Hyde Park Citizen 9-19-2018

Citizen

ENTERTAINMENT: ‘WON’T HE DO IT’ MUSIC VIDEO SURPASSES 1.4 MILLION VIEWS — PAGE 8 Week of Sept. 19, 2018

| Vol. 29 | No. 43 | www.thechicagocitizen.com

HYDE PARK

Over the weekend, the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual fall festival which is now known as the Fall Forward Festival. Photo Credit: Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce

THE HYDE PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REBRANDS ANNUAL FALL EVENT

Over the weekend, the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual fall festival which is now known as the Fall Forward Festival. The event was strategically rebranded based on community feedback and to make sure the festival was inclusive and inviting to all.

See more on Page 2

Business: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Offering Mortgages for as Little as 3 Percent Down — Page 4 Fashion: Texture on the Runway ‘18 Kicked Off New York Fashion Week — Page 6 |

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NEWS briefly EDUCATION

CHICAGOANS ‘IMAGINE THE FUTURE’ WITH A SEASON OF SCIENCE FICTION THEMED PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE CITY Mayor Emanuel and Chicago Public Library (CPL) recently announced that Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick will be the 29th selection of CPL’s One Book, One Chicago (OBOC).

From October 2018 through April 2019, Chicagoans will learn more about science fiction, technology, future societies, artificial intelligence and more as they explore the book and this year’s theme - Imagine the Future. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, which was first published in 1968, introduces readers to protagonist Rick Deckard in the year 2021 as he maneuvers his way through the new world order. This iconic book was the inspiration for the blockbuster film Blade Runner.

CPL will join community partners to offer Chicagoans a variety of events and programs, including walking tours, art exhibits, discussions, music performances and more, to bring people, businesses and civic agencies together to engage with the book and theme. Free citywide programs will launch in early October. For a complete list of programs and to learn ways you can engage with other readers, visit onebookonechicago.org.

HEALTH

The Hyde Park Chamber Of Commerce Rebrands Annual Fall Event Continued from page 1

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

Over the weekend, the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual fall festival which is now known as the Fall Forward Festival. The event was strategically rebranded based on community feedback and to make sure the festival was inclusive and inviting to all.

The Fall Forward Festival is a fundraiser for the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce and was previously known as Brews, Brats, and Brass. Previously, the event had more of an Oktoberfest theme.

Jonathan Swain, president of the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, said the title was limiting and not a good representation of what the fall festival had to offer.

“Our title was not as inclusive and welcoming as we needed it to be and we

heard a lot of people saying, ‘I don’t really like beer, so I don’t want to come’ or ‘I don’t really eat brats, so I might not want to come because there’s nothing there for me’ and that really was not the case. That’s one reason we wanted to change the name,” Swain explained.

The Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization for business people and community members. It’s mission is to assist local member businesses in conducting their business in the community.

“Our goal is to do three things for our members. One, we like to advocate for our members in any way they need advocating whether it be locally with the city agencies wherever they need help. Two, we provide exposure for them in a number of ways so that people can learn more about what it is that they do. Three, we like to give them

information regarding things they need to understand about the community, change in the community, and growth opportunities, said Swain.

The Hyde Park neighborhood has always been a focal point on Chicago’s south side and the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce works to bring even more attention and business opportunities to the area, Swain added.

“Hyde Park has seen a great renaissance or rebirth over the past few years and we believe the Chamber has had a hand in helping bring activity to the neighborhood and letting people know about things going on in downtown Hyde Park through the events that we host. We’re proud to be a part of a community that has such great diversity and events like this are an opportunity for us to celebrate that diversity we have in Hyde Park,” Swain said.

National Medicare Education Week Seminar Will Answer Questions About Medicare

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

PLANNING FOR HEALTHY TREES STARTS NOW Through its Recover, Replant, Restore! program, Trees Forever is working with communities in Illinois to grow healthy urban forests and to help residents plant trees that are more resistant to natural disasters and man-made disasters, such as emerald ash borer (EAB). Fall is an excellent time to plant trees, so now is the time to start planning.

It is also important to select species that are resistant to storm damage. While no tree can survive a direct hit from devastating storms, some species are a little more resistant to wind, flooding and ice. For suggestions on species that may do better, see Trees Forever’s Homeowner Guide series at: www.treesforever.org/recover.

For more details on tree planting and care in general, please visit, http://www.treesforever.org/Guides.

LAW & POLITICS

SALES TAX GUIDANCE AVAILABLE FOR OUT-OF-STATE SELLERS The Illinois Department of Revenue is announcing online resources for remote (out-of-state) sellers seeking to determine whether they must begin collecting and remitting Illinois sales tax beginning Oct. 1, 2018.

The guidance is a result of the enactment of Illinois Public Act 100-587 and the subsequent U.S. Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. Illinois Public Act 100-587 requires remote sellers who have sold either cumulative gross receipts from Illinois sales of $100,000 or more, or 200 or more separate Illinois transactions to register and remit Illinois Use Tax for sales made on or after October 1, 2018. Remote sellers should visit www.tax.illinois. gov for specific details and available resources on Illinois’ new law, including: informational bulletin, FAQs, tax matrix, and more.

One of the three National Medicare Education Week (NMEW) Seminars happening in Chicago will be held at the Illinois Eye Institute, 3241 S. Michigan Ave., Sept. 21 at 1 p.m. as part of NMEW. The free educational seminar, hosted by UnitedHealthcare, is meant to help aging Chicagoans better understand their coverage options going into the annual enrollment period that begins in October.

“We started National Medicare Education Week because we started to realize that there were a significant number of beneficiaries that really didn’t completely understand how Medicare worked. We did a big survey and we’ve done some follow up surveys and we found that around 40 percent of Medicare beneficiaries really just don’t feel comfortable with how it works, what it is, and what their options are,” said Rick Dunlop, Health Plan CEO of UnitedHealthcare Medicare and Retirement in Illinois.

Topics of discussion at the Seminar will include the basics of Medicare, when and how to enroll and change plans, and how delaying retirement may impact a person’s coverage.

There will be a local Medicare expert leading the 90-minute

A National Medicare Education Week (NMEW) Seminar will be held at the Illinois Eye Institute, 3241 S. Michigan Ave., on Sept. 21 at 1 p.m. as part of NMEW. The free educational seminar, hosted

by UnitedHealthcare, is meant to help aging Chicagoans better understand their coverage options going into the annual enrollment period that begins in October. Photo Credit: UnitedHealthcare

seminar which will also include a time for questions and answers.

“I’ve done this presentation a couple of times and the way we structure it is it’s a pretty casual 45-minute presentation about the ABC’s of Medicare and what seems to come back most of the time is questions along the lines of ‘what do I do’,” said Dunlop.

National Medicare Edu-

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cation Week runs from Sept.

15-21 throughout the country and recently the Mayor of Chicago released a Proclamation regarding the same week as Chicago Medicare Education Week and urged all Chicagoans to recognize the importance of Medicare.

Across the country, there are a total of 62 million Medicare beneficiaries and a 2017 survey conducted by UnitedHealth-

care found 2 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries have a “fair” or “poor” understanding of Medicare. The results of this particular survey, and others like it, made it clear that there was a need for better education around Medicare.

“The best place for us to serve the community starts with educating and so NMEW was set up for that purpose.

Our goal in it really is to have people walk away and realize it’s not that difficult and to give them some things to think about as they’re heading into the annual open enrollment period,” said Dunlop.

There are approximately 840,000 Medicare beneficiaries in the Greater Chicago Area, according to Dunlop, and UnitedHealthcare strategically scheduled three NMEW Seminars across the city to make sure that everyone could access the information they needed.

“We’re kind of bouncing these around into different locations to just try and make sure that we’re serving as many communities and constituents as we can,” said Dunlop. We’re trying to make sure that we get the word out and allow everybody to get completely educated and comfortable with how Medicare works as we get into that open enrollment period next month.”

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Sept. 19, 2018

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NEWS Green Line Stations Temporarily Closed

The Shedd Aquarium is offering free admission for Illinois residents now through the end of the month and the Free Day incentive has also been extended to special after-hours events that take place most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Photo Credit: Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez

Shedd Aquarium Extends Illinois Free Days To After Hours Events

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

The Shedd Aquarium is offering free admission for Illinois residents now through the end of the month and the Free Day incentive has also been extended to special After Hours events that take place most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

The Shedd Aquarium’s Free Days are designed to remove cost barriers and make the facility as accessible as possible for Illinois residents.

The Illinois resident Free Days are happening every day until Sept. 30 and provide access to the entire aquarium along with the weekly After Hours events which include Caribbean Flavors and Flair on Monday nights, Jazzin’ at the Shedd; Live Latin Rhythms on Wednesday nights, and House Party on Thursday nights.

“When we have our Illinois resident Free Days guests have access to all of our main galleries, our oceanarium, our aquatic presentation, and our newly launched special exhibit, Underwater Beauty. So it’s really exciting that they have all ac-

cess,” said Rachel LeFevre-Snee, assistant director of marketing at the Shedd Aquarium.

The After Hours events are meant to provide even more access to the Aquarium and expand the types of experiences that are being offered.

“Each one of the After Hours events has their own highlights and we’re hoping that by diversifying the offerings that we’re really offering something for everyone,” said LeFevre-Snee.

On Monday nights, the Caribbean Flavors and Flair event features a special menu of Caribbean-inspired cuisine for guests as they explore the aquarium, including habitats like the well-known Caribbean Reef exhibit in Shedd’s main galleries.

Wednesdays nights are for Jazzin’ at the Shedd, an event that has been taking place every summer for over 20 years, according to LeFevre-Snee. The theme for the next several Jazzin’ at the Shedd experiences is Live Latin Rhythms and will host live Latin jazz performers and Latin-inspired food and cocktails.

“We’re really excited to build on the popular-

ity of our Jazzin’ at the Shedd series and really learn from the community about what folks are interested in and what they’d like to see from the aquarium,” said LeFevre-Snee.

On Thursday nights the Shedd Aquarium becomes a House Party that features house music DJs along with food and beverages that are available for purchase. Local DJs that will be performing at the House Party events include DJ Jesse Saunders, DJ Terry Hunter, and Farley Jackmaster Funk.

“This year is the first year, and it’s a bit of a pilot year, for Shedd After Hours. We’re experimenting with what experiences people are responding to what people might be interested in,” said LeFevre-Snee.

It is recommended that free tickets are reserved online for the Shedd Aquarium Free days because they are limited based on the capacity of the facility. Residents are also required to provide a photo ID proving their residency upon arrival.

For more information and to reserve tickets visit sheddaquarium.org.

www.thechicagocitizen.com

As work continues on the transformational Garfield Gateway Project, south Green Line stations will see temporary closures.

CTA will install the steel structure needed to support the new canopy over the tracks. In order to facilitate this work, all stations south of 51st Street – Garfield, Cottage Grove, King Drive, Halsted and Ashland/63rd – will be closed during the weekend of Sept. 22-24. The closures will occur between 2 a.m.

Saturday and 4 a.m. Monday.

Green Line trains will operate to/ from the 51st Street station. For service south of 51st Street, CTA will operate continuous, free bus shuttle service to the closed stations for the duration of the weekend so that customers can get to their destinations safely and conveniently.

The Garfield Gateway Project, which broke ground in June, will vastly improve the commuting environment. The station’s platform canopies will be extended to provide more shelter for customers, while the installation of public art and new landscaping will make the daily customer experience more pleasant. The project will also upgrade platform accessibility by improving existing elevator and escalator equipment.

The $50 million project will rehabilitate the original Garfield station house built in 1892 on the south side of Garfield Boulevard.

The historic stationhouse, which earned City of Chicago landmark status in 2001, will be restored to its original turn-of-the century look, and improved to allow it to serve a public purpose.

In coordination with the Chicago Department of Transportation, the Garfield Gateway project will also include streetscape enhancements next to the station to better integrate existing transportation uses and create a stronger community centerpiece — including improved pedestrian street crossings, eco-friendly paving materials, median landscaping including sustainable native grasses and plants, bike lanes, benches and bike racks at the station.

The Garfield ‘L’ station serves nearly 425,000 riders each year and provides connections with the #55 Garfield bus, serving more than 3 million riders annually with direct connections to the University of Chicago and Midway International Airport.

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BUSINESS Report Lists 308 Black Corporate Directors of America's 500 Largest Public Companies, Identifies 187 Corporations with No Black Directors Black Enterprise (BE) has released its latest exclusive report on African American representation on the corporate boards of 500 of America's largest publicly traded companies today at BlackEnterprise.com. The media company identifies 308 African American directors at S&P 500 companies, including JPMorgan Chase & Co., Prudential Financial Inc., ExxonMobil, and FedEx Corp., on the BLACK ENTERPRISE Registry of Corporate Directors. In addition, the report reveals 184 companies with no African American representation among their boards of directors.

Black Enterprise’s report spotlights prominent African American directors including Estée Lauder Cos. Inc. EVP and

CFO Tracey T. Travis, who serves on the board of Accenture PLC, and Adtalem Global Education Inc.'s President and CEO Lisa W. Wardell, who serves on the board of Lowe's Cos. Inc. "It's been six years since we began producing our annual report on boardroom power, representing our scorecard on diversity at the highest levels of corporate America," said Earl "Butch" Graves Jr., CEO and president of Black Enterprise. "As such, we present the Black Enterprise Registry of Corporate Directors—our exclusive bench, if you will, of power hitters who sit on the boards of the nation's largest publicly traded corporations."

The registry is drawn from the S&P 500 based on market capitalization as of May 4th, 2018. Black Enterprise compiled the listing by reviewing proxy statements and annual reports, as well as contacting investor relations departments, corporate governance experts, and organizations such as the Black Corporate Directors Conference and the Executive Leadership Council (ELC); the latter is a network of the nation's most highly ranked African American corporate executives.

For the complete list and the full report of "Power in the Boardroom.” Visit www.blackenterprise.com for more information.

REAL ESTATE

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Offering Mortgages for as Little as 3 Percent Down

BY CHRISTOPHER G. COX Publisher and managing editor, www.realesavvy.com

Nation’s Two Largest Mortgage Clearinghouses Offering Mortgages for as Little as 3 Percent Down One of the biggest obstacles confronting lowand moderate-income home buyers is coming as well as in a classroom setting,” she adds. up with the 20 percent down payment that Home Ready and Home Possible can help to many financial advisors recommend they have make it possible to overcome such factors as low in the bank prior to entering the housing inventory and rising housing market. Under Fannie home prices that make it difficult Mae’s Home Ready and Freddie for individuals and families to Mac’s Home Possible programs, enter the housing market and it might be possible to obtain a obtain an attractive mortgage mortgage with substantially less interest rate. cash on hand.

The National Association While there are some of Realtors and Freddie Mac differences in the two programs, estimate that median price Terri Sicilia, vice president of growth for housing will accelerate underwriting for Residential by 3.5 percent in 2018, whereas Mortgage Services, says they median household income is only are both “beneficial products, growing by about 2.7 percent.

Christopher G. Cox, especially for borrowers putting Among the differences in the publisher and managing less than 20 percent down.” editor, www.realesavvy.com two programs, Sicilia says, is “These programs offer a lot of that the Fannie Mae program flexibility that you don’t have with a traditional allows a buyer to own other properties at the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, “Sicilia notes, “such time of closing, while the Freddie Mac program as reduced PMI (private mortgage insurance) does not. Another difference, she notes, is that that helps to make the monthly payment lower.”

Home Possible does not allow the use of a nonBorrowers interested into looking into these occupant co-borrower while Home Ready may. programs need to educate themselves, Sicilia Both products may permit a borrower to says, because some loan officers might not be use income from a boarder or housemate to be comfortable with them or might not know considered as a portion of the overall income about them. She explains that both Freddie in some cases, as long as it does not exceed 30 Mac and Fannie Mae offer online counseling percent of the total income used to qualify and programs for prospective homebuyers. “The required documentation can be produced to Fannie Mae program is $75.00 and the Freddie document payment received for one year.

Mac program is free. Both can be taken online Both the Freddie and Fannie programs

ONE OF THE BIGGEST OBSTACLES CONFRONTING LOW- AND MODERATE-INCOME HOME BUYERS IS COMING UP WITH THE 20 PERCENT DOWN PAYMENT THAT MANY FINANCIAL ADVISORS RECOMMEND THEY HAVE IN THE BANK PRIOR TO ENTERING THE HOUSING MARKET. UNDER FANNIE MAE’S HOME READY AND FREDDIE MAC’S HOME POSSIBLE PROGRAMS, IT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE TO OBTAIN A MORTGAGE WITH SUBSTANTIALLY LESS CASH ON HAND. compete with the low-down-payment program of The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which offers loans for as little as 3.5 percent down for buyers with a credit score of 580.

Aside from their own funds, a borrower can receive assistance in reaching the minimum three percent contribution from a range of sources, including a gift from a person meeting the definition of a related person, funds from a government or non-governmental agency, Employer Assisted Homeownership (EAH) programs and Affordable Seconds. Any contributing agencies cannot be affiliated with

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the lender or the origination of the mortgage except in the case of an EAH. A few other features of the Fannie and Freddie programs are: Home Ready • No income limits in underserved areas • Applicants without credit scores may be eligible using alternative credit references such as rent, insurance and utility payments • Mortgage insurance can be cancelled when 20 percent of equity in home is reached • Primary residence only • Not restricted to first-time home buyers • Allows a non-occupant co-borrower to qualify • Ownership of other property allowed Home Possible • No income limits in underserved areas • Applicants without credit scores may be eligible using alternative credit references, such as rent, insurance and utility payments • Primary residence only • Mortgage insurance can be cancelled when 20 percent of equity in home is reached • Not restricted to first-time home buyers One of borrowers Sicilia worked with was able to obtain a mortgage under Home Ready by documenting that he had 12 months of income from a boarder as a portion of his overall income. “This would not have been possible with a traditional, fixed-rate mortgage,” she said.

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FASHION

Fashion: How to Choose the Right Look for Any Occasion

BY DELANEY GEORGE Data News Weekly/NNPA Member

Fashion is not just the clothes, the hair, the shoes or the accessories; fashion is every little element combined that makes “the look.” Make-up is one of those crucial elements that can make or break your desired look.

While going natural is acceptable, a little make-up can enhance any look. Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t waste a great outfit on bad make-up.

Always remember that make-up is applied in layers. Just like with other fashion elements, you have to start with the right foundation; then you have to build on it. When it comes to clothes, it’s about matching the right shirt or blouse with the right skirt, then matching the right skirt with the right shoe, adding the right accessories etc. When it comes to make-up, you have to match the right eye shadow with the right lip, then match that combo with the

right sparkling highlighter. The right make-up can complement any look that you want to create as long as you remember that every element has to work together.

Make-up artist Ebony Harris, uses multi-colored shadows, glitters, and everything else in her make-up arsenal to capture her clients’ vision for their look.

“I always ask my clients, ‘What’s the occasion?’ or ‘What does your favorite outfit look like?’ so, that I can make sure that I apply the perfect look,” said Harris.

When it comes to clothes, it’s always best to not be too “matchy, matchy,” but when it comes to your face, a coordinated look is your best bet.

For more fashion and make-up tips, follow Delaney on Twitter @DelaneyGPro. The Data News Weekly is a member publication of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Learn more about becoming a member at www. nnpa.org.

Fashion is not just the clothes, the hair, the shoes or the accessories; fashion is every little element combined that makes “the look.” Make-up is one of those crucial elements that can make or break your desired look. While going natural is acceptable, a little make-up can enhance any look. Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t waste a great outfit on bad make-up.

Texture on the Runway '18 Kicked Off New York Fashion Week

NaturallyCurly co-founder, Michelle Breyer (L) and recording artist Amara La Negra (R) seen at NaturallyCurly presents Texture On The Runway powered by Sally Beauty in New York City. (PRNewsfoto/NaturallyCurly)

More than 900 influencers, media and VIPs filled NYC's Iconic Gotham Hall to celebrate NaturallyCurly's signature event Texture on the Runway on Thursday, September 6th during New York's Spring 2019 Fashion Week to celebrate the beauty of curls and coils. Retailer Sally Beauty returned as the retail sponsor for the innovative runway show that puts textured hair front and center.

This year's event was also a celebration of NaturallyCurly's 20th anniversary. The media company has been at the center of a two-decade revolution that transformed the way the world views curls, coils and waves.

Since 1998, NaturallyCurly has been the pioneer in empowering, educating and inspiring its community of consumers, influencers, and beauty enthusiasts.

By focusing on texture from Day 1, NaturallyCurly has attracted an inclusive community of all ages and ethnicities, men and women, from wavies to super coilies.

Hosted by NaturallyCurly co-founder Michelle Breyer, and recording artist and breakout star of Love & Hip Hop Miami Amara La Negra, seven top texture brands showcased their distinctive take on texture down the runway.

This year's runway sponsors included Camille Rose Naturals, Cantu, Carol's Daughter, Creme of Nature, Mielle Organics, SheaMoisture and The Mane Choice featuring their own unique textured hair inspiration and debuting looks that truly celebrate coils, curls and waves as well as fashion.

"At Sally Beauty, we believe the best hair type is your hair type, and we are committed to providing a diverse assortment of products for our customers," said Linda Voracek, Group Vice President of Merchandising for Sally Beauty.

"Texture on the Runway is unique from other events in that it allows hair to dictate fashion and highlights the diversity of hair textures and styles in a bold way."

Since NaturallyCurly launched Texture on the Runway in 2012 at City Winery in New York City,

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it has become one of the most anticipated events in the natural hair community. The innovative runway show arose out of NaturallyCurly cofounder Michelle Breyer's frustration that Fashion Week lacked inclusivity.

"As I covered Fashion Week, I was disappointed to see that the models on the runway didn't reflect the diversity of our community," Breyer says. "We decided to create an event that celebrated texture and inclusion, and we wanted to do it during Fashion Week."

Texture on the Runway puts curls, coils and waves front and center, letting the hair inspire the fashion rather than the other way around. Brands are encouraged to take their interpretations of texture down the runway, from intricate protective styles like braids and twists, to cascading curls or big luscious 'fros.

In recent years, the brands' creativity has expanded well beyond the hair and fashion. This year, Cantu's presentation featured a true New Orleans second line band, SheaMoisture integrated a reggae soul performance by Meta and the Cornerstones and Carol's Daughter energized the crowd with an electrifying dance group, The Red Project NYC. "At Sally Beauty we are committed to helping our consumers find and celebrate their natural beauty," states Karonda Cook, Director of Merchandising, Sally Beauty. "We know that beauty is not a one size fits all approach and believe in beauty for all. We were thrilled to be this year's retail sponsor for Texture on the Runway to help tell our story. It was also a great opportunity to interact with brand partners and influencers to make sure they understand the importance of our brand and what our customers mean to us."

Through 15-minute presentations, hair sponsors showcased their interpretation of modern, textured hair.

For more information about Texture on the Runway, visit, TextureontheRunway.com or follow @NaturallyCurly on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Sept. 19, 2018

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Bring It! available on Xfinity Stream app

grown-ish available on Xfinity Stream app

Streaming is always in session.

Xfinity takes you back to school with Black Film & TV with Xfinity On Demand. Just say, “HBCU” into your X1 Voice Remote to watch your favorite Black college films and TV shows, catch HBCU football games and Classics, and get a look into Greek life. And, with customizable streaming TV, you can watch hit movies, top shows and live sports, at home or on-the-go.

With Xfinity X1, access Netflix, YouTube, and Pandora right from your TV. Xfinity makes enjoying your entertainment simple, easy, awesome.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Xfinity TV with X1 and On Demand required. ©2018 Comcast. No celebrity endorsement implied. All rights reserved.

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ENTERTAINMENT Astellas Announces Launch of ‘What's Next Sweepstakes’ with Laila Ali

Koryn Hawthorne

‘Won’t He Do It’ Music Video Surpasses 1.4 Million Views Inspirational music “It Girl” Koryn Hawthorne continues to shatter records as a new artist, making history as the first female artist to hold the #1 position on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart for 26 weeks with her energizing single, “Won’t He Do It,” remaining #1 on the latest chart (for the week of September 15, 2018).

Hawthorne’s chart-topping success surpasses the previous record of 25 weeks set in 2013 by Tamela Mann with “Take Me to the King.”

In addition to the new chart milestone, the 20-year-old’s official “Won’t He Do It” music video has garnered over 1.4 million views and counting since its debut exactly one month ago.

“Won’t He Do It” – the lead single off her charttopping debut full-length album Unstoppable – is also currently #1 on the BDS Gospel chart (for 18 weeks) and #1 on the MediaBase Gospel chart (for 17 weeks).

Hawthorne is maintaining a busy schedule this fall, including a recent return appearance on the hit television series Greenleaf in last week’s episode. The 2018 Dove Awards double nominee, who is up for New Artist of the Year and Contemporary Gospel/Urban Recorded Song of the Year, will be performing at the award show on October 16th. She is touring in September and November with Jonathan McReynolds on

the Make Room Tour. The tour includes sold-out stops in Brooklyn, Washington DC, Richmond, Philadelphia and Atlanta, and also makes stops in Memphis and St. Louis.

Koryn Hawthorne, “Won’t He Do It” official music video: https://youtu.be/OwrE0YjfNGg To connect with Koryn Hawthorne, please visit: Website: https://korynhawthorne.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ korynhawthornemusic/ Instagram: @KorynHawthorne Twitter: @KorynHawthorne

Astellas Pharma US, Inc., recently announced the launch of the "What's Next Sweepstakes," sponsored by Myrbetriq® (mirabegron). Fans age 18 and older can enter for a chance to win a trip for two to Los Angeles to attend a spring 2019 taping of ABC's hit show "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS).

Featuring healthy cooking enthusiast, lifestyle maven, best-selling author, TV host, retired boxing world champion, and DWTS alumna Laila Ali (Season 4), the "What's Next Sweepstakes" launches in conjunction with the 27th season of DWTS, premiering on ABC Monday, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m. EDT. "Boxing was one of my first challenges – after all, it's in my genes," Ali said. "But I never stop challenging myself, which is how I continue to grow outside the ring as a mom, successful CEO of my own healthy lifestyle brand, cook and author, and competitive dancer on 'Dancing with the Stars.' I'm encouraging people to enter the 'What's Next Sweepstakes' for a chance to win, but more importantly, celebrate 'What's Next' for them."

Ali appears in 15- and 30-second video vignettes in which she reflects on the various challenges she has embraced and encourages viewers to challenge themselves to figure out what's next in their own lives. The spots will air during various ABC programming nationwide.

"Astellas is proud to continue its sponsorship with ABC and 'Dancing with the Stars,' and give fans an opportunity to see their favorite dancers compete as part of the live audience," said John Colucci, Assistant Director of Urology Marketing at Astellas.

The "What's Next Sweepstakes" runs through Nov. 25, 2018. No purchase is necessary. For official rules, including full details, and to enter, visit http:// www.WinWhatsNext.com.

Tickets for Stand Up for Heroes Event Now On Sale Tickets for the New York Comedy Festival's 12th annual Stand Up For Heroes (SUFH) event at Madison Square Garden are now on sale. Top talent at this year's event includes Jimmy Carr, Eric Church, Jim Gaffigan, Seth Meyers, Bruce Springsteen and Jon Stewart, who will headline the event at the Hulu Theater at MSG on Monday,

November 5th. Top comedians and musical artists will unite to honor our nation's post-9/11 impacted veterans and their families, and raise funds and awareness to support the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF).

Stand Up for Heroes, one of New York's most anticipated nights of hope, healing and laughter, is presented by the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) and the New York Comedy Festival (NYCF). The NYCF is known to bring together the biggest names in comedy for a week of eclectic standup performances spanning across New York's five www.thechicagocitizen.com

boroughs. For the past eleven years, Stand Up For Heroes has kicked off the New York Comedy Festival to recognize and honor the incredible resilience and continuing recovery of our nation's wounded veterans and their families.

For tickets, visit ticketmaster. com, bobwoodrufffoundation.org OR nycomedyfestival.com

Laila Ali Photo by: Gage Skidmore

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NEWS

From The Hit TV Show Bring It- Dancer Sunjai Williams Debuts Her New “Sunjai Doll” Television personality and dancer Sunjai

Williams from the hit TV show Bring it, has partnered with renowned doll designer Stacey McBride-Irby of IamUdolls to create a fashion doll in her likeness. Sunjai Williams is best known as the fan favorite from Bring it. Her personal struggles to become a better dancer were chronicled on the show. As a result, fans grew to love and support Sunjai, because she never gave up! When she finally made the cuts and became a part of their award-winning dance team, fans went crazy!

For 15 years Stacey McBride-Irby was a designer at Mattel, creating countless dolls for the iconic Barbie line, Disney princess, the AKA Sorority’s Centennial Barbie, most notable for creating the So in Style African American line of Barbie that more closely represented contemporary girls and young women of color. Through perseverance, prayer and dedication, Stacey is honored to launch her IamUdolls (under Mclrby ent) with the Uniquely Beautiful, Sunjai Williams Doll. Available at: Amazon.com – Search for Sunjai Doll

EDUCATION

Large-Scale Efforts Helping Pre-K Teachers Receive Resources; You Can, Too (StatePoint) Studies have shown that high-quality pre-K education better prepares children to achieve in school and makes them more likely to strive for higher vocational aspirations. It also has a positive impact on society. For every dollar spent on high-quality early education, society gains as much as $13 in long-term savings, according to a 2016 study by Nobel Laureate, James Heckman.

“Too many teachers struggle to access essential classroom resources,” says Sally McCrady, chair and president of PNC Foundation. “Luckily, it’s easier than ever to get involved in supporting local efforts to help pre-K teachers and their classrooms and students.”

Large-scale efforts are being made to help more teachers, classrooms and children get the resources they need, such as science kits, books, art supplies and field trips. One example of this is a $5 million alliance between the PNC Foundation and DonorsChoose.org, a crowd-funding platform whereby teachers request the materials and experiences they need most for their classrooms, and donors can give to the vetted projects that inspire them.

Any person interested in helping pre-K teachers can access DonorsChoose.org and donate to a project.

“Though teachers often spend their own money on classroom supplies, they still need many more resources to provide a well-rounded, high-quality learning experience,” says Yasmina S. Vinci, executive director, National Head Start Association (NHSA), a not-for-profit advocacy organi-

zation dedicated to supporting the Head Start community.

Major initiatives of this alliance include: • Teacher Gift Cards: Every teacher who submitted a preK project request in the PNC footprint since April 4, 2017 received a $100 electronic gift card to be used on DonorsChoose.org. More than 3,700 public pre-K and Head Start teachers received the cards to support new projects.

• Spotlight: One outstanding early education teacher in most PNC markets has been honored as a Teacher Hero for his or her efforts and involvement in the alliance. All hon-

orees received a $2,000 gift card to fund a project in their classrooms and a second $2,000 gift card to help seed other pre-K projects listed on DonorsChoose.org.

• PNC Volunteer Gift Cards: All PNC employees who volunteered for the early education initiative Grow Up Great in 2017 will receive a $50 electronic gift card to support pre-K project requests on DonorsChoose.org.

These resources are already having real-world impacts. Last year’s campaign enabled nearly 244,000 preschool children across 21 states and the District of Columbia to receive new classroom materials and educational opportunities. More than 7,500 pre-K classroom projects benefited from the grant, which was made in support of PNC Grow Up Great, its $350 million early childhood education initiative. Teachers and donors can visit PNCGrowUpGreat.com/donorschoose for more information.

“Because of these efforts, we can introduce our children to more activities and opportunities to learn more skills,” says Chicago pre-K teacher, Denise Lopez-Gill. “The supplies that I have received have transformed our classroom environment.”

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CALENDAR CHICAGOLAND MG WALK Participants affected by myasthenia gravis will gather to celebrate the lives of MG patients, physicians and caregivers, and walk to raise awareness and funds to support the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) at the Chicagoland MG Walk on Sunday, September 23 at Fullersberg Woods in Oak Brook. At this year's Walk, Kathleen Sullivan will be honored as the Chicagoland MG Walk Local Hero.

Funds raised by the MG Walk Campaign are vital in making the MGFA’s vision of “a world free of myasthenia gravis” come to life. The National MG Walk Campaign is celebrating its 8th year of raising funds and awareness for the MG Community, having raised over $5.5 million dollars since their first Walks back in

2011. Funds raised from the MG Walk help support research initiatives, advocacy efforts, programs and services, and resources for those living with MG and their families.

EVENT DETAILS Date: Sunday, September 23, 2018 Time: Check-In/Registration: 9:00 a.m. Walk Starts: 10:00 a.m.

Location: Fullersberg Woods (Oak Brook, IL) Website: www.MGWalk.org/Chicagoland Phone: 1-855-MGWALKS(855-649-2557) E-mail: Info@MGWalk.org To learn more about what you can do for MG Awareness, visit the MGFA website at www.myasthenia.org and the MG Walk website at www.MGWalk.org.

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago has partnered with The Walt Disney Company to provide guests with free Museum Entry every Sunday this month.

Free Museum Entry Every Sunday through Wednesday in September The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago has partnered with The Walt Disney Company to provide guests with free Museum Entry every Sunday this month. Guests, regardless of residency, can now reserve their free tickets online for Museum Entry for September 16, 23, and 30.

Sponsored by Disney, free admission provides guests with access to some of MSI's most iconic exhibits including: • Science Storms: Watch a powerful 20-foot Tesla Coil shoot off 1.5 million volts of lightning right above your head.

• Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze: Navigate through a winding, seemingly endless mirror maze and discover the mathematical patterns that surround us.

• YOU! The Experience: Explore what makes humans

so fascinating with a giant, 13-foot tall digital heart and a human-sized hamster wheel.

In addition to Disney sponsored free Museum Entry on Sundays for all guests, the Walt Disney Foundation will waive field trip fees for schools so students can visit The Science Behind Pixar, MSI’s latest interactive exhibit. This will allow more than 3,200 to explore the exhibit at no charge.

MSI also offers 52 free days throughout the year for Illinois residents. This month, guests from Illinois can visit MSI for free every Monday through Wednesday in September. Illinois residents can reserve their tickets online for September 24–26. Free Museum Entry gives guests the perfect opportunity to explore MSI favorites and create new memories with specialized experiences* including:

• Wanger Family Fab Lab: Dream up, design and make almost anything you can imagine using 3D printers and vinyl and laser cutters in this small-scale workshop for computer-based innovation, design and fabrication.

• Giant Dome Theater: Enjoy an amazing giantscreen experience on Chicago’s only wrap-around, five-story domed screen.

• U-505 On-board Tour: Climb aboard this National Historic Landmark and discover the remarkable story of the sub’s capture during World War II. *Requires additional ticket WHEN: Walt Disney Company Free Sundays: 23 and 30 Illinois Resident Free Days: Sept. 24–26 For more information, visit http://www.msichicago.org/ freesundays

CBA & CPL Team Up for Free Legal Information Series Chicagoans who are dealing with the difficulties of divorce can take advantage of a free legal seminar being offered this month by the Chicago Bar Association in partnership with the Chicago Public Library.

The “Dealing with Divorce” forum will be held Sept. 24 at 12:15 p.m. at the Harold Washington Library in downtown Chicago.

The session will address divorce matters such as how to begin the process of divorce, obtaining legal services, and custody rights and issues.

September’s seminar is the first of a series of free monthly legal information sessions that will offer practical insight into a variety of legal topics ranging from divorce to estate planning, tax filing tips, adoption and starting a small business.

Attorneys who are members of the Chicago Bar Association conduct the presentations and offer legal information at the free lunchtime seminars.

The sessions are held from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. in the Chicago Authors Room on the 7th Floor of the Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State Street. Registration is not required. For

more information call 312-747-4300 or go to www.chicagobar.org The full schedule of presentations for 20182019 is as follows: Sept. 24, 2018 – Dealing with Divorce Oct. 22, 2018 – How to Find a Lawyer if You Cannot Afford One Nov. 26, 2017 – Starting a Small Business Jan. 28, 2019 – Cleaning Up Your Credit Feb. 25, 2019 – Tax Filing Tips March 25, 2019 – Buying and Selling a Home April 22, 2019 – Your Rights in the Workplace May 20, 2019 – Estate Planning June 24, 2019 – Expunging or Sealing Your Record July 22, 2019 – Adoption Aug. 26, 2019 – Immigration The sessions are held from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. in the Chicago Authors Room on the 7th Floor of the Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State Street. Registration is not required. For more information call 312-747-4300 or go to www.chicagobar.org

Upcoming Seminar About Workers' Compensation Claims in Illinois People who are injured on-the-job are often faced with overwhelming obstacles when pursuing workers' compensation benefits. Employers and insurers who provide employers with workers' compensation policies are often hesitant to approve any sort of claim or payout. The result is the likely necessitation of legal representation from a team of workers' compensation attorneys.

To spread awareness of worker rights and the key details of workers' compensation claims, Attorney Casey Woodruff and Attorney Russell Haugen of Woodruff Johnson & Evans Law Offices will present an upcoming seminar titled "What Every Injured Worker in Illinois Should Know." The event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 27th, 2018 at 5:30 PM. The event location will be the I Hotel and Conference Center at 1900 South First Street, Champaign, Illinois 62820. Attendees will be able to enjoy refreshments, including pizza and salad.

During the conference, Attorneys Woodruff and Haugen will help those in attendance

www.thechicagocitizen.com

understand what benefits an injured worker may be entitled after a work-related accident.

Basic worker rights will also be addressed and related to how they come up during an average workers' compensation case, such as whether or not an injured worker can be terminated or choose to see their own medical provider.

In Chicago and throughout the rest of Illinois, injured workers rely upon Woodruff Johnson & Evans Law Offices for workers' compensation claim management and case representation.

The law firm has provided legal counsel and advocacy for injured workers from a number of local employers, including the University of Illinois, Carle Foundation Hospital, Kraft Foods Group, Inc., Champaign-Urbana Public Schools, Plastipak, FedEx, SuperValu, Inc., Rantoul Foods, and Flex-N-Gate Corporation.

For more information about the upcoming "What Every Injured Worker in Illinois Should Know" seminar, inquiring parties can visit https://www.woodrufflawyers.com/.

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