Hyde Park Citizen 8-11-2021

Y O U R S O U R C E F O R C O R O N AV I R U S N E W S

Citizen Week of Aug. 11, 2021

| Vol. 32 | No. 38 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

HYDE PARK

HOME INSPECTIONS ARE INTEGRAL TO BUYING PROCESS Varnell Bronson’s journey to becoming a home inspector began with his own journey as a home buyer. Bronson, who has been a home inspector with Pillar to Post Home Inspectors for two years, became interested in home inspection six years ago when he was buying his home. He looked at three houses and paid a home inspector each time. He decided he wanted to educate the home buyers in the community where he worked on the home inspection process.

Bronson who has been a postal worker for 20 years would hear the issues people had with their houses.

Varnell Bronson has been a home inspector with Pillar To Post Home Inspector for two years. Photo provided by Lana Simon

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BUSINESS: United Way of Metro Chicago announces United Neighborhoods Equity Fund

UnityPoint Health plans to require team members to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by Nov. 1, 2021

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Serving The Black Community For Decades |

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2 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Aug. 11, 2021

NEWS briefly YOUNG DANCERS AND THEATRICAL PERFORMERS FROM CHICAGO AND BEYOND INVITED TO AUDITION FOR A ROLE IN THE JOFFREY BALLET’S ‘THE NUTCRACKER’ The Joffrey Ballet holds open auditions for the Children’s Cast of Christopher Wheeldon’s “The Nutcracker” at its downtown studios in Joffrey Tower, 10 East Randolph Street, Sunday, Sept. 12. All students in the Chicagoland area with dance experience that meet casting criteria are welcome to audition.

This annual audition is for all young dancers, from any studio or school, interested in auditioning for Christopher Wheeldon’s The Nutcracker, whether they have participated in the Joffrey’s Nutcracker in the past or not. The audition will be directed by artistic staff from The Joffrey Ballet.

The audition form and RSVP links are available online at Joffrey.org/ncc.

Audition Times Based on Dancer Criteria Sunday, September 12 11:15-11:45 a.m.: Male identifying dancers ages 12-18, maximum height 5’8” (no minimum height) 12-1 p.m: Female & Non-binary identifying dancers ages 15-18, maximum height 5’5” (no minimum height) Note: Dancers may be asked to return for the 2-5 p.m. audition 2-5 p.m.: Female & Non-binary identifying dancers ages 12-14, maximum height 5’5” (no minimum height) The age and height parameters are strict and students who do not fall within the parameters will not be admitted into the audition.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required by Wednesday, September 8 at 12 p.m. In-person forms will not be available. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination is required. Individuals must be two weeks post their second dose. For questions about pre-registration, email nccadmin@joffrey.org.

FIFTH ANNUAL GWENDOLYN BROOKS YOUTH POETRY AWARDS CELEBRATES YOUNG WRITERS ACROSS ILLINOIS Illinois Humanities, in partnership with Poetry Foundation, Brooks Permissions, and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, is proud to announce the winners of the 2021 Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards, an annual competition open to all Illinois poets in grades K–12. The 26 winners and 16 honorable mentions were chosen from over 365 submissions representing 75 schools from across the state.

The winning poets will be celebrated in a live virtual ceremony at 2 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 21, hosted by Emily Hooper Lansana, director of community arts at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, and featuring Nora Brooks Blakely, Ms. Brooks’s daughter and president of Brooks Permissions, and Illinois Poet Laureate Angela Jackson. Award winners will recite their poems as part of the virtual ceremony.

“The young people who submitted poems this year are powerful observers, documenters, and interrogators of their lives and the worlds they engage with,” said Gabrielle Lyon, executive director of Illinois Humanities. “These poems – submitted from every corner of the state – are part of an annual tradition that, each year, powerfully reminds us, that poetry can help us find our shared humanity.”

Gwendolyn Brooks began the Youth Poetry Awards in 1969 during her tenure as Illinois Poet Laureate and continued to administer the awards until her passing in 2000. The original youth poetry awards were born out of Ms. Brooks’ belief that a poet laureate, “should do more than wear a crown – [she] should be of service to the young.”

In 2017, in honor of the centennial of Ms. Brooks’s birth, Illinois Humanities joined with the Poetry Foundation, Brooks Permissions, and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts to revive the awards to honor the tremendous legacy of Gwendolyn Brooks, the first Black author to win a Pulitzer Prize, and celebrate and amplify the words and experiences of young poets from across Illinois. In the five years since the revival of the awards, nearly 1500 poems have been submitted from young poets all across the state.

“It is a testament to the power of poetry in young people’s lives that the Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards received so many exceptional submissions this year—more than any other year!” said Michelle T. Boone, president of the Poetry Foundation. “We are so grateful to these young poets for sharing their work with all of us, and to the educators and mentors who encourage them to bring more poetry into the world.”

Home inspections are integral to buying process Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Varnell Bronson’s journey to becoming a home inspector began with his own journey as a home buyer. Bronson, who has been a home inspector with Pillar to Post Home Inspectors for two years, became interested in home inspection six years ago when he was buying his home. He looked at three houses and paid a home inspector each time. He decided he wanted to educate the home buyers in the community where he worked on the home inspection process. Bronson who has been a postal worker for 20 years would hear the issues people had with their houses.

It is exciting for him to be able to find things homeowners or homebuyers might not see.

“In this sellers’ market, skipping a home inspection would be a huge mistake because some of the properties that are being purchased are “as is” and the seller is not really willing to bargain on getting stuff fixed,” he said.

Hiring a home inspector can help save people from having buyers’ remorse. As a home inspector, Bronson is looking at the underlying conditions of a home and not just the outside of the home. Some of the underlying things are a detached gutter, which

can cause serious water damage in a basement, or missing gutters or a misdirected gutter, which causes foundation leakage and crawl space issues. A detached gutter and a wet basement are conducive to mold, which can be a huge issue.

Bronson works for the client to make sure the home does not have issues that can be a problem later once the client has purchased the home. He has seen buyers not able to view the occupied units in a multi-unit property. It can put a block on the buyer because they cannot see if the other units have issues before they sign the contract.

Bronson recently had a buyer pull out of buying a multi-unit property during the inspection because she could only see one out of the three units.

When it comes to home buying, Bronson said to always trust your home inspector. A home inspector is trained to see things that most people are not looking for. They remove the emotion of trying to get through the home buying process. Also, the cheapest isn’t always more cost effective.

“You’re making your biggest financial purchase a house $150,000 or more; you don’t want to go with the lowest bidder,” he said.

Bronson’s biggest achievements is educating the home buyer. He

has seen the joy on the faces of people who have used him as a home inspector when he pointed out something they did not see.

In one instance during a home inspection, the cabinets fell down.

It was good that it happened while Bronson was there and it could be noted in the home inspection, as opposed to it happening after the contract was signed.

To find a good home inspector, it comes down to doing research on the company that the home inspector works for and on the home inspector individually.

Also, Real Estate agents can recommend a good home inspector.

Pillars to Post Home Inspectors was founded in 1994 and has recently rolled out a PTP360 tour, which allows people to have an interactive, virtual home inspection “It’s a great new innovation – fast-tracked to completion because of COVID-19 concerns – and we saw just how well it performed,” Pillar To Post Home Inspectors President and CEO Dan Steward said in a release. “In the long term, PTP360 is a huge help for busy, professional Realtors, saving them time and better serving their seller, while also giving prospective buyers a far better experience.”

For more information on Bronson and Pillar to Post, visit varnellbronson.pillartopost.com.

Two-time WNBA MVP Candace Parker will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 92nd Annual Bud Billiken® Parade PRNewswire -- It’s back and more exciting than ever!

On Saturday, August 14, the 92nd Annual Bud Billiken® Parade will take place on Chicago’s south side and it will be a star-studded event, celebrating Chicago’s youth and a very special hometown hero. Two-time WNBA MVP, Chicago Sky forward, and Chicagoland native, Candace Parker, will serve as the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade and festival. This year’s theme is Back to School, Back to Life and Back to Bud Billiken, which will celebrate everyone coming back together again after time apart due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

“Candace is seen as hometown hero to many of our city’s youth and to have her lead the parade this year is just the burst of energy and excitement our students need as they prepare for their first full year back in classrooms since the beginning of the pandemic,” says Myiti Sengstacke-Rice, president/ CEO of the Chicago Defender Charities and Bud Billiken® Parade Chair. “After having to postpone last year’s festivities due to COVID-19 restrictions, I am excited to have the community come back and safely celebrate this year’s festivities.”

Joining Parker for the festivities will be other local and national celebrities and dignitaries. Honorary Grand Marshals include the cast of VH1’s Chicago Black Ink Crew, award-winning national media perwww.citizennewspapergroup.com

sonality, Bevy Smith, as well as the creator of social media phenomenon, Black People Eats, Jeremy Joyce.

McKinley Nelson, Founder of Project Swish Chicago will serve as Honorary Health Ambassador and additional honorary dignitaries include award-winning gospel artist, Jonathan McReynolds (honorary hometown hero) and Congressman Bobby Rush (honorary parade dignitary). Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot will also participate in parade festivities.

Starting at 10 a.m. on 45th street and Martin Luther King Drive, Parker and others will lead the parade procession south on King Drive, going through Washington Park, and ending at Garfield Boulevard (55th Street).

The Bud Billiken® Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Washington Park. Attendees will be able to enjoy an array of activities provided by local vendors. In addition to on-site food and entertainment, there will be COVID-19 vaccination stations at various locations along the parade route and on festival grounds in Washington Park.

For more information about the Bud Billiken® Parade, visit www.budbillikenparade.org. Also check out the Bud Billiken® Parade social handles to stay up-to date on all parade and festival news: Facebook: @BudBillikenParadeChicago; Twitter: @ BudParade; Instagram: budbillikenparade.

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Aug. 11, 2021

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NATIONALNEWS

Mayor Lightfoot Announces The City’s FirstEver Community Safety Coordination Center The new multi-agency Community Safety Coordination Center (CSCC) has been activated to coordinate both government and nonprofit resources to holistically reduce and prevent violence in Chicago’s communities Thursday, Aug.5, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot joined fellow City, nonprofit, and community leaders to announce the first-of-its-kind Community Safety Coordination Center (CSCC). The CSCC is a multi-agency coordination center that will utilize the lessons learned from the City’s coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic demonstrated how much can be accomplished when government and community members work together to solve our most challenging collective issues.

Throughout the pandemic, staff from healthcare organizations, public safety agencies, infrastructure departments, faith leaders, elected officials, and community organizations worked together to ensure our residents had access to the information, supplies, resources, and eventually, the vaccine needed to protect themselves. Through the CSCC, the City will utilize this same approach to enhance Mayor’s Lightfoot’s whole of government, community-driven approach to violence prevention and reduction.

“If COVID-19 taught us anything, it’s that in order to solve some of our greatest problems as a city, we have to work collaboratively, both across city departments and our many valued community partners and nonprofits,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “The CSCC is the City’s next step in our whole of government, all hands-on deck approach to reducing and preventing violence in our communities and enhancing the safety of all our residents and visitors.

Focusing first on the areas facing the greatest challenges, the CSCC will be an incredible new resource in Chicago’s fight against violence and will create the opportunities for enhanced coordination and cooperation that have been instrumental in keeping Chicagoans safe and healthy through the pandemic.”

The Community Safety Coordination Center will be tasked with coordinating resources, staff, funding, and information to engage residents and organizations in ways that are inclusive of the whole community. The center itself will be staffed with representatives from healthcare and mental health organizations, violence reduction nonprofits, youth services organizations, victim services organizations, education organizations, faith communities, local businesses, elected officials, and City departments.

“Throughout the pandemic response and vaccine roll-out, we have worked very closely with our valued community partners, knowing that it is through

them we would have the greatest impact,” said CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. “The CSCC will do the same, strengthening community connections as part of this vital violence prevention work.”

The CSCC will also provide data sources and analysis on violent crime and the root causes of violence. In addition, the center will provide data on food insecurity, power and internet connectivity, affordable housing, and healthcare access. These efforts will ensure the City takes a more holistic and community-driven approach when using this data to prevent violence.

“Violence prevention cannot happen in a vacuum,” said Norman Kerr, Assistant Deputy Mayor of Public Safety.

“The Community Safety Coordination Center will create a first-of-its-kind opportunity for community, City, nonprofit, and faith leaders to work collaboratively on reducing and preventing violence in their communities, and will be a massive value-add in Mayor Lightfoot’s all-hands-on-deck approach to reducing violence in Chicago.”

The CSCC will work closely with community leaders to identify what capabilities already exist to prevent and reduce violence and where the City can assist in garnering the resources needed to create short-term and long-term impacts against violence. The center will also coordinate City services and personnel to rapidly respond to the needs identified by community members to effectively prevent and reduce violence.

“Violence is the number one issue not only in Englewood but across Chicago,” said Cecile De Mello, Executive Director of Teamwork Englewood. “The new Community Safety Coordination Center will bring much-needed resources to Englewood and be an enormous benefit to the many organizations who work to reduce violence in their communities throughout the city.”

“To truly reduce violence, you need everyone to be bought in and on board,” said Frank Perez, Director of Violence Intervention and Prevention at UCAN. “No organization, government, or community group can make a serious dent by themselves, and so I commend Mayor Lightfoot on standing up an operations center like the CSCC that can serve as a command-post for coordinating resources, staff, and funding among the many stakeholders and organizations who do this work.”

While the City continues to fund and support violence interventions in the 15

priority communities identified in Mayor Lightfoot’s “Our City, Our Safety” plan, the CSCC’s primary focus will be on activating extensive resources within these communities on a phased basis, focusing first on West Garfield Park, North Lawndale, Little Village, and Englewood. The CSCC will begin operations in a temporary location downtown before moving to its permanent home in one of Chicago’s communities.

“Reducing violence cannot be accomplished without direct input from those who are most impacted by it,” said Rodney Brown, Executive Director of North Lawndale Coordinating Council.

“A violence prevention plan that is made at the highest levels and pushed downward will never work, which is why I commend the Mayor and her team for creating this center to serve as a force for the community to direct and appropriate the resources and staff that they need.”

“Centralized coordination of resources is a crucial step in getting our most at-risk residents meaningful employment opportunities that can steer them away from a life of violence., said Keith Richardson, President of the Chicago Postal Workers Union. “I want to commend Mayor Lightfoot for standing up the Community Safety Coordination Center to act as a base of operations toward ensuring our work to empower Chicagoans is collaborative and community-driven.”

A launch committee of community leaders is currently being formed and will mirror the incredible work done by the Racial Equity Response Team created during the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This launch committee will identify lessons learned through their work in the violence reduction space within their respective communities and work together to guide the City’s efforts toward violence prevention and reduction.

In addition to the $52 million that Mayor Lightfoot is currently using to support violence prevention and reduction programs, the City will also work with the City Council to identify new funding streams. The funds from the American Rescue Plan will also help increase departmental budgets for violence prevention and response and provide much-needed funding for community organizations. The City will continue to coordinate with philanthropic funders to maximize the impact of dollars spent on violence prevention and reduction in the City.

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POLITICAL Affairs Sims, Joyce and Hastings urge contractors to participate in upcoming Women & Minority Contractor Workshop State Senators Elgie Sims Jr. (D-Chicago), Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) and Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) are inviting local minority contractors to participate in an informational discussion to learn how to conduct business with the Illinois Capital Development Board.

The virtual workshop will take place Thursday, Aug. 12 at 9 a.m.

“Sustainable development is the pathway to the future that we want for everyone,” said Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “We have to ensure that we are providing a fair and inclusive environment to support diversity efforts in the construction industries. This way we develop a framework that generates economic growth for the entire state.”

At the workshop, the Capital Development Board will provide information to architecture, engineering and construction firms about the process of registering as a vendor, becoming prequalified to bid on CDB projects, and strategies for partnering to complete some of the $45 billion worth of projects statewide funded through the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan.

The workshop is geared toward women contractors and contractors of color across the state to give these often underserved businesses support in the contracting process.

Registration is required to participate in the workshop. Interested contractors can sign up at https://www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/ ICDBtickets.

For additional information, contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882, Sims’ office at 815-464-5431 or Hastings’ office at 773-933-7715.

New Belt law ensures fair pay for automotive technicians State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) recently sponsored a new law ensuring fair pay for automotive technicians, to be singed into law Friday.

“Automotive technicians will now be compensated fairly for their expertise and skill set,” Belt said. “Manufacturers are taking advantage of the technicians with unjust pay that simply is inadequate for how long and hard these specialists work.”

Under the new law, manufacturers must pay dealerships the same effective labor rate as the dealership receives for customer-pay repairs.

Currently, that's often not the case, even as technicians are using the same skills and expertise to perform what is effectively the same type of work.

The law also requires manufacturers to reimburse dealerships for parts at the same rate retail customers are charged, and prohibits manufacturers from imposing any type of cost recovery fee or surcharge against a dealership for payments made under this law.

“This is really a David and Goliath story. Technicians, especially in smaller shops, have little recourse if a major auto manufacturer decides to pay them poorly,” Belt said. “Large companies have no right to use their position to pressure these shops into discounted labor.” The law takes effect immediately.

Hunter law puts limit on debt collecting for municipal ordinance violations State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), lead measures that would protect individuals from lawsuits, calls from collection agencies, as well as other collection tactics and chargers for decades-old violations was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker Friday.

“There needs to be a statute of limitations for these sort of collections,” Hunter said. “People are getting calls about violations from several years ago, or are skeptical of the charges. Seven years is more than enough time for action to collect a debt.”

House Bill 862 places a cap of seven years after the date of adjudication for an action to collect a debt arising from a violation of a municipal ordinance.

Currently, there is no statute of limitations on lawsuits of this type.

However, the statute of limitations on debts based on written contracts is 10 years, and five years for unwritten contracts.

People who had been contacted about old tickets were concerned the records were outdated or wrong, or believed they had paid the ticket but no longer had a receipt. Some even believed they were being scammed.

People with concerns about a collection agency can call its consumer fraud hotline numbers: 800-386-5438 in Chicago, 800-243-0618 in Springfield and 800-243-0607 in Carbondale. House Bill 862 is effective immediately.

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BUSINESS

Scripps taps Eric Ludgood to lead Newsy

PRNewsfoto/The E.W. Scripps Company

CINCINNATI PRNewswire -- Award-winning news executive Eric Ludgood has been hired as the head of Newsy by The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP), effective Aug. 16.

In this newly created role, Ludgood will be responsible for the overall leadership, editorial identity and programming for the national news organization. He will report to Kate O’Brian, head of the news group for Scripps Networks, and will be based in Atlanta.

“As we build toward the launch of Newsy as a truly national network news organization, I am thrilled to be bringing in someone of Eric’s caliber and character to lead our talented team,” O’Brian said. “His experience directing coverage for a multitude of big global events combined with his award-winning investigative journalism makes him a great fit for Newsy and for the mission-based Scripps culture.”

Newsy provides straightforward, opinion-free news across multiple platforms. While already available on nearly every major over-the-top and connected TV platform, Newsy will launch

over the air in more than 90% of U.S. television homes – and in all major markets – on Oct. 1, carried primarily over Scripps-owned broadcast stations’ spectrum. Its distribution over the air will make it the only American news television network to be ubiquitous on both growth platforms.

Ludgood spent 13 years at CNN International in various leadership roles, including vice president for editorial. He played a pivotal role in several major stories during his time there, including the election of Nelson Mandela, the events of Sept. 11, the war in Afghanistan and the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. Ludgood also led the CNN World Report unit.

Ludgood has directed content development and production for more than 60 hours of news programming each week at WAGA-TV, the FOX-owned and operated channel in Atlanta.

He was executive producer of the investigative team whose reporting has garnered numerous awards, including a Peabody, for its examination of law enforcement use of field drug tests.

“I feel very fortunate to be joining Newsy at this important moment in its impressive evolution,” said Ludgood, an Auburn University graduate. “The vision for Newsy is ambitious, and I am eager to play a role in realizing that vision.”

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As the nation’s fourth-largest local TV broadcaster, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of 61 stations in 41 markets. The Scripps Networks reach nearly every American through the national news outlets Court TV and Newsy and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Grit, Laff, Court TV Mystery, Defy TV and TrueReal.

Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.”

United Way of Metro Chicago announces United Neighborhoods Equity Fund Grant applications for $50k now open for small, Black and brown-led Chicago nonprofits

PRNewswire -- United Way of Metro Chicago today opened applications for their new United Neighborhoods Equity Fund (UNEF). UNEF aims to support small, Black and brown-led nonprofits predominantly located on the city’s south and west sides and south suburban region, and connect them to new investment opportunities. Each of the 10 grantees will be awarded $50,000 of unrestricted funds over a two-year cycle to be used according to the needs of each nonprofit.

Research by Echoing Green and The Bridgespan Group shows that leaders of color face challenges connecting to funders, building rapport, and securing and sustaining support for culturally relevant strategies. This has led to significant disparities in investment. Blackled organizations dedicated to improving outcomes for Black men have revenue that is 45% lower than organizations with white leaders.

With UNEF, United Way will assist Black and brown-led organizations in building capacity at the grassroots level to accelerate neighborhood-driven outcomes and mentor them to plan for long-term success.

UNEF is made possible with the generous support of founding sponsor Peoples Gas, which committed $1 million to the initiative, and corporate sponsors Nicor Gas and Target. DePaul University is providing professional leadership development and training to the grantees.

“Investing in community-based organizations and the leaders who have the knowledge and expertise to maximize the potential that exists in those communities is essential to the prosperity not just of each neighborhood, but of the entire region,” said

PRNewsFoto/United Way of Metro Chicago

Charles Matthews, president and CEO of Peoples Gas. “When we learned about the opportunity to support the Equity Fund, we immediately came on board because like United Way, we’re committed to strengthening the neighborhoods where we work and live on Chicago’s south and west sides.’”

Over the course of the two-year grant cycle, grantees will be connected to corporate partners in the communities they serve, receive a year of capacity building support from DePaul’s nonprofit management program and have opportunities to network with their cohort of other selected grantees.

“We’re fortunate to have exceptional corporate partners who believe in our efforts to support and fund neighborhood-led coalitions that galvanize resources, ideas and energy so every one of our neighborhoods and our region becomes stronger,” said president and CEO of United Way Sean Garrett.

Applications for UNEF close on Sunday, Aug. 15. Visit United www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Way of Metro Chicago’s website to learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

United Way of Metro Chicago brings together businesses, government, nonprofits, and community leaders to deliver funding, resources, and expertise to nonprofit organizations across greater Chicago. We are working alongside our partners at the neighborhood level to tackle the systemic issues that have plagued our region, creating communities where children and families can thrive. United, we’re building stronger neighborhoods for a stronger Chicago region. To learn more, visit www.liveunitedchicago.org.

Peoples Gas, a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC), is a regulated natural gas delivery company that serves more than 878,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in the city of Chicago. You can find more information about natural gas safety, energy efficiency and other energy-related topics at peoplesgasdelivery.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook @peopl

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Aug. 11, 2021

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FASHION

Wakati Hair Presents “Crowned Series” Celebrating The Timeless Textures Of Black Hair Wakati Gathers Game-Changing Black Women For Crown Conversations Wakati® is a NEW Kao-owned, hair care brand. Wakati, meaning “time” in Swahili, represents a respect for where your hair has been and an optimism for all the places you want it to go.

After an 8-year long journey and research, and a collaboration with the Historically Black College University (HBCU) Florida Agricultural Mechanical University, (FAMU), the four product line debuted in January 2021 in Walgreens, Target and Walmart, and at Rite-Aid in summer 2021.

NEW YORK PRNewswire -Wakati Hair - an emerging haircare brand catering to African American hair textures - will unveil its social-facing Crowned Series campaign on August 4, 2021. The Crowned Series - hosted by media maven, Kéla Walker, and featuring a dynamic panel including activist and host of Undistracted Podcast, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, writer/image activist/producer, Michaela Angela Davis, Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan, Julee Wilson, and media personality, Scottie Beam - provides an opportunity for open and honest conversations delving into the beautiful complexities of Black hair.

The Wakati three-episode

Crowned Series gathers these influential women dominating in a multitude of spaces ranging from activism, beauty, philanthropy and entertainment, facilitating respectful, meaningful and transparent dialogues about the beauty of and journey to loving their Black hair.

This series encompasses meaningful conversations around using Black hair as an expression of agency and advocacy to personal experiences of workplace discrimination, bedtime rituals, and the strength, versatility, range, and uniqueness of Black hair.

During episode one Michaela Angela Davis acknowledges that, “Only Black girls have the distinction “protective styles”. That’s a meta-

phor for how we have had to move through the world. There’s this need for protection, but at the same time, (there’s) this ability to shape shift, communicate, create, (and) to defy all through the lens of our hair.”

When discussing workplace discrimination in episode two, Scottie Beam stated, “The AHA moment is realizing that the focus was ON your head because they fear what’s IN your head.” And in episode three, Brittany Packnett Cunningham reiterates that, “when we show up as our full selves, we give others permission to do the same. That’s what we owe one another.” As the first Black Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan Magazine, Julee Wilson expressed, “I celebrated

the dopeness of Black women every single day for four years (at Essence Magazine), and now I’m bringing that energy and that fullness to this publication, and it’s exciting.”

As a brand that celebrates and respects the timelessness of natural hair textures, it was important for Wakati to provide a forum for powerful, beautiful and game-changing Black women to be open and have brave conversations around their Black hair experiences and celebrate Black beauty. “Hair is so much more than hair to the Black community,” says Kenya Foy, Brand Marketing, Wakati. “The crown we wear each day tells many stories about who we are as individuals, women, as a community, our history and more. Our hope is these conversations inspire Black women of all generations to wear their Crowns proudly and share their stories with others.”

Wakati® is a NEW Kao-owned, hair care brand. Wakati, meaning “time” in Swahili, represents a respect for where your hair has been and an optimism for all the places you want it to go. After an 8-year long journey and research, and a collaboration with the Historically Black College University (HBCU) Florida Agricultural Mechanical University, (FAMU), the four product line debuted in January 2021 in Target, Walgreens

and Walmart, and at Rite-Aid in May 2021. Kao USA, known for the iconic Jergens®, Bioré® and John Frieda® brands, is revolutionizing the natural hair industry with its newest, patented hair innovation, and Wakati is the first product Kao has produced for consumers with highly textured hair.

With Wakati, natural hair is overall more manageable, so naturalistas can spend less time styling and more time enjoying their kinks, curls and coils.

Wakati’s Crowned Series boasts Black girl camaraderie and candid conversations that will resonate with generations of girls and women to come. To watch full episodes of the Crowned Series please visit Wakati Hair on Youtube, www.wakatihair. com and stay connected by following @WakatiHair on Instagram.

Kao USA Inc. is a leading manufacturer of premium beauty care brands that are recognized around the world for their innovation and quality. The Kao USA Inc. Consumer Products portfolio includes Ban® antiperspirants; Jergens® and Curél® hand and body lotions; Bioré® facial care; John Frieda® Frizz-Ease®, Luxurious Volume®, Sheer Blonde®, Brilliant Brunette®, Radiant Red®, Precision Foam Colour and Luminous Color Glaze® hair care. Founded in 1882, Kao USA Inc. is a member of the Kao Group of companies.

ICA Funds Oakland-based Athletic Apparel Maker, Courtsmith, with $300K Equity Investment OAKLAND, Calif.

PRNewswire -- Fast-growing sportswear brand Courtsmith, maker of fashion-forward athletic wear, is the latest high-growth business to join the ICA investment portfolio. The Oakland-based company just closed a $300,000 equity investment from ICA’s Growth Fund.

Part high-tech sportswear maker, part lifestyle brand, Courtsmith is on a mission to fuse form and function by creating athletic wear that appeals to athletes and casual consumers alike. Its collections are designed to look great on the street while helping athletes play better on the court.

Founded, by Courtney “Court” Smith, the company first gained recognition with its line of team uniforms and basketball apparel for local youth teams and has been expanding ever since.

It will be launching a new women’s collection this fall, along with its firstever footwear line. Expansion into

new sports like football and soccer is on deck too.

ICA first partnered with Courtsmith when the company participated in the Accelerator at ICA, the high-impact business accelerator program for Bay Area companies looking to raise growth capital. Building on years of partnership, Courtsmith is the latest high-growth company to receive funding after completing the program.

“ICA has been there all along the way,” said Courtsmith founder, Court Smith. “Entrepreneurs have to have the wide perspective on the business and know how to do everything. Through the mentorship and strategic advising we received in the Accelerator to now receiving this investment, ICA has been an invaluable partner in our trajectory.”

In addition to producing high quality apparel, Courtsmith partners with up-and-coming athletes in a shared eq-

uity model that enables athletes to build their personal brands while expanding the company’s customer base. Recently, the company has focused heavily on building out its direct-to-consumer channels. Courtsmith has mostly recovered from shipping and manufacturing delays, and a pandemic-related downturn. It has rehired some of the workforce it was forced to cut in 2020 and now employs six employees with a view to tripling its workforce in the next four years.

“Court’s vision, commitment to his business, and mission-alignment are a great fit for the Growth Fund portfolio,” said John Gough, Chief Investment Officer at ICA, “We are thrilled to lead this round and excited to see what’s coming for the brand under Court’s leadership,” he added.

Before joining ICA’s investment portfolio, Courtsmith participated in the Accelerator at ICA. To date, five Accelerator alumni companies have received growth funds from ICA. What’s more, Courtsmith www.citizennewspapergroup.com

joins Progeny Coffee, Renewal Mill, Something Better Foods, Don Bugito and Goal Five as the sixth Bay Area company to receive investment just this year, bringing our total deployed to $2.0MM and more than doubling the size of our investment portfolio.

As a nonprofit venture capital Community Development Financial Institution, ICA makes investments that support our mission to accelerate great businesses to close the racial and gender wealth gaps. Court’s commitment to equity has been an integral part of the brand since day one. The company intentionally hires from under-represented populations and works with juvenile re-entry programs in the Bay Area to provide job opportunities to young people looking for work.

ICA’s $300K equity investment is structured as a convertible note and leads Courtsmith’s $575,000 round. Under Smith’s leadership, the company is once again growing fast and will use ICA’s investment to expand its marketing spend, boost

apparel manufacturing, and launch its forthcoming shoe line. As part of the investment ICA will take a seat on Courtsmith’s Board of Directors, with ICA Board President, Jack Russi, National Managing Partner at Deloitte, set to take on the position.

“Courtsmith demonstrates the special blend of mission-alignment, brand equity, and strong growth trajectory that ICA looks for in all of its investments,” added Chief Investment Officer, Gough. “Good jobs start with good businesses and ICA is thrilled to welcome Courtsmith to our portfolio.”

For ICA, the deal is the latest addition to ICA’s Growth Fund.

The Growth Fund provides access to growth equity investments of $100,000 to $1,000,000 with a focus on serving entrepreneurs of color and women. Our investment strategy intentionally focuses on racial and gender equity, and supports companies that are committed to our shared mission of wealth creation and distribution to a diverse workforce.

6 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Aug. 11, 2021

NEWS

UnityPoint Health plans to require team members to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by Nov. 1, 2021 Health system continues to urge communities to follow suit and help slow the spread of the pandemic before this year’s flu season WEST DES MOINES, Iowa PRNewswire -- UnityPoint Health is announcing today plans to require its more than 33,000 team members to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The three-state health system also continues to urge all eligible individuals to get their COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.

“We remain incredibly grateful to our health care providers, who have seen the devastation of COVID-19 up close and personal over the past 18 months,” said Clay Holderman, President and CEO of UnityPoint Health. “After thoughtful consideration, we believe this vaccination requirement will help keep our team members, patients and communities as healthy as possible, so we can focus on what we do best—delivering exceptional care to those we serve.”

UnityPoint Health expects all employed team members, regardless of whether they provide direct patient care or not, to be fully vaccinated by Monday, Nov. 1.

Team members who choose not to become vaccinated will

be subject to voluntary resignation or termination. Team members can request an exemption for medical or religious reasons, which is consistent with the health system’s practice for other required vaccines. Additionally, while pregnant team members will be strongly encouraged to get vaccinated, a temporary deferral will be available.

UnityPoint Health has made it a priority to educate its team members on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, sharing clinically validated information with all team members and answering staff questions on the vaccine since December 2020.

“The COVID vaccine is safe and effective in terms of preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death,” said

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Dr. Dave Williams, Chief Clinical Officer of UnityPoint Health. “The continued wave of infections throughout the country make it clear we are not done fighting this pandemic, which means more people need to get vaccinated, especially before an anticipated increase of respiratory illnesses this fall.”

UnityPoint Health joins numerous health systems across the country in requiring the vaccine, a decision also strongly supported by the American Hospital Association, American Nurses Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Association of American Medical Colleges and National Association for Home Care and Hospice.

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Aug. 11, 2021

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NEWS

Target Announces Fall Collaboration with Author, Illustrator and Animator Christian Robinson With most items under $25, the limited-edition collection of home, apparel and books for kids and baby inspires guests, big and small, to go on their own imaginative adventures from the comfort of their homes.

Black PR Wire - Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) announced its limited-time-only collaboration with author, illustrator and animator Christian Robinson, who is renowned for his captivating and imaginative illustrations and his best-selling children’s books, “You Matter” and “Another.” The Christian Robinson for Target collection includes more than 70 items across home, apparel and books for kids and baby that encourage discovery and play. The collection ranges in price from $6-$70, and will be available beginning Sunday, Aug. 15, on Target.

com and in most Target stores.

“We know our guests want their homes to be a reflection of themselves and look to Target for inspiration and new ways to explore their creativity,” says Jill Sando, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target. “Christian Robinson’s curiosity and creativity are unmatched. We’re thrilled to be able to introduce our guests to such a special partner and deliver an inclusive collection that is as inspiring as it is affordable.”

“As a child, drawing became a way to make space for myself and to create the kind of world I wanted to see,”

says Christian Robinson. “Working with Target to bring this collection to life has been a dream come true and I hope it helps all Target guests, big and small, create a space of their own that is timeless, captures their imaginations and sparks their curiosity.”

The Christian Robinson for Target collection offers home items including pillows, bedding, rugs, wall art and more, as well as a range of baby and toddler apparel items. The collection will also include adaptive and sensory-friendly apparel items, including items that are tagless, feature flat seams, have openings for

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abdominal access and more. With most items under $25, the collection will be available on Target.com and in most Target stores beginning Aug. 15, with new home products arriving in October. In addition, guests can shop the collection via Target’s contactless same-day pickup options, Drive Up and Order Pickup.

This partnership with Christian

is also one of the many ways Target continues its commitment to source and design more products from Black creators and designers.

More information about the Christian Robinson for Target collection is available on A Bullseye View, and guests are invited to join the conversation on social media using #ChristianRobinsonxTarget.

8 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Aug. 11, 2021

ENTERTAINMENT Upcoming Artist OnlyJame, Brings New Summer Hit Wasteful to LA, Inspired from His Own Millennial Love Story Wasteful is a hip-hop hit made to energize a new post-pandemic world with hope by turning negatives into positives.

BronzeLens Returns As A Virtual Experience ATLANTA PRNewswire -- The 12th Annual BronzeLens Film Festival (BronzeLens) launches Tuesday, August 17, 2021, anchored by meticulously curated information-packed programming for a wide range of filmmakers, the general public, marketing professionals, students, and film enthusiasts. BronzeLens will again be presented over the course of six days 100% online culminating on August 22nd.

“We have remained resolute to giving voice to the authentic stories of people of color,” said Deidre McDonald.

“The global pandemic of COVID-19 remains a very real issue and as a result, we decided to present BronzeLens as a virtual experience,” said Kathleen Bertrand, Founder and Executive Producer of the BronzeLens Film Festival. “BronzeLens was founded to provide salient information and serve as a catalyst for creating opportunities for filmmakers of color. This year we are presenting our largest collection of Official Film Selections, a series of multifaceted Powerhouse panels, workshops and demos, and our exclusive signature events.”

Of the more than 180 official selections that will be screened, 63 are world premieres and 15 are from returning filmmakers. The diverse line-up of films come from Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Ireland, India, Israel, Ghana, the Netherland, the United Kingdom,

New 2021 Programming Line-Up Includes Crowdfunding Leader Seed&Spark, Managing Workflow with Scriptation, SAGindie Contract Workshop, The Resurgence of Black Horror Genre, Packaging and Pitching, Mental Health for Creatives, Nonfiction Distribution Opportunities and Resources, Diversity, Inclusion and Representation, and BIPOC Storytelling in the Ad World Veteran Editor Terilyn A. Shropshire, Black Horror Authorities Tananarive Due and John Jennings, Writer Producer, Director Deborah Riley-Draper, and Oscar Nominated Director Kevin Wilson are Among Participating Featured Guests Signature Events, 63 World Premieres, and Over 180 Films Screenings Comprise BronzeLens 2021 Virtual Experience Tuesday, August 17 - Sunday, August 22 the United States, and the Americas.

“Our 2021 film selections are exceptionally creative. Many of the documentaries include original music, and there are movies with thought-provoking, finely crafted storylines surrounding Afrofuturism,” said Deidre McDonald, Artistic Director of the BronzeLens Film Festival. “Over the years we have

remained resolute to seeking and giving voice to the authentic stories of people of color. Diversity and inclusion have always been at the forefront of why we do what we do. We have also taken pride in the caliber of programming and panels we have sought to provide which allow attendees to have access to information from leaders in the film industry.”

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LOS ANGELES PRNewswire -- As Chicago rapper OnlyJame sets roots in Los Angeles, he brings along with him the beat of the summer: Wasteful. Inspired by his own millennial love story and the traumatic events of 2020, OnlyJame wrote Wasteful as a way to bring in the New Year with a new vibration. The song is about changing your perspective to find the positive in the most difficult of situations.

His favorite beat so far, OnlyJame says he is addicted to Wasteful- from the melody, the lyrics, and the overall positive energy that it brings. Wasteful has resonated with crowds across the United States and reached over 100K streams on YouTube and Spotify in the past month.

“I produced Wasteful as a way to energize 2021. This song is a reminder that things will get better, no matter how bad they seem to be.” - OnlyJame On track to be his biggest single yet, this is only the beginning for OnlyJame. His cult-like following are loyal fans who see OnlyJame for who he really is: tenacious, self-motivated, and never a quitter. What makes his songs so unique is how relatable they are, to him and his listeners.

Always drawing from personal experiences, OnlyJame makes rapping seem easy with his flow of words and style that together tell stories of perseverance and strength.

Music and melodies are natural traits for OnlyJame, aka Darnell Barrett who has been performing since the age of five.

Coming from a family of talented musicians, Barrett wanted to follow in the same footsteps of his own grandfather who was touring the US in the 60s, with his own hit soul songs.

Rapper and storyteller, OnlyJame produces his music as a way to cope with his own tough situations. From love and relationships to life philosophies, OnlyJame is a master of empathy and paints different pictures of life from his own perspective.

For more on the upcoming artist, OnlyJame subscribe to his YouTube channel and follow him on Instagram for the latest updates @onlyjame.

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Aug. 11, 2021

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NEWS

CPS Kicks Off Annual Back-to-School Bashes to Prepare for and Celebrate the Upcoming School Year This School Year, Students Begin Classes Before Labor Day on Monday, August 30th for Five Days a Week of In Person Instruction; The Ten Community Celebrations Across the City Offer Healthcare Resources, Including COVID-19 Vaccination at Select Locations; School Supplies and Critical Information on Enrollment and Resources for Families; Additional Information Can be Found at www.cps.edu/b2s CHICAGO - Beginning today, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will kick off its annual Back-to-School Bashes at ten locations across the city for students and families to reconnect with their school communities and prepare for a return to in-person instruction five days a week, before Labor Day, on Monday, August 30.

The district announced five Bashes

earlier this summer and today the district is announcing five additional B2B locations. Starting today and continuing throughout the month of August, these celebrations will provide an opportunity for CPS students to meet with school and network staff and classmates, get school supplies, receive free COVID-19 vaccines for students and their family members at select locations and access other important community resources.

“Back-to-School Bashes are an important CPS summer tradition that we are happy to have returning this year,” said Interim CPS CEO, Dr. José M. Torres. “These events will act as an important bridge to the return of five days a week of in person instruction on Monday, August 30. They’ll also be an opportunity for families to take advantage of free COVID-19 vaccines and other important health and school resources.”

The science is clear about the need for students to return to school five days of week, and while it is safe to fully open schools regardless of the number of people vaccinated, vaccines provide the best level of protection against COVID-19. Leading up to the start of school, the district is encouraging everyone who can to get vaccinated before school starts on August 30. Back to School Bashes provide a convenient opportunity for students 12 years and older and their families to take advantage of free vaccinations.

The events will also offer a variety of music, food, games and activities for students and their families and CPS staff and volunteers will be available to help answer questions regarding the upcoming school year.

For more information on the events and details on other resources to help families prepare for a successful year ahead, families can visit

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Schedule of CPS Back-To-School Bashes With Vaccination Opportunities: Network Events Date Location Time Networks 1, 2, 4, 14, 15 (North) 7/30/2021 Roosevelt HS 12-5 pm Networks 7, 8, 10, 15, 16 (Southwest) 8/6/2021 Tarkington ES 12-5 pm Networks 3, 5, 6, 14, 15, 17 (West) 8/13/2021 Michele Clark HS 12-5 pm Networks 9, 11, 15, 16, 17 (South) 8/20/2021 CPS Colman Office 12-5 pm Networks 12, 13, 16, 17 (Far South) 8/27/2021 Chgo Vocational Career Academy 12-5 pm Schedule of Additional CPS Back-To-School Bashes: *Please check the Back-to-School website at www.cps.edu/b2s for any vaccination related updates.

Network Events Date Location Time Network 13 (Far South) 8/19/2021 Gately Stadium 4-8 pm Network 7 (Southwest) 8/22/2021 Maria Saucedo Academy 12-3 pm Network 7 (Southwest) 8/24/2021 William Finkl Academy 12-3 pm Network 3 (West) 8/25/2021 Steinmetz College Prep 3-8 pm Network 11 (South) 8/26/2021 Urban Prep Charter Academy 2-6 pm

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, health requirements and safety protocols 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 341,000 students in 638 schools. It is the nation’s third-largest school district.

10 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Aug. 11, 2021

HOME & GARDENING

5 simple, sustainable backyard improvements (BPT) - One in three consumers say they have increased their efforts to incorporate environmentally friendly practices, and 70% prefer to purchase ecofriendly products, according to a recent Trusted Media Brands survey. Some of the easiest first steps toward a more sustainable lifestyle can be taken right in your own backyard. Create an outdoor oasis with these simple and sustainable tips - minimal green thumb required.

Save time - and water - with low-maintenance landscaping. Plant the seed for a hassle-free backyard by planting perennials or shrubs, which require minimal upkeep. Support your local environment by choosing native plants, as they typically require less watering, fertilizer and pesticides, and are beneficial to pollinators. Plus, native plants can store excess carbon dioxide for improved air quality.

Collect and reuse rainwater. Conserving rainwater is a simple way to make your outdoor space more sustainable. Install a reusable water drum in your yard below your gutter spouts to collect water when it rains. Once full, use the rainwater to water plants or clean exterior surfaces like decking, siding and outdoor furniture.

Choose energy-efficient LED lighting. Replace outdated, energy-draining deck and landscape lighting with energy-efficient or solar-powered outdoor lights. LED lights are extremely long-lasting, easy to install and use significantly less energy compared to more commonly used incandescent lights. Not only can you enjoy your yard long after the sun goes down, but you can feel good knowing you are making a sustainable choice.

Grow "up." A vertical garden can be an attractive, artful addition to any yard or deck, freeing up valuable ground in small spaces without compromising plush greenery. To start, build a frame against a wall or fence, or plant around an

existing structure like a pergola or latticework - all of which work great for climbing plants such as vines, wisteria, honeysuckle and ivy.

Use wood-alternative decking. Among the greenest products available for the home is composite decking, such as Trex, which is manufactured from more than 95% recycled materials. Unlike wood, composite decking resists fading, staining, scratching and mold, and needs only an occasional soap-and-water cleaning. Since composite decking never needs to be stripped, stained or painted, no environmentally harmful chemicals are

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required. For green bonus points, take items such as plastic grocery bags and newspaper sleeves to one of the many NexTrex plastic film recycling drop-off locations nationwide.

Instead of ending up in landfills, these polyethylene plastic films can be repurposed into high-performance composite decking.

These easy upgrades will not only benefit the planet but also create an outdoor space that will leave your neighbors green with envy.

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Aug. 11, 2021

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11

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HUD/BANK FORECLOSURES CITY & SUBURBS Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ____________________________________ 3+ Bedroom HOMES FOR SALE SELLER FINANCING Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ____________________________________

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Citizen Newspaper Group Inc. is excited to announce that we are looking for a great candidate to fill an open position on our editorial team.

This postion is for a Part-Time General Assignment Reporter. We are looking for a self-starter who is passionate about writting and have excellent English Writting skills.

The Applicant should have knowledge in using Microsoft Office, with a Bachelor of Science/Bachlor of Arts Degree in Communications and or a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Jornalism. The Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and transportation to cover assignments. If you are interested, you should submit your resume with a cover letter and two copies of previous published work. Please send it to us at: citizennewspapergroup@gmail.com.

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Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the Conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as Amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County Registration Number: Y 21007542 on August 5, 2021. Under the Assumed Business Name of A.T. EXCEPTIONAL CONSULTING with the busienss located at: P.O. BOX 19073, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60619. The true and real full name (s) asnd residence address of the owner (s) / parenter (s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name Complete Address ANTOINETTE TAYLOR, 1529 E. 83RD STREET, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60619, USA. _________________________________

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12 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Aug. 11, 2021

Walmart Believes in Chicago We believe in educating and empowering young minds throughout the city.

That’s why we’re honored to support the 92nd annual Bud Billiken Day Parade and Picnic on August 14th. It’s just one of the ways we are committed to investing in the Chicago communities where we work and live.