HYDE PARK CITIZEN 7-31-2019

Citizen

Mayor Lightfoot Adds A New Chief Risk Officer To Her List Of Diverse Cabinet Appointments — Page 2 Week of July 31, 2019

| Vol. 30 | No. 36 | www.thechicagocitizen.com

HYDE PARK

Benefit Chicago awards $3 million impact investment to DL3 Advisors, led by Leon Walker (middle). Photo Credit: Provided by DL3 Realty

SOUTH SIDE INVESTMENT COMPANY RECEIVES $3 MILLION INVESTMENT FROM BENEFIT CHICAGO

Benefit Chicago, a local impact investment fund, recently announced that they are making a $3 million impact investment in DL3 Advisors, LLC which is a new impact investment company created by DL3 Realty. DL3 Realty is known for being a south side developer and working on projects that are rooted in community relationships and cultural preservation. PAGE 2

BUSINESS

NEWS

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Bayer Earns Top Marks in 2019 Disability Equality Index

ENTERTAINMENT

Chicago remembers 1919 Race Riots

Hanna Lee Communications Takes Books from Concept to Publishing, with Built-In Promotion PAGE 8

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NEWS briefly EDUCATION

78% OF RECENT GRADS: STUDENT LOANS LIMIT LIFE, LEADING SOME TO FEEL REGRET In order to see how big an impact student loan debt has, Student Loan Hero surveyed borrowers who graduated in the last five years. The survey found that nearly 8 of 10 recent college graduates report that their student loan debt has hindered their life in some significant way, leaving them stagnant.

For close to half of survey respondents, high student loan debt has led to regrets about how much they borrowed (46%) and what they studied in college (46%). More interesting, however, is that those who work in a field related to their college major were more confident about handling their monthly loan payment (55%) than those who do something else for a living (34%).

To view the full report, visit https://studentloanhero.com/featured/graduates-student-loan-debt-financial-milestones-survey/

HEALTH

EVERGREEN PARK HOSPITAL AND FACILITIES EXPECTED TO MERGE WITH OSF HEALTHCARE OSF HealthCare and Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers have entered into a period of exclusive negotiations, anticipating a full merger. The two organizations will spend the next several months finalizing agreements and seeking the necLittle Company of Mary essary regulatory and Hospital exterior. canonical approvals.

“As health care continues to evolve, we have the responsibility to ensure that we are planning for the future – both in terms of technology and innovation as well as preserving Catholic health care,” said John Hanlon, MD, MMM, president and CEO, Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers. “OSF HealthCare is a leader in transforming health care, and we believe our firm foundation of faith and collective sense of purpose and mission will allow for sustained quality, coordinated care and innovation.”

The merger is expected to take place in early 2020, according to a press release.

LAW & POLITICS

WORKING MOTHER RECOGNIZES SHOOK’S CULTURE AND RANKS FIRM AMONG BEST LAW FIRMS FOR WOMEN Working Mother magazine has selected Shook, Hardy & Bacon for its prestigious list of the 2019 “60 Best Law Firms for Women.” Led

by Chair Madeleine McDonough, this is the eighth time in the past dozen years Shook has earned the honor.

The magazine noted Shook’s inaugural “Diversity Sponsor Award” created by the firm’s Junior Women’s Management Council. The firm recognizes an attorney who mentors women and diverse attorneys by providing opportunities for growth, leadership, advancement and visibility. In 2019, Partner Adrienne Byard earned the accolade.

South Side Investment Company Receives $3 Million Investment From Benefit Chicago Continued from page 1

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

Benefit Chicago, a local impact investment fund, recently announced that they are making a $3 million impact investment in DL3 Advisors, LLC which is a new impact investment company created

by DL3 Realty. DL3 Realty is known for being a south side developer and working on projects that are rooted in community relationships and cultural preservation.

“DL3 Realty Advisors is the new arm of DL3 Realty that sources and stewards institutional capital investments into neighborhood revitalization projects,” said Leon Walker, managing partner of DL3 Realty.

On paper, DL3 Realty is a full-service real estate development firm but what sets it apart from other developers in Chicago is their commitment to transforming disinvested communities, particularly on the south side, through high-impact commercial real estate projects.

Most recently, DL3 Realty partnered to open a brand new Jewel-Osco grocery

store in the Woodlawn neighborhood. The Woodlawn community hadn’t had their own full-service grocery for nearly 40 years prior to the Jewel-Osco opening. Before that, DL3 realty worked to build Englewood Square and again brought a full-service grocery store to a community that needed it.

“If you look at how Mr. Walker has led the organization thus far, he was able to go in and partner with the City and other officials to get the Englewood Square open,” said Dr. William Towns, executive director of Benefit Chicago. “The way that he structured that transaction in a way that allowed 40 local vendors to participate and looked for minority construction companies and women owned businesses to participate, those sorts of things and that sort of mindset about creating shared value is incredibly important.”

Benefit Chicago is an impact investment fund that is collectively offering $100 million dollars funding to finance the growth of enterprise in Chicago that are helping to build wealth in developing communities, create jobs where they are most needed,

and enhance job readiness skills for unemployed individuals.

The Chicago Community Trust, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and Calvert Impact Capital all collaborated to create Benefit Chicago as a way to invest in parts of Chicago where capital is seen as being limited, according to Dr. Towns.

“We typically know this to be the south and west side communities in our city and our belief is that if we can figure out how to get capital to flow into these communities that this could be one of the ways to help improve the economic and social-economic standards in those communities,” said Towns.

Benefit Chicago chose to invest in DL3 Realty and Walker not only because of his proven ability to get remarkable projects completed, but because of his dedication to the south side and his tireless efforts to create development projects that are inclusive, equitable, and which make a long lasting positive impact on the community they are situated in.

Mayor Lightfoot Adds A New Chief Risk Officer To Her List Of Diverse Cabinet Appointments

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

During her campaign, Mayor Lori Lightfoot spoke about the importance of diversity in Chicago and more importantly, about the importance of seeing that diversity is represented in City Hall and in other positions of power throughout the city.

Since taking office, Mayor Lightfoot has made several cabinet appointments consisting of individuals who are both highly qualified in their specific areas of expertise and who also represent a variety of diverse backgrounds.

Most recently, Lightfoot appointed Tamika Puckett to serve as the City of Chicago’s Chief Risk Officer. In this position, Puckett will be tasked with creating and implementing a comprehensive risk management strategy for the city which should lessen the amount of money that Chicago spends on claims, judgments, and liabilities as well as reduce the city’s overall operational costs, according to information from the City of Chicago.

“My title is Chief Risk Officer and what that means is essentially I am assessing

Tamika Puckett (pictured) was recently appointed to serve as the City of Chicago’s Chief Risk Officer. Photo Credit: Provided by the Office of the Mayor

every component and every department of the city to determine where we can identify any risk. Particularly, I am looking for financial risks but also for risks to individuals, both employees and citizens, and determining where we can reduce costs regarding accidents, incidents, and things of that nature that cost the city tax dollars,” said Puckett.

Before accepting Mayor

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Lightfoot’s appointment, Puckett was working as the City of Atlanta’s Director of Enterprise Risk Management.

Puckett also previously led the risk management program for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and specializes in the areas of risk assessments, workers’ compensation, contractual risk transfer, and training programs.

“I was totally honored and

I was blown away to receive the offer to come to the City of Chicago. I’ve done risk management in a few different states and so I have moved for work in the past but to come to a city as large and complex as the City of Chicago was a great honor,” said Puckett. “I look forward to working in this city and learning more about the city.”

Risk management is critically important for the City of Chicago, according to Puckett.

Risk management is something that has been done in the private business sector for quite some time and Puckett said that it is smart for cities across the country to begin applying the concept to their operations as well.

“Risk management is essential to any organization, the private sector has been doing it very well for a lot longer than the government has and some government entities are better than others,” said Puckett.

“To take a look at the city in the same light as if you were a private organization, or private entity, in the way of reducing costs and having an impact on the overall bottom line, I think that is ingenious of the Mayor.”

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of July 31, 2019

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NEWS

Obama ordinance would protect South Side neighborhoods

BY WENDELL HUTSON Contributing Writer

Two aldermen have joined forces to create and introduce the “Obama Community Benefits Agreement” ordinance that, if passed by the City Council, would prevent residents from being priced out of their South Side neighborhoods.

The CBA ordinance was introduced at a July 24 City Council meeting by Aldermen Leslie Hairston (5th) and Jeanette Taylor (20th), whose wards would be most affected by gentrification due to the pending Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park.

The ordinance is the first step in making sure residents and businesses living near the OPC benefit from it, said Hairston.

“The ordinance now goes before the Housing Committee and city attorneys and the Department of Housing will also weigh,” explained Hairston. “We’re going to also have more community meetings as we continue to work through it. This ordinance is what the community wanted and will address their fears about being gentrified out of their community.”

And while the proposed ordinance addresses housing, only Hairston said other community concerns like jobs would also be addressed.

“This ordinance deals with neighborhood stabilization and securing affordable housing is one way to do that,” added Hairston.

The city’s current housing requirements, according to the CBA, do not go far enough in ensuring residents are not forced to relocate once the OPC is built.

“The City Council finds that the 2015 Affordable Requirements Ordinance (Section 2-44-080 of the Municipal Code) is insufficient to prevent displacement and broad demographic change in neighborhoods facing significant displacement pressure,” the CBA stated. “And that additional measures are necessary to increase production of affordable housing, protect vulnerable residents and create neighborhoods where residents of all incomes can thrive.”

Voters living in the area surrounding the

BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA Newswire Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

The Obama Presidential Center will be built in Jackson Park on the South Side and is expected to jumpstart the local economy surrounding the center. Photo credit: Obama Foundation

OPC already approved a referendum that would create a 30 percent set-aside for affordable housing; create a community trust fund for affordable housing and economic development; and provide property tax relief to long-time low, moderate and middle-income residents.

Taylor said she knows first hand about being displaced.

In 2004, after the Harold Washington Cultural Center was built in Bronzeville, property taxes increased and local landlords went up on rents thus forcing longtime residents like Taylor to move.

“I could no longer afford the rent at my apartment building so I moved my family to Woodlawn,” recalled Taylor. “I do not want other families to experience what I went through just because a big development is built in your neighborhood.”

Michael Strautmanis, vice president of civic engagement for the nonprofit Obama Foundation, said he agrees with former President Barack Obama, who does not favor a CBA, largely because the foundation is already doing many of

the things expressed by the community.

For example, the foundation will award a minimum of 50 percent of construction subcontracts (valued between $300 to $350 million) to diverse firms; continue to support neighborhood stabilization efforts; support policies that would foster development of a strong small business corridor around the presidential center; open a South Side resource center for residents to learn about job opportunities at the Obama Center; and establish apprenticeship training programs in Washington Park, Woodlawn, South Shore, and other areas where one does not currently exist.

At the end of the day, Taylor said it is vital that a written agreement and not just a handshake or a promise to do right, is in place before the OPC is built.

“Getting a CBA is about protecting long-term stakeholders who were living in the community when it was nothing,” she said. “We’re never the ones benefiting from things coming to our community and that has got to stop.”

IDIQ Offers Military Discount for IdentityIQ Credit and Identity Theft Monitoring Services IDIQSM, the company behind the credit and identity theft monitoring IdentityIQSM brand, is now offering 25% off for active duty and veteran military members – a group especially at risk for identity theft.

Scott Hermann, co-owner and CEO of IDIQ, said the discount is not only a way to thank military members for their service but also bring essential credit and identity theft monitoring services to those whose information is most vulnerable. Hermann – one of the nation’s leading experts in credit

Dr. Patrice Harris Sworn-In as the American Medical Association’s First Black Female President

monitoring, identity theft protection and data breach management – said the recent targeting of military personnel by cyberspies from Russia, China and Iran, coupled with the low amount of account transactions military members make while deployed, make them extremely vulnerable to identity theft and fraud.

“If you are in the military or just came out of the military, often you haven’t been making a lot of credit or financial transactions,” he said.

“Identity thieves see this as an easy target – people with a low amount of

transactions typically won’t be closely monitoring his or her accounts.”

Once thieves have stolen personal information, they can attempt to take out loans, open new credit cards, clone debit cards, change a billing address, obtain a new driver’s license and use that false identity when questioned by police. Hermann said actively monitoring credit and identity information allows for quick action when identity thieves strike.

“Credit monitoring is the most important thing you can do,” he said. “If you aren’t monitoring,

you aren’t paying attention to your personal information.”

Hermann said IDIQ supports current and retired military members and has numerous veterans on staff.

“Our military members and veterans have done so much for our country,” he said. “Our goal is to bring them peace of mind so they can stop worrying about data threats and identity thieves.”

For more information on the new IdentityIQ military discount, visit www.IdentityIQ.com/military.

www.thechicagocitizen.com

Dr. Patrice A. Harris, a psychiatrist from Atlanta, was recently sworn-in as the 174th president of the American Medical Association (AMA). She is the first African-American woman to hold the position.

During her inauguration ceremony in Chicago, Dr. Harris said she plans to implement effective strategies to improve healthcare education and training, combat the crisis surrounding chronic diseases, and eliminate barriers to quality patient care.

She also promised to lead conversations on mental health and diversity in the medical field.

“We face big challenges in health care today, and the decisions we make now will move us forward in a future we help create,” Dr. Harris said in a statement.

“We are no longer at a place where we can tolerate the disparities that plague communities of color, women, and the LGBTQ community.

But we are not yet at a place where health equity is achieved in those communities,” she said.

According to her biography on the AMA’s website, Dr. Harris has long been a mentor, role model and an advocate.

She served on the AMA Board of Trustees since 2011, and as chair from 2016 to 2017.

Prior to that, Dr. Harris served in various leadership roles which included task forces on topics like health information technology, payment and delivery reform, and private contracting.

Dr. Harris also held leadership positions with the American Psychiatric Association, the Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association, the Medical Association of Georgia, and The Big Cities Health Coalition, where she chaired this forum composed of leaders from America’s largest metropolitan health departments.

Growing up in Bluefield, West Virginia, Dr. Harris dreamt of entering medicine at a time when few women of color were encouraged to become physicians, according to her bio.

She spent her formative years at West Virginia University, earning a BA in psychology, an MA in counseling psychology and ultimately, a medical degree in 1992.

It was during this time that her passion for helping children emerged, and she completed her psychiatry residency and fellowships in child and adolescent psychiatry and forensic psychiatry at the Emory University School of Medicine, according to her bio.

“The saying ‘if you can see it, you can believe it’ is true,” Dr. Harris said during her swearing-in ceremony.

“And I hope to be tangible evidence for young girls and young boys and girls from communities of color that you can aspire to be a physician. Not only that, you can aspire to be a leader in organized medicine,” she said.

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BUSINESS

Bayer Earns Top Marks in 2019 Disability Equality Index For the first time, Bayer U.S. earned an 80 in the 2019 Disability Equality Index (DEI), and was recognized as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion. DEI is the most comprehensive disability inclusion assessment tool designed and embraced by both business leaders and disability advocates across the United States.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the best places to work for disability inclusion,” said Philip Blake, president of Bayer U.S. “Improving our policies and benefits for employees with disabilities is a major priority for us. Earning a top score from Disability:IN is proof of Bayer’s Members of the Bayer team accepted the honor of 2019 DEI Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion at commitment to bettering the lives of our a dinner gala in Chicago, IL on July 17. Pictured from employees and their families.” left to right: Daphanie Pointer, Lydia Pranke, Leela Bayer’s Employee Resource Groups are Dasari, Babette Simon and Leigh Ann Oravecz. an integral part of the company’s efforts to employment outcomes for and inclusion of people meet the needs of employees with diverse with disabilities, as employees, customers and backgrounds and needs. ENABLE is Bayer’s suppliers,” said Jill Houghton, president and CEO global community that is dedicated to the overall of Disability:IN. “When businesses include people wellness and development of employees and their with disabilities, everybody wins.” families with visible and non-obvious disabilities.

This year, 180 companies participated in the The 2019 DEI evaluates inclusion criteria DEI, of which 113 were Fortune 500 companies. for culture and leadership, enterprise-wide This represents a work force of more than 8.6 access, employment practices, such as benefits, million, with 3.7% of employees identifying employment education and accommodations, in as having a disability. In addition, 28 business addition to community engagement, and supplier sectors participated, including financial services, diversity. technology, insurance, and health care.

“The DEI is designed to promote and advance For more information on the 2019 Disability disability inclusion practices and policies Equality Index, visit https://disabilityin.org. within corporate America that lead to better

Illinois Payrolls Up 11,400 in June Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.3 Percent The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) recently announced that nonfarm payrolls increased +11,400 jobs overthe-month and the unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in June, down -0.1 percentage point from the prior month, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. The May jobs decline was revised from the preliminary report (from -2,400 to +2,300 jobs).

Illinois payroll employment has shown variability since the beginning of the year, as have National payrolls. Average payroll employment growth in Illinois during the April to June three-month period, which provides a more stable measure of payroll employment change, was +10,700 jobs, with the largest gains in Leisure and Hospitality (+3,800), Professional and Business Services (+3,000) and Government (+1,500).

“Job growth remains strong in Illinois, and this administration looks forward to continuing to build on that growth with policies aimed at lifting up working families,” said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes. “With a balanced budget, a bipartisan capital plan investing in horizontal and vertical infrastructure, and legislation to raise wages and support small businesses, we are confident we are laying the groundwork for long term economic growth across Illinois.”

Over-the-year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by +79,200 jobs with the largest gains in these industry sectors

in June: Professional and Business Services (+19,400), Leisure and Hospitality (+18,100) and Educational and Health Services (+15,200).

The industry sectors with over-theyear declines were: Information (-2,900), Construction (-300) and Mining (-200).

Illinois nonfarm payrolls were up +1.3 percent over-the-year as compared to the nation’s +1.5 percent over-the-year gain in June.

The state’s unemployment rate is +0.6 percentage points higher than the national unemployment rate reported for June 2019, which rose to 3.7 percent. The Illinois unemployment rate was unchanged from a year ago when it was 4.3 percent.

The number of unemployed workers decreased from the prior month, -2.7 percent to 277,400, and was up +0.5 percent over the same month for the prior year. The labor force was up +0.1 percentage point over-themonth and +0.4 percentage point over-theyear. The unemployment rate identifies those individuals who are out of work and are seeking employment.

An individual who exhausts or is ineligible for benefits is still reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.

To help connect jobseekers to employers who are hiring, IDES’ maintains the state’s largest job search engine, IllinoisJoblink.com (IJL), which recently showed 59,345 posted resumes with 93,110 jobs available.

BRIEFLY

Students traveled from across the country to participate in the 2019 National Black MBA Association® Leaders of Tomorrow® Leadership Summit at Georgetown University.

National Black MBA Association® Leaders of Tomorrow® Leadership Summit Held at Georgetown University More than 130 students from across the country traveled to participate in the 2019 National Black MBA Association® Leaders of Tomorrow® Leadership Summit at Georgetown University for leadership training and academic workshops from June 26th to June 30th. During the LOT® Summit, students participated in engaging breakout sessions with motivational speakers and inspiring business leaders and entrepreneurs, along with college and corporate campus tours including a visit to Google, Howard University School of Business, and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture. www.thechicagocitizen.com

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of July 31, 2019

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NEWS

Mayor Lori Lightfoot joined other elected officials and community stakeholders at a July 29, 2019 event that recognized one of Chicago’s darkest moments in history. Photo credit: By Wendell Hutson

Chicago remembers 1919 Race Riots

BY WENDELL HUTSON Contributing Writer

It was a little over a year ago this week when riots erupted on the South Side following the death of a black youth, who was killed by whites for being on the “wrong” side of a Bronzeville beach.

On Monday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot joined other elected officials and community stakeholders at Paul Dunbar High School, 3000 S. King Drive, for “Past is Present: Chicago Remembers the 1919 Red Summer,” which recognized one of Chicago’s darkest moments and was attended by 200 people.

It was July 27, 1919 when 17-year-old Eugene Williams was stoned by whites and drowned after his raft accidently crossed the unofficial barrier between Chicago’s white and black beaches at 29th Street now renamed 31st Street Beach. Seven days of rioting followed and ended on Aug. 3, but not before 38 people died (23 blacks and 15 whites), 537 injured and more than 1,000 people left homeless due to arson, according to Timuel Black, a 100-year-old historian.

“History has taught us that when white folks get mad at blacks they can be brutal in their attacks on us,” said Black. “Back then, if you were black and lived in Chicago, you had to watch your back because at any moment you could be killed at the hands of whites.”

The mayor acknowledged that during the 1900s, racial tensions between blacks and whites were not good in Chicago and across the nation. But she also reminded the crowd of mostly blacks that Chicago has changed since the riots and will continue to change for the better under her leadership.

“The riots changed Chicago forever but we must now look to the future because these are better times we are living in and we must build better lives for all Chicagoans,” said Lightfoot. “So many neighborhoods on the South and West Sides have been stripped of their identity because of painful events like the 1919 riots. But thanks to more diversity and more opportunities for people of color those neighborhoods and its residents are regaining their promi-

The 100th anniversary of the 1919 Race Riots in Chicago was remembered at a July 29, 2019 event on the South Side where 200 people including Mayor Lori Lightfoot attended. Photo credit: By Wendell Hutson

nence and I plan to make sure it stays that way.”

She added that youth should be taught about the race riots at schools as a way of educating them about Chicago’s history and black history.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson, who attended the event with the mayor, was unavailable for comment.

Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd), whose ward includes Bronzeville, agreed with the mayor and said black history should also be taught on a regular basis.

“I’ve always been an advocate for getting black history taught into our schools,” said Dowell. “It’s not enough to just celebrate black history for one month.

But teaching children about the 1919 Race Riots is definitely a good start.”

And Candace Moore, Chicago’s first chief equity officer, added, “While we are reflecting on a horrific time in our city’s history, formal recognition of the 1919 Race Riots also makes clear our responsibility to work together to create a fair, just and united Chicago.”

It was July 27, 1919 when 17-year-old Eugene Williams was stoned by whites and drowned after he his raft accidently crossed the unofficial barrier between Chicago’s white and black beaches at 29th Street now renamed 31st Street Beach. Seven days of rioting followed and ended on Aug. 3, but not before 38 people died (23 blacks and 15 whites), 537 injured and more than 1,000 people left homeless due to arson. Photo Courtesy: City of Chicago

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NEWS

5 Reasons Kids Should Play Outside More StatePoint - Whether it’s dance lessons, computer projects, art class or yoga, kids these days are busy bees. And while such activities are enriching and fun, experts say that many kids aren’t spending enough time doing something much simpler and every bit as important as structured programming: playing outdoors.

“Finding time for the kids to play outside can be such a challenge for parents,” says Keri Wilmot, a pediatric occupational therapist and an expert contributor to TheGeniusofPlay.org.

“As a parent, I worry about ‘stranger danger’ or whether my kids will be able to navigate social issues on their own. Without spontaneity, playtime has lost some of it’s fun.”

Outdoor play is necessary for healthy child development, according to The Genius of Play. The initiative, whose mission is to raise awareness about the importance of play and help parents make play a critical part of raising their kids, is sharing five benefits of unstructured outdoor playtime: • Physical Development: Research has shown that physically active kids tend to be leaner and healthier, while an inactive childhood can lead to a sedentary (and likely unhealthy) lifestyle in adulthood. Furthermore, physical play builds gross and fine motor skills necessary for success in school and beyond. Hanging from the monkey bars, for instance, helps kids develop

Playtime is essential for children. To promote health, happiness and confidence, be sure some of it is spent outdoors.

the hand muscles needed to grip a pencil.

• Risk-Taking: Through outdoor play, children are given the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and try new things. While taking risks won’t always lead to success on the first try,

moments like a first bike ride without training wheels, or the first trip down the big slide in the playground, are critical for building the confidence and resilience needed to pursue a future career, start a business, or handle life’s many challenges.

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• Social Skills: Childhood games played outdoors can help build social skills and teach kids to follow directions. From games as simple as tag, to those with more complicated rules, like “Kick the Can,” “Capture the Flag,” and sports like soccer and basketball, communication, teamwork and other important social skills are developed during outdoor play.

• Problem Solving: Children’s imaginations are often stimulated by the world around them.

Being outside widens their horizons and can encourage kids to tap into their creativity in order to come up with solutions to challenges, such as learning how to build a sandcastle or figuring out how to climb up a jungle gym.

• Reducing Stress: So much outdoor play involves physical activity, thrilling moments and a sense of freedom, all of which can boost endorphins, helping to lower stress levels and reduce anxiety and depression. Interestingly, simply touching dirt when creating mud pies or digging for worms can be beneficial. According to a Bristol University study, certain types of “friendly” bacteria in soil have been found to activate the group of neurons that produce serotonin, which contributes to a feeling of well-being and happiness. So, don’t be afraid to let your kids get a bit dirty out there!

For play ideas, expert advice and other play resources, visit TheGeniusOfPlay.org.

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of July 31, 2019

SHE ROCKS OUT TO ALTERNATIVE. SHE BLASTS R&B. #WeCanAllAgreeOnTransit

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ENTERTAINMENT

Carole Simpson, Veteran Broadcast Journalist, Launches W.O.W. Website and Vlog Carole Simpson – best known as the anchor of the weekend editions of ABC’s World News Tonight for more than 15 years – announced recently that she has launched the W.O.W. (Wise Old Woman) website www.carolesimpson.com/something-to-say and vlog, Something.To.Say. Simpson is on a mission to speak up for the often voiceless and ignored women-over-65 set.

Simpson is a three-time Emmy awardwinning television journalist. She was the first African-American woman to anchor a major network newscast and to moderate the premiere town hall presidential debate, which included President George H. W. Bush, Governor Bill Clinton, and Ross Perot in 1992.

After retiring from ABC in 2006, she taught broadcast journalism at Emerson College

in Boston for 13 years. Now, at 78, her third career is heading off in a digital direction as she shares her journalistic expertise and reallife experiences on social media.

“Now that I’m not a working journalist, I am free to express my strong opinions publicly,” Simpson explains. “I want to both talk about the news of the day and the bedeviling issues of our times. Keeping silent is not my style.”

Simpson believes that women over the age of 65 have a unique perspective. Many are working well into their 70s. They continue to be active and vital even while society wants everyone to believe these women have lost their beauty and their brains. Simpson disagrees, “Older women keep all that and gain something more – WISDOM.” For over 40 years as a television journalist,

Simpson had to remain objective and couldn’t offer her opinions on the latest headlines or major issues of the day. Now that she’s retired, she’s free to speak her mind. As she looks around and sees what’s happening in America today, she is eager to discuss the hottest issues, including: l Racism l Sexism l Ageism l Politics l Women’s Rights l And last but not least, our Quirky Pop Culture Visit www.carolesimpson.com and follow Simpson on Facebook (@WOW Wise Old Woman - Carole Simpson) and Twitter (@ WOWCaroleS).

Hanna Lee Communications Takes Books from Concept to Publishing, with Built-In Promotion Throughout Hanna Lee Communications, Inc., an award-winning PR and marketing agency specializing in food, drinks and travel, recently announced Book Incubator Media, a new initiative that identifies authors and compelling subjects to bring new hospitalityfocused books to life.

Promotional efforts are built into every phase of the publishing process to create maximum visibility and ensure its success as a marketingforward, author-centric initiative, according to a press release.

Several books are already in the pipeline by authors from notable bars, restaurants and hotels.

Book Incubator Media is a subsidiary of Hanna Lee Communications, which is now celebrating its 15th anniversary.

It identifies top talent, including best-of-class authors, agents and photographers, to shape book projects and then work with established publishers. Book Incubator Media is an outgrowth of the agency’s “Meet the Inspiring Authors” series of book-signing events to support authors who bring erudition, deep thinking and insights to the global conversation.

“We love books, and over the years we have promoted more than two dozen authors and their work through our ‘Meet the Inspiring Authors’ series to give back to the community,” says Hanna Lee, president & founder, Hanna Lee Communications.

“We are taking this to the next level with our Book Incubator Media. Our goal is to work closely

PRNewsfoto/Hanna Lee Communications, Inc.

with our authors, publishers and collaborators to make each book stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace.”

PR and Social Media Incorporated Throughout the Process What sets Book Incubator Media apart is PR and social media are incorporated throughout the writing and publication process—before, during and after the book is published—to create maximum visibility in the press

with reinforcing digital buzz via the agency’s Digital Studio Division. This includes writing and distributing press releases, arranging interviews for authors with national media, hosting highprofile book signings and events, securing speaking opportunities for authors at top conferences and driving maximum awareness via social media.

Identifying and Rallying Partners to Leverage Resources In addition, the agency will

identify appropriate partners, such as representatives of relevant trade organizations, tourism bureaus and other brands that can become additional stakeholders in the books’ success.

For more information, follow Hanna Lee Communications, Inc. on Instagram and Twitter at @hannaleepr, “like” them on Facebook at www.facebook. com/HannaLeeCommunications and visit www. hannaleecommunications.com.

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African American author who secured 7-figure, six-book deal across two major publishers debuts this September On the heels of the success of Black Panther and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, there has been an uptick of mainstream interest in black/African stories and creators. One such rising star, Rena Barron, snagged two threebook deals with two prestigious publishers that totaled in the seven-figure range.

“Rena Barron has kicked off an adventure that puts the epic in epic fantasy,” writes Stephanie Stein at HarperCollins who acquired Kingdom of Souls in a joint deal with Vicky Leech from HarperCollins UK. “One with a richly textured world, starcrossed romance, and a story that’s fresh and twisty and fun, that makes you care so much about its sky-high stakes by making them deeply personal.”

While getting a contract in the ballpark of a million dollars in the world of publishing isn’t unheard of, it is exceptionally rare for a new African/black creator just entering the scene. HarperCollins who publishes New York Times bestselling author, Angie Thomas of The Hate U Give won the heated auction to acquire Barron’s first series. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, known for the award-winning The Crossover by Kwame Alexander, will publish her second series.

Barron signed the two deals within three months of each other. Her debut novel, Kingdom Of Souls, a young adult fantasy novel for ages thirteen to eighteen described as Black Panther meets Wonder Woman hits stores September 3 and has sold in several international territories. In this West Africaninspired fantasy, sixteen-year-old Arrah hails from a powerful family of witchdoctors, but she doesn’t have magic of her own. When the terrible Demon King threatens her kingdom, she must trade years of her life in return for the magic she needs to stop him. The book evokes folk magic, voodoo, and builds an intriguing world in which black nations have thrived without a history of oppression.

In Barron’s second series, focused on ages eight to twelve, she returns to her Chicago roots in the contemporary fantasy, Maya And The Rising Dark, which has been called Strange Things meets Percy Jackson. Set on the south side of Chicago, a twelve-year-old girl discovers her father is the keeper of the gateway between our world and The Dark, and when he goes missing she’ll need to unlock her own powers and fight a horde of spooky creatures set on starting a war. Maya And The Rising Dark hits stores on May 5, 2020.

“When I saw Black Panther I cried,” says Barron. “Growing up, I rarely saw stories about people who looked like me that weren’t centered on our suffering or oppression. Those are important stories, but we’re more than that. Our children deserve to see themselves centered in magical tales, go on fantastical adventures, or be the chosen one too.”

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of July 31, 2019

CITIZEN On The Move

The Chatham Community Welcomes New Neighbors NHS NHS Chicago hosted a tour and reception featuring “Taste of Chatham at new southside hub at 630 E 87th.

NHS Chicago has created thousands of new homeowners through its Home Buyer Education classes and oneon-one consultations. NHS has prepared thousands of new homeowners through its financial and homebuyer education workshops. NHS certified homeownership consultants provide one-on-one counseling; they listen, advise, and develop a customized plan to help homebuyers become and remain a successful homeowner.

Pictured are Daryl Newell, President Seaway- Self-Help Federal Credit Union, Karen Faust, President NHS, Nick Smith State Rep, and Rob McGhee NHS, Board Chair.

Rob MGhee, NHS Board member

Rob McGhee, Jerry Lumpkins, Darry Newell and State Rep. Nick Smith.

Guest gather to witness the ribbon cuting ceremonies for the new NHS Hub at the former offices of Seaway Bank.

CALUMET HEIGHTS GETS WATER RETENTION TANKS Calumet Heights underground water retention project took 10 years in the making is close to completion in the 8tth Ward. It’s the second ward in the city to have its water tank project to be completed in Sept or October of this year.

8th Ward Ald. Michelle Harris and staff with Calumet Heights residents on site of Water Project.

8th Ward Alderman Michelle Harris inspects the progress of the project.

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10 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of July 31, 2019

CALENDAR

Chicago Public Schools Back-to-School Bashes will take place across the city throughout the month of August. The events provide an opportunity for CPS students to meet with schools, network with staff and classmates, receive school supplies, free immunizations and other community resources.

CPS Announces 2019 Back-to-School Bashes to Celebrate New School Year

Each Back-to-School Bash will provide families with access to immunizations and vaccinations for students, as well as information on Medicaid and other critical programs and resources for families.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recently announced a number of Back-to-School Bashes across the city for students and families to reconnect with their school communities and prepare for a safe and productive start to the upcoming school year. The events, which continue throughout the month of August, provide an opportunity for CPS students to meet with schools, network with staff and classmates, receive school supplies, free immunizations and other community resources.

“Back-to-School Bashes bring communities together and help connect students and families with the resources and information they need to start the school year engaged and ready to learn,” said CPS CEO Dr. Janice K. Jackson.

“We look forward to kicking off another safe and successful school year that will continue to build upon the district’s academic progress and provide students with opportunities to grow both inside and outside of the classroom.”

Each Back-to-School Bash will provide families with access to immunizations and vaccinations for students, as well as information on Medicaid and other critical programs and resources for families. The events will also offer a variety of music, food, games and activities for students and their families, including performances from the Jesse White Tumblers. CPS staff and volunteers will be available to help answer questions regarding the upcoming school year, and transportation will be available to and

from events through shuttle services.

For more information on the events and details on other resources to help families prepare for a successful year ahead, families can visit the Back-to-School website at www.cps.edu/b2s. The Back-to-School site includes information on academic programs, community events, frequently asked questions, enrollment procedures, medical forms and health requirements for the upcoming school year.

For any additional questions regarding Backto-School, parents can email b2s@cps.edu or call 773-553-1580.

Chicago Public Schools serves 361,000 students in 644 schools. It is the nation’s thirdlargest school district.

Free Highway Construction Careers Training Program coming to Oak Forest this Fall South Suburban College is preparing for the next session of its free Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) this fall at the Oak Forest Center. Orientation and Assessment Testing will be August 20-22nd with the program set to begin on September 16, 2019.

The training consists of an intensive program to teach the skills necessary for acceptance into the highway construction trades and provide opportunities for careers with high wage potential. Career opportunities include cement mason, electrician, pipefitter, carpenter, laborer, and equipment operator. The requirements for admittance include: valid driver’s license, 18 years or older, high school diploma/GED, and completion of assessment testing.

SSC has offered HCCTP since 2014 with 223 of 324 students completing the 12-week

training program. HCCTP was implemented to increase the number of minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals working on IDOT highway construction projects. Construction will always be needed for new buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures. Some of the more skilled construction careers such as engineer require higher education while others such as cement masonry can be learned as an on-the-job apprentice.

All candidates must have a valid driver’s license with them to attend orientation. For more information, please visit www.ssc.edu/hcctp, call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3219, or email hcctp@ssc.edu.

All orientation and assessment testing will be held at the Oak Forest Center. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois 60452.

Construction will always be needed for new buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures.

Some of the more skilled construction careers such as engineer require higher education while others can be learned as an on-the-job apprentice.

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CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of July 31, 2019

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

potential for growth.

• Set the example: “Leaders set the example by which others follow, so be sure to treat your team and customers with respect and gratitude, and always lead from the front,” says Quinn. “Being proud of what you do can be infectious.”

• Build a team committed to excellence: Good leaders attract good talent and assist others in achieving their success. When benchmarks are met, give the team the credit -- you aren’t a leader without them.

• Make and work your plan: When facing challenges, make it your business to pull your team through it. Stay disciplined. If you have a deadline or have made a promise, always deliver on it.

“Don’t let your activity dictate your priorities; Your priorities need to dictate your activity,” says Quinn.

• Be valued: Consider specifically seeking out positions with employers who value the leadership, discipline and service record of military veterans, veterans with disabilities, National Guard members, and Reservists, and then take advantage of any resources offered by the company. The existence of a military affairs program, such as the one established by Wells Fargo in 2012, is a good sign that a given employer is committed to hiring and retaining veteran team members. In the case of Wells Fargo, the company offers such resources as apprenticeships, internships, transition services and leadership training in an effort to help veterans translate existing skills to a new position and grow professionally. Wells Fargo also offers employee resource groups, financial education, military leave benefits and other programming designed to help veterans be successful.

More information about making the transition from the military to the corporate world is available at wellsfargojobs.com/military.

By honing in on the skills acquired during military service and seeking out tailored professional growth opportunities, those in the veteran community can maximize their leadership potential and thrive in the corporate world. __________________________________

Darrell Garth

President /Publisher

Janice Garth

Sales Manager General Manager

Editorial

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

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Display Advertising advertising@thechicagocitizen.com or jgarth@thechicagocitizen.com

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SOUTH END

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SOUTH SUBURBAN Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island, South Holland, and Dolton. Shopping- their favorite pastime!

HYDE PARK

Lake Meadows, Oakland, Prairie Shores, Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Kenwood, Woodland, South Shore and Hyde Park.

CHICAGO WEEKEND

Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE Blueberries - Certified Organic - Seasonal U-Pick and Pre-Picked, Year-round frozen Clean fields, easy picking, Northwest Indiana, easy access off 80/90. Check us out at www.BlueberryRanch.com __________________________________ LEGAL SERVICES NEED LEGAL HELP? Get a FREE referral to an attorney! Call the Illinois State Bar Association Illinois Lawyer Finder The advice you need 877-270-3855 or https://www.isba.org/public/ illinoislawyerfinder __________________________________ SPORTING GOODS BADGER MILITARY COLLECTIBLE & MILITARY FIREARMS SHOW: August 2&3, Waukesha Expo Forum, 1000 Northview Rd., Waukesha, WI. Fri 3pm8pm, Sat 9am-4pm. $8. 608-752-6677 www.bobandrocco.com __________________________________

TRAINING/EDUCATION AIRLINE CAREERS FOR NEW YEAR BECOME AN AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECH. FAA APPROVED TRAINING. FINANCIAL AID IF QUALIFIED - JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE. CALL AIM 800-481-8312 __________________________________

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENT 40 YEARS OF KINGDOM IMPACT! Evening Star M.B. Church, 2050 W. 59th St., Chicago, IL, Celebrates their Pastor, Bishop Vesta L. Dixon, 40th Anniversary, Sunday, August 11, 11:00 AM, Morning Worship - Elder Issac Blalock Sr., Speaker, Fellowship & Lunch after Morning Worship.

At 3:30 PM, Evening Worship - Bishop Troy Garner, Speaker, Universal Baptist Church, Harvey, IL. Anniversary climax on Sunday, August 18, 11:00 AM, Morning Worship, Bishop Vesta L. Dixon, Speaker.

COME CELEBRATE WITH US! __________________________________

BUSINESS

Bloom Township, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest, Sauk Village, South Chicago and Steger

How to Transfer Your Military Skills to the Corporate World (StatePoint) A military background brings with it an ability to collaborate, problemsolve and thrive under pressure, making veterans well-positioned to take on leadership roles in the corporate world.

Having worked in the banking industry for more than 25 years and in his 30th year with the U.S. Army, Jerry Quinn is an example of someone who has maximized his military leadership skills in the corporate world. As senior vice president, and head of Enterprise Military Talent External Recruiting at Wells Fargo, Quinn also serves as chairman of the Association of Military Banks of America.

To help make your transition from military service go smoothly, Quinn is offering the following tips and insights: • Know yourself: “Knowing yourself is a key leadership principle,” says Quinn. “By understanding what your values, capabilities, strengths and weaknesses are, you can step into a leadership role that will allow you and your team to thrive.”

• Know your organization: Understand the ins and outs of the organization you work for or want to work for, including its vision, mission and objectives, as well as the company’s current capabilities and

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Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGI), Publisher of the Chatham-Southeast, South End, Chicago Weekend, South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually). Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. 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 Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send information for the calendar at least three weeks prior to the event.

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