s hair is her glory,” she said. “Our self-esteem is tied to it and to be able to put a smile on someone’s face who lost their hair or don’t feel attractive because of their hair damage, then that’s awesome. It’s like I’m celebrating and clapping with them.”

Iris Botanicals is currently sold in 4 Whole Foods Locations in Chicago’s South Loop, Lincoln Park, Hyde Park and Englewood. Patterson recently received the “Entrepreneurial Award” from Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

“My business just happened to me,” Patterson said. “I didn’t wake up and say ‘oh, I want a product line, but I woke up and said I want my hair back.’”

For more information about Iris Botanicals, visit www. irisbotanicals.com.

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CITIZEN Chicago Weekend / Week of December 20, 2017 / 3

1

GOVERNMENTAL Affairs

Todd Stroger Running For Water Reclamation District Commissioner Janice Garth

Congressmen Danny K Davis, Robin Kelly, Bill Foster and Community Endorse Fritz Kaegi for Cook County Assessor in Heated Race Congressman Danny K. Davis (7th), Congresswoman Robin Kelly, and Bill Foster (11th) recently endorsed Fritz Kaegi for Cook County Assessor. The Cook County Assessor election is gearing up to be one of closely watched campaigns in Cook County.

The Chicago Teachers Union(CTU) House of Delegates recently completed its first round of endorsements CTU has chosen to support four champions of democracy and public education.

Brandon Johnson is a longtime CTU member and staffer in the organizing department. Brandon’s focus is to support services that support students, physical and mental health care, restorative justice programs and the revenue needed to make sure those services are available to all who need them, and protect those who do the work.

Delia Ramirez,former president of the Logan Square Neighborhood Association, has been an education organizer in Logan Square and Humboldt Park for many years. She opposed the 2013 school closings and charter expansion and supports progressive revenue and using the money to fund not only school needs but affordable housing, too. Delia is endorsed by CTU affiliates United Working Families and Grassroots Illinois Action.

Rep. Sonya Harper is a strong CTU ally and the chief House sponsor of HB 3720, a bill to reform the TIF program in Chicago. The bill tightens the rules around development projects to clearly determine how much money is available, adds a provision that TIF funds could be used for special education and trauma supports in schools, and directs large TIF payments to CPS every year instead of downtown developers. Rep. Harper passed the bill out of the House (with a veto-proof majority) last spring.

Rep. Rob Martwick is one of the CTU’s strongest allies in the Illinois General Assembly. He is the chief sponsor of HB 1774, the bill for an elected school board for Chicago.

His work on this bill has moved CPS closer to an elected school board than at any other point in history. Rep. Martwick sponsored legislation that requires funding to follow students when they transfer between charter and traditional schools and a bill to outlaw for-profit charter schools.

Thornton Township Hosts Christmas Care Program

Thornton Township recently held it’s annual Christmas Care Program in South Holland.

“Thornton Township gave away more than 4,500 toys to community residents as well as 7,000 free holiday food baskets during its annual Christmas Care Program, according to Ernst Lamothe Jr., Public and Community Relations Manager.

“The township enjoys helping families. That is what local government is supposed to do,” said Jill Manning, Director of Special Projects and Coordinator of the Christmas Care Program. “The community really comes out for this program and we are going to continue having this event for our residents.”

By: Katherine Newman

Todd Stroger, former Cook County Board President, will run for a two-year term, in a recently vacated seat, as a Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD).

Stronger is the former Cook County Board President and before that he served as an Alderman. His original intention was to run for MWRD Commissioner but there was some confusion recently when he publicly considered running for Cook County Board President again, but quickly withdrew from the race.

The happenings of the MWRD are something that Stroger has kept up with for a long time, since he first worked for the district nearly thirty years ago.

“One of the good things that the district has always done is they would give you tours,” said Stroger. So I would work there in the summer and they would offer a tour every year to different plants and I would go, so I learned a lot.”

Stroger’s tentative plans, if elected, are based around continuing district efforts to repurpose and reuse collected water and waste and to support what the MWRD has already started doing to decrease and prevent home flooding during rain storms.

“The district has been on the right trail and my Todd Stroger, former Cook County Board President, will run for a two-year term, in a recently vacated thought is that we keep trying to figure out how seat, as a Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water sewage and the soil can be used for more of a benefit,” Reclamation District (MWRD). said Stroger.

The issues facing rain water management is likely the biggest issues that has come up at the MWRD in the last fifty years, according to Stroger.

“I think that is really where the district needs to put a lot of their efforts and to expand the programs we have to help with the flooding problems. I think that would help so many people in the city not only on the south side but on the north side as well,” said Stroger.

Once it is announced who will be on the ballot, Stroger will begin campaigning. He plans to attend as many events as he can, go door to door, and do targeted mailings.

“I’ve got to raise some money so I can do some targeted mailings to let people know because it’s not a high profile spot,” said Stroger. “Even if people know you, they might not know you’re running for it and they might

IL FIREFIGHTERS CALL on ILCONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION to PREVENT PUBLIC SAFETY GRANT PROGRAM FROM EXPIRING JAN 2nd Springfield- For the public safety of their constituents, the IL Firefighters Association is calling upon members of the IL House Congressional Delegation to urge House Leadership in DC to act on S. 829, which extends the Jan 2nd sunset of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs through FY 2023.

“In this heightened state of homeland security, mass shootings, and natural disasters, it is imperative that our fire departments have the necessary staffing levels and that our first responders have necessary training and equipment to protect the public, said Chief John Swan, President of the IL Firefighters Association SAFER provides funding to help pay the costs associated with hiring, recruitment and retention of both paid and volunteer fire personnel while AFG grants fund equipment, training and other fire department needs.

S. 829 also includes a very timely and critical provision to provide specialized training to first responders to recognize individuals who have mental illness and how to properly intervene with them, including strategies for verbal de-escalation of crisis.

S.829, known as the AFG and SAFER Program Reauthorization Act of 2017, is sponsored by Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) and passed the Senate in August and has been assigned to the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, where it has remained since September.

“However, without action this month in the House on S 829 to extend these vital programs, the public safety of both everyday people as well as our first responders will be put at tremendous risk,” explained Margaret Vaughn, Government Affairs Director for IL Firefighters Association.

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

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CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of December 20, 2017 / 5

business

1 Commerce Signals Expands Executive Team

from Nielsen, most recently as the Senior Vice Commerce Signals® - the marketing President of Product, where he spent more than technology innovator that has pioneered 18 years focused on creating innovative marketing solutions for measuring and improving solutions designed to better segment audiences and marketing impact on in-store sales in nearmeasure and report advertising effectiveness. real time - has announced the addition of four Aimee Tumaneng joins as Vice President of senior roles for its Executive Leadership team.

Sales, responsible for scaling revenue and achieving The hires are part of a nationwide expansion growth targets. Tumaneng brings over 15 years of strategy that follows the recent acquisition experience in media sales, programmatic, data and of $12 million in Series B funding and the analytics. Tumaneng was previously Head of Sales, successful signing of four of the top 15 retailers U.S. East and South America, at IAC, and prior to and restaurants as Commerce Signals clients. that, spent more than 11 years at Google in various “Marketing measurement using aggregate sales management and strategy capacities. consumer payments data is not new, but it has “As marketers are pressured to deliver better been slow and complex. The delay in reporting results with fewer resources, they’re looking for meant most campaigns were already complete, the quickest and best way to understand sales limiting the value of the data. “ explained response in order to optimize campaigns for the Commerce Signals Founder and CEO, Tom highest revenue,” said Noyes, CEO of Commerce Noyes. “Our strategy at Commerce Signals is to Signals. “Adding Chris, Nick, Todd and Aimee to enable retail marketers to drive more in-store Todd Lawson, Nick Mangiapane, Chris Hammer and our team will enhance and strengthen our ability sales with every digital campaign using the Aimee Tumaneng join the commerce Signals team as to support the unprecedented demand we see fastest-possible intel. Adding experienced the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, from our national brand and retail clients, who resources to our team is an essential part of Executive Vice President of Product and Vice President have turned to Commerce Signals to meet these delivering on that promise.” of Sales, respectively. growing needs.”

Todd Lawson has been named Chief Commerce Signals is the fastest way to Financial Officer. Lawson brings more than measure advertising’s impact on in-store sales. Its secure platform allows thirty years of experience in finance, treasury and accounting management. advertisers to measure how different advertising tactics are performing Lawson was most recently CFO at AFS Technologies, Inc., a SaaS software so they can optimize those tactics in near real-time. By deterministically company. His experience also includes CFO for Echo Automotive, Inc.; matching ad exposures to payment data from the world’s leading payment SNTech, Inc.; 41st Parameter, Inc.; and Vcommerce Corp. providers, and comparing the aggregate spend to a control group, Commerce Nick Mangiapane joins Commerce Signals as the Chief Marketing Signals isolates the incremental impact of each specific marketing tactic, Officer, where he will further the company’s customer-first growth strategy enabling marketers to remove the mystery on tracking advertising by helping marketers make better, faster decisions that result in higher effectiveness. sales. Mangiapane has a 20-year track record of driving profitable brand About Commerce Signals growth for companies including Procter & Gamble, Newell Rubbermaid and Commerce Signals connects advertisers and publishers directly with Ingersoll Rand. near-real-time insights from payment transaction data. The company’s Chris Hammer joins the team as Executive Vice President of Product, platform gives retail, restaurant and entertainment marketers the insights responsible for the development and evolution of the company’s solutions to optimize media tactics and measure the incremental sales driven by their and strategy that help advertisers, agencies and publishers optimize and advertising. For more information, please visit www.commercesignals.com. measure ads with real sales insights. Hammer comes to Commerce Signals

AFRICAN ANCESTRY SHOPPING DOs AND DON’Ts WASHINGTON, DC – Are you like many people that have tried an online ancestry test only to get results that don’t tell you where you’re from in Africa?

This holiday season, African Ancestry (AfricanAncestry.com), the black-owned pioneers of genetics ancestry tracing for people of African descent, is educating consumers on what to look for when purchasing an ancestry test kit.

“Consumers are confused by which ancestry kit tells them what. Many come to us dissatisfied with the lack of specificity of their results from other companies, but unfortunately, you get what they pay for,” said Dr. Gina Paige, president and cofounder of AfricanAncestry.com. “Our tests offer the immeasurable value of knowing your African country and “tribe” of origin. Other companies tell you that you have some percentage of West African ancestry. History already tells you that…for free.”

AFRICAN ANCESTRY SHOPPING DOs AND DON’Ts: DO… use us to find out where you are from in Africa and what tribe.

DO… use us if you want results that can be shared by an entire family line.

DO… use us if you want to #BUYBLACK. DO…use us if you want your DNA to be confidential.

DON’T… use us if you want to know percentages of ancestry.

DON’T… use us if you want genealogy records A Black identity company at its core, AfricanAncestry.com uses its database of more than 30,000 African lineages to pinpoint a present day African country of origin and tribe. It does this for Black fathers with its PatriClanä Test and the MatriClanä Test for mothers. One simple swab of the cheek reveals the ancestry of everyone on that family line. “Our closest competitor uses a little more than 600 lineages,” noted Paige.

Between November 1 and December 15, customers that enter DoYouKnow? at checkout can get the special holiday offering. For more information, visit www.AfricanAncestry.com and on Facebook and @AfricanAncestry. For media inquiries, contact Nichole Taylor at taylor@ taylorcommunicationsgroup.com.

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

10 tips to find the best smartphone for you The LUV Institute Provides Entrepreneurial Opportunity for Youths to Create Holiday Wreaths Chicago, IL – The Love, Unity and Values (LUV) Institute held its fifth annual Wreaths of LUV Entrepreneurial Program to stimulate creativity and teach basic business principles to youths during the holiday season. This year, 21 male students between the ages of 14 and 20 decorated and sold fresh wreaths while learning sales and customer service techniques.

Cosette Yisrael, executive director and founder of The LUV Institute, says the program has come a long way since its beginnings.

The wreaths were made of live, fresh fraser fir and captured the spirit of the holiday season.

Each wreath was 22” and decorated with berried juniper, incense cedar, pine cones, a handmade bow, colored bulbs, and were customizable.

The Luv Institute is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that targets at-risk youth who have experienced time in foster care and state-funded group homes, or in the juvenile justice system.

The LUV Institute’s youth programs are designed to help students learn coping skills, complete school and prepare them for successful entry into the workforce, often as entrepreneurs.

Proceeds from the fundraising event will benefit youth programs at The LUV Institute. For more information, visit www.luvinstitute.org or call 773-624-5200.

(BPT) - There are so many choices when shopping for a smartphone these days, and the differences can be very subtle. Here are some of the key things you’ll want to look at to make sure you find the one that works best for your needs.

Operating System (OS): There are two different operating systems to choose from. iOS works with iPhones, while Android operates with a wider variety of smartphones, like those from Samsung or Motorola. In general, iOS is considered easier to use, but you need to have an Apple device. Android gives you more options, plus the ability to customize with third-party software and widgets.

Screen size: Get the right-size screen for the things you’ll want to do.

Buy a phone with a screen smaller than 5.5 inches if one-hand use is important to you or if you have smaller hands. Get a bigger-screen phone if you like to watch a lot of videos or play games, or simply want to have an easier time navigating on your touchscreen.

Camera: Most people now use their phones as their primary camera, so the right selection here will be an especially important one. More and more smartphones boast cameras with at least 12 megapixels, so don’t go by only that stat. Instead, focus on individual camera specs and special features like dual lenses or the ability to edit and enhance your photos.

Display: For a phone’s display, color quality and brightness matter more than resolution. Pay attention to how bright the display is, if it will be easy to see outdoors, and how colorful the panel is. The very latest

phones even offer high dynamic range (HDR) for displaying even more colors.

Design: Determining good smartphone design is purely subjective. Many people prefer a metal or glass design; others, plastic. If you’re concerned about durability, look for a phone that is water-resistant.

A handful of phones also now feature a shatterproof glass display, and many include a Gorilla Glass display to protect it from short drops (though a protective case will help with that, too).

Processor: Even midrange phones now offer satisfactory performance for nearly any user level or basic task. A good processor inside a phone will translate to faster open times for apps, smoother navigation and quicker photo editing.

Battery: Many factors, including the screen size,

processor and operating system, determine how long a smartphone lasts on a charge. A decent benchmark is to look for a smartphone with a battery capacity of at least 3,000 mAh. Any phone that lasts longer than 9 hours of straight 4G LTE use is considered very good.

Storage: Given that some apps and games can easily take up more than 1GB of storage, not to mention how many high-res photos and videos smartphone owners are capturing, go for as much internal storage as possible. Some models offer just 8Gb or 16Gb; however, the minimum on premium handsets these days is usually 32GB. Adding a micro SD card can also help expand your storage. This option’s available on many Android phones.

Price: Don’t pay for more than you need. The latest iPhone and premium Android phones start around $650, and can easily run you $800 or more. But there are great options below $500, and even some solid choices for less than $200.

Carrier: A smartphone requires a talk and data plan. Choose a cellphone service provider that offers what you’ ll really use. Avoid expensive, one-size-fits-all plans. Consumer Cellular, for example, offers a wide variety of smartphone choices from entry level to top of the line, along with talk and data plans that cost their average customer less than $25 a month, with no contracts.

Let today’s top technology work for you! It’s a very competitive marketplace, so by shopping wisely, you’re sure to find a smartphone that keeps you happily connected at a great price.

LOOKING FOR THE PATH TO HOMEOWNERSHIP? LET US SHOW YOU THE WAY. Buying your first home shouldn’t be overwhelming. The experienced professionals at Associated Bank are dedicated to guiding you through the entire process from start to finish. Our Program for Assisting Today’s Homebuyer (PATH) lets you focus on the excitement that comes with owning your first home.

Find out if you qualify for up to $4,000† in grants. Contact us today.

• AssociatedBank.com/Home • Call 800-270-7721

†Maximum grant assistance is $4,000 for down payment and closing costs. Consult your lender for details. First-time homebuyers will need to complete a Homeownership Educational Program. Refinance transactions are not eligible. Program only available with an Associated Bank first mortgage. Exclusions apply. Associated Bank reserves the right to discontinue the program at any time without notice. *The Leading Lender in the Midwest designation is based on information gathered from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data compiled annually by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council. The results of the data were obtained through RATA Comply, November 2016.

Loan products are offered by Associated Bank, N.A., and are subject to credit approval and involve interest and other costs. Please ask about details on fees and terms and conditions for these products.

Property insurance and flood insurance, if applicable, will be required on collateral. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. (7/17) 0099_10683

CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of December 20, 2017 / 7 6 / CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of December 20, 2017

fashion

FashionMia Introduces New Line of Dresses FashionMia has been on a roll during 2017, sales continue to rise and customer feedback continues to be fantastic. The company attributes these results to their dedication to providing affordable clothing while maintaining high quality products and providing impeccable customer service.

The company recently announced the launch of their winter collection of dresses.

The new line provides everything from maxi to bodycon dresses.

For the last several months FashionMia has had its designers scouting fashion events from around the world to gain understanding of what is hot for winter 2017. The company has worked with its manufacturing partners to bring these dress fashions to the public while also leveraging their ordering power to keep prices low. The result is the new collection of dresses for women. The new line of dresses for women include something for everyone, however, the largest update in the dress line has been to the bodycon section.

Bodycon dresses are a type of dress that fits tightly around the body, giving a more prominent look of the bust, waste, and hips. FashionMia’s new line of bodycon dresses includes multiple styles like batwing sleeves, split, and round neck. The company has also included many different styles of patterns. Customers can choose from paisley, cartoonish, stripes, zigzags, and other geometrical shapes. FashionMia is an inclusive website for all women, regardless of a person’s weight, there is a dress size for them. The company sells everything from small to sizes larger than extra-large.

Let’s be fearless.

Fearless to challenge ourselves.

Fearless not to take the easy way out.

Fearless to live the dream. To extend educational opportunities. And to help future generations be strong.

Because when we stand together, there’s nothing to fear.

Band Collar Plain Blend Bodycon Dress

Sexy V-Neck Solid Pleated Knitted Skater Dress

Baby It’s Cold Outside

Dr. Tanya Altmann, MD, FAAP

A working mother and UCLA-trained pediatrician who practices in Southern California, Dr. Tanya Altmann is a best-selling author, network television parenting expert, and entertainment industry consultant.

She is an American Academy of Pediatrics spokesperson, approved by the national physician organization to communicate complicated medical issues into easily understood concepts. She currently works out of her private-practice, Calabasas Pediatrics.

Ready or not, the official first day of winter is just around the corner, and between the drying heat inside and freezing cold weather outside, you’ll need to do more than bundle up your little one to keep their delicate baby skin healthy all season long.

Baby Dove’s official medical advocate, pediatrician Dr. Tanya Altmann, has shared her tops tips for protecting baby’s skin throughMoisturize, moisturize, moisturize. As temperatures drop and the air becomes dryer, help prevent dry skin irritation by keeping baby’s skin moisturized and hydrated with a cleanser like Baby Dove Rich Moisture Tip to Toe Wash. Baby Dove goes beyond mildness to care for skin with DEFI technology and ¼ moisturizing cream to protect skin’s natural barrier and help prevent dryness and irritation.

Bundle with care. When it’s cold

outside, we want to bundle our little ones up to protect them from the elements, but make sure to avoid rough, non-breathable fabrics that can irritate delicate baby skin.

Layer up. Dress baby in layers to avoid overheating and sweating when indoors with central heat. In general, babies need one more layer of clothing than adults.

Keep eczema at bay. If your baby has eczema, use a fragrance-free baby wash specifically developed for sensitive skin. Awarded the Seal of Acceptance™ by The National Eczema Association, Baby Dove Sensitive Moisture Tip to Toe Wash replaces essential moisture and nutrients with no added fragrance to avoid flaring irritation. After bathing each day, use a lotion like Baby Dove Sensitive Moisture Lotion, and ask your pediatrician if any areas need a specific medicated cream or ointment.

briefly Bobbi-Toads Teams Up with Our Lady of the Angels Mission to Provide Customizable Shoes to Families in Need

Bob Stanley, Co-Founder of Bobbi-Toads recently teamed up with the Our Lady of the Angels Mission to provide up to 500 pairs of brand new shoes to families in need in Humboldt Park.

Bobbi-Toads has worked annually with Our Lady of the Angels Mission to provide new shoes to families, some of whom have never had their own pair of shoes before.

Bobbi-Toads is the first-ever line of paintable and light-up toed sneakers designed to inspire and spark children’s creativity and since the company’s inception in 2012, Bobbi-Toads has dedicated the company to giving back to a variety of philanthropic causes and charities.

Bobbi-Toads donates 30% of all of their proceeds from all of their sales to those in need.

Recently, Bobbi-Toads also worked with the Chicago-based National Museum of Puerto Rican Culture and Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda to provide more than 1,000 pairs of sneakers to those affected by Hurricane Maria.

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CITIZEN Chicago Weekend / Week of December 20, 2017 / 9 8 / CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of December 20, 2017

church

New York Archdiocese Pays Sexual Abuse Victims $40 Million Legal-Bay LLC, The Lawsuit Pre Settlement Funding Company, reported recently that the New York Archdiocese has paid out over 40 million dollars in compensation to 189 victims of clergy sexual abuse this year alone. The average claim comes to just over $211,000 per plaintiff.

The payouts are a result of the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program, which was put into place earlier this year to address the multiple accusations against the New York Diocese. While the deadline for filing suit through the IRCP ended on November 30, some additional claims are still being processed.

Legal-Bay is an advocate for victims of sexual abuse across the country, and is well-versed in abuse litigation, especially in situations where some of the Catholic churches have filed for bankruptcy to limit their payouts. Even in those cases, the pre settlement cash company was able to assist with providing lawsuit money to victims.

Legal-Bay has funded these types of cases in New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin,

Weekly

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Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, California, Ohio, and Hawaii. As the pre-settlement funding leader, they can offer financial assistance for people with active lawsuits as they wait for their cases to settle.

Chris Janish, CEO, commented on the company’s focus of assisting plaintiffs in similar situations, “We are happy to see that once the deadline for filing new claims had passed that the Archdiocese quickly settled these horrific sex abuse claims. Unfortunately, these settlements are all too common nowadays, and with the current environment for sexual harassment cases increasing every day, Legal-Bay has been one of the best lawsuit funding companies for sexual assault victims. That commitment will not change moving forward.”

Legal-Bay is committed to aiding victims involved in such cases so that they can pay bills and live their lives in dignity while they wait for their settlement. For more information, visit the company’s website at: http://lawsuitssettlementfunding.com

THEME: SUFFERING

1 Peter 5:10 - But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

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

Inspirations

on the go

CHRISTMAS IN THE WARDS II

Jerome Photographer

from Rev. Dr. Derrick B. Wells,

Senior Minister of Christ Universal Temple

AN EXCELLENT TIME TO TAKE INVENTORY

As we close out the remainder of year 2017, now is an excellent time to take inventory of the blessings and breakthroughs we enjoyed, the challenges and difficulties we persevered through, and the manner in which we confronted, resolved, and learned from the many things that happened in our lives over the past year. For many of us, this is also an excellent time to dedicate ourselves to ending any unpleasant cycles that may have consumed our thoughts, high jacked our emotions, and threatened our sense of connection to God and the power to create the life we deserve in the coming year.

Certainly, you are familiar with the definition of insanity as the act of repeating the same behavior over and over and expecting a different outcome.

This pearl of wisdom can be even more powerful when paired with the words from Romans 12:2, which in part says, “that you are to be transformed into a new person by changing the way you think.”

Remember, our lives are created from the inside out.

The understanding use of this principle positions each of us to be and live empowered.

However, in many ways 2017 deserves reflection even beyond what might have occurred in our own personal lives. Over the past twelve months, our nation has witnessed an attempt to legitimize the deficit in executive leadership along with his global direction of divisiveness, we saw many courageous #metoo women cause an inflection point that is still threatening to disrupt detestable behavioral norms, we witnessed a seemingly perpetual clash for tolerance and what it means to be an American, and Colin Kaepernick still does not have a football team.

We would do well to remember that what is happening in the collective can serve as a symbol for how we might recalibrate ourselves independently and interdependently. Be reminded that you have the ability to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (II Corinthians 10:5). If we are to live our best lives we should take care to hold the highest thoughts, speak the truest words, act in accord with the good desires of the heart, employ habits of a better tomorrow today, intentionally develop our character, and embrace our divine destiny. This mindfulness approach will enable us to circumvent repeating the same behaviors of 2017 and give birth to a New You in the New Year.

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

Dresssed for the occassion was 8th Wards Debroah Stanly delights the kids before program.

Judge Frederick Bates, Judge Toya Harvey Travis Richadson, Judge Adrienne Davis, volunteered.

Sen. Kwame Raoul, ALd Carrie Austin and Tim Rand Midway Wholesalers

Ald. Anthony Beale (9) with Christmas presents for a family in his ward.

Mom gives thumbs up after receiving gifts.

Founder of Xmas In The Wards Larry Huggins pays tribute to the 2017 volunteers.

8th WARD CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS

Top photo 8th Ward Ald.Michelle Harris and the 8th Ward Women’s Auxilary - Bottom photo 8th Ward young Democrats annual xmas party.

CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of December 20, 2017 / 15

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THE SECOND CITY TRAINING CENTER AND GIANT STEPS BRING ‘IMPROV FOR AUTISM’ TO THE SUBURBS CHICAGO - The Second City Training Center (SCTC), the world’s largest school of improvisation and part of Chicago’s legendary comedy institution, The Second City, is proud to bring its groundbreaking Improv for Autism classes to the Western suburbs.

Beginning Saturday, January 13th, the SCTC’s Wellness Program workshops will be offered at Giant Steps school in Lisle, IL. Giant Steps, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is a specialized, therapeutic day school for children and young adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Improv for Autism has been successfully running at The Second City Training Center in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood since 2014, serving both teens and adults.

“The early research in this area has shown that improvisation has a discernible positive effect in improving communication and prosocial behaviors in individuals with autism. We are thrilled to partner with Giant Steps so that we can collectively help more kids, parents, teachers and friends in this wonderful community,” said Kelly Leonard, Executive Director of Insights & Applied Improvisation for The Second City.

The classes at Giant Steps school will be held each Saturday at 2:00 p.m., for eight weeks. Each class session is 90 minutes long. Classes are open to students, ages 14-18, with a primary diagnosis of autism. The cost for registration at secondcity.com is $295 per student.

“It’s an incredible opportunity for Giant Steps and Second City Training Center to partner together in order to bring the benefits of Improv for Autism to a much broader audience in the Chicagoland suburbs,” said Giant Steps Instructional Design & Communications Manager, Greg Lawrence. “We are always looking for ways to expand and enhance our services and supports beyond our walls in order to benefit the larger ASD community, and Improv for Autism is a perfect fit.”

“Our campus is near many major roadways, which can be incredibly important to those with ASD who aren’t able to make long journeys in a car,” Lawrence added.

Seats are limited and will filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register for classes, visit secondcity.com, and for more information about Improv for Autism, please contact press@secondcity.com.

About The Second City Training Center Part of the iconic comedy empire The Second City, The Second City Training Center is the foremost school of improvisation-based arts in the world, offering classes for kids through seniors at every experience level. Currently enrolling more than 11,000 students annually at

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10 / CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of December 20, 2017

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CELEBRATE KWANZAA AT THE DUSABLE MUSEUM Chicago, IL. - The DuSable Museum of African American History in collaboration with the Bolozi Wazee / Shule Ya Watoto (Council of Elders) is hosting a two-day Kwanzaa Observance Program, on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 and Wednesday, December 27, 2017 from 12:00 NOON until 2:30 PM, each day. The event will include cultural activities, the Kwanzaa ritual, and ‘Edutainment.’

The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Remembering Our Ancestors and Building on Their Legacies.” The event will take place at the Museum, located at 740 East 56th Place (57th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue) in Chicago.

Each day the program will begin with the Drum Call at 12:00 NOON, and open with the Kwanzaa Ritual, and an explanation of the Principle for the day. The goal of the collaboration is to increase public participation in practice and understanding of the Kwanzaa celebration, and to bring families together to honor our Ancestors, become grounded in our history and to celebrate our collective achievement as an Afrikan People.

Some of the scheduled performers includes: Najwa Dance Corps; Thunder Sky Drummers; Armen Rah; Sax Preacher; Spirits; Maggie Brown and Fred Baker; and the West Indies Dance Group.

Established in 1966 by Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa aims to reconnect Black America to their African roots and recognize their struggle as a people by building community.

It is observed from December 26th through January 1st annually. Derived from the Swahili term, “matunda ya

its facilities in Chicago, Toronto, Los Angeles and online, the faculty is composed of working professionals in their areas of expertise and alums of The Second City. Home of the Comedy Studies Program in conjunction with Columbia College Chicago, SCTC also launched the Harold Ramis Film School in 2016, the world’s only film school dedicated to comedy. Past students of The Second City Training Center include Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Keegan-Michael Key, and many more comedy giants.

About Giant Steps

Since 1996, Giant Steps has been focused on providing education, therapeutic and recreational programs for Elementary, Junior High, High School students and young adults affected by autism, their families

WASHINGTON, DC – On February 22-25, 2018, Black women of all backgrounds, experience, and expression will gather for Power Rising: Building an Agenda for Black Women (www.powerrising.org) an historic summit that will build an actionable agenda that leverages individual and collective power and influence for the advancement of black women, their families, communities and future. The Summit will be organized around five key pillars of activism and engagement:

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Business & Economic Empowerment; Culture, Community, and Society; Education, Technology, and Innovation; Health & Wellness; and Political Empowerment. Not since the Combahee River Collective statement was written some 40 years ago have Black women gathered to create an agenda that explicitly addresses the unique intersectionality of Black women. The event will take place in Atlanta, GA, February 22 - 25, 2018.

The Power Rising Summit will provide a space for Black women to turn power into action and create a strategic, actionable agenda to be implemented in their communities.

Visit www.powerrising.org for information on how to register to attend the Power Rising Summit.

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Happpy Holidays

address noted below, for inspection durzen who so requests within 180 days after publication of this notice of its availability. The Love and Unity Prayer Circle 1153 E. 82nd Street Chicago, Il 60619-4513537. The principal manager is Cynthia A Cohen, Pastor Telephone

Be Safe!

(773) 993-9796. __________________________________

TRANSITION Darrell Garth

President /Publisher

Janice Garth Sales Manager General Manager

William Garth Sr. CEO Emeritus

Editorial

Send news tips, press releases, calendar listing etc to: editorial@thechicagocitizen.com

About The DuSable Museum of African American History

The DuSable Museum of African American History is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the country. Our mission is to promote understanding and inspire appreciation of the achievements, contributions and experiences of African Americans through exhibits, programs and activities that illustrate African and African American history, culture and art. The DuSable Museum is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate. For more information on the Museum and its programs, please call 773- 947-0600 or visit us at www.dusablemuseum.org. The DuSable Museum of African American History gratefully acknowledges the Chicago Park District’s partnership and also thanks United Airlines, the official airline of the DuSable Museum for its support.

POWER RISING SUMMIT 2018: Save the Date!

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kwanza,” which means “first-fruits” Kwanzaa is based upon African harvest celebrations. Just as many African harvest celebrations run for seven days, Kwanzaa has seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba. They are: umoja (unity); kujichagulia (self determination); ujima (collective work and responsibility); ujamaa (cooperative economics); nia (purpose); kuumba (creativity); and imani (faith).

Admission to the 2017 Kwanzaa Celebration is FREE for all. Regular admission prices apply for visitors wishing to experience the Museum. Please call 773-947-0600, or visit www.dusablemuseum. org for more information.

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Jackie, at the end of the day, I realized you’re all I really wanted. When all the confusion and chatter clears and I think about my life, I can’t think of anyone else I would rather have next to me than you. I will love you always, your Husband Jesse Garth.

CCNG Publishers of the Chatham-Southeast, South End, Chicago Weekend, South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen, published weekly on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually). Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. CCNG does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Monday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Mondays at noon prior to the next edition. For more information on subscriptions or advertising call us at (773) 783-1251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

12 / CITIZEN / Chicago Weekend / Week of December 20, 2017

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