HYDE PARK- CITIZEN 12-9-2020

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 The Citizen: Serving The Black Community For 55 Years Week of Dec. 9, 2020

| Vol. 32 | No. 3 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

HYDE PARK

COVID Collaborative Announces Partnership with Ad Council on $50 Million Vaccine Education Campaign Page 2

Travel Spending in U.S. to Plunge by Nearly Half This Year Page 6

The P&G brands partner with CVS and UNCF to award $200,000 in scholarships to Black women pursuing degrees in STEM subjects Page 8

Start Early program provides parents with community resources based on individual family service plans, and based on their needs. Photo courtesy of Start Early

ORGANIZATION HIGHLIGHTS ADVANTAGE OF EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Start Early believes early childhood education programs are one of the ways to close the opportunity gap that exists in the Black community when it comes to children’s education. PAGE 2

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2 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Dec. 9, 2020

NEWS briefly EDUCATION COVID COLLABORATIVE ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH AD COUNCIL ON $50 MILLION VACCINE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN COVID Collaborative recently announced a partnership with the Ad Council on an unprecedented $50 million vaccine education campaign. This initiative will represent one of the largest public education campaigns in history.

According to a recent survey fielded by the COVID Collaborative, a majority of Americans (86%) believe that a vaccine will be effective in curbing the virus. Yet the survey found that only one-third (34%) say they will get vaccinated themselves.

A new poll released recently by the COVID Collaborative, NAACP and UnidosUS showed that trust in vaccines is particularly low in Black and Latinx communities, with only 14% of Black Americans and 34% of Latinx Americans trusting that a vaccine will be safe.

“COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting Black Americans, and generational trauma has led to massive distrust of vaccines,” said Derrick Johnson, CEO of the NAACP. “The national education campaign will be a critical step in providing Black communities with the information they need to rebuild trust and get vaccinated.”

HEALTH

RESEARCH ON MINORITY HEALTH BRINGS ‘OPPORTUNITY APPROACH’ TO REDRESSING RACIAL AND ETHNIC INEQUITIES The Health Opportunity and Equity (HOPE) Initiative has launched a platform that supports a new narrative on health inequities and provides achievable pathways for states to eliminate health disparities. In the midst of a national reckoning on race and the COVID-19 pandemic, HOPE data portrays an America that would be dramatically different if the impact of racism embedded in our society was eliminated and everyone experienced equal social, economic and health opportunities.

HOPE data demonstrates the impact of the nation’s legacy of systemic racism that has left low-income and communities of color disenfranchised from opportunities and contributed to their poor health. Led by the National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE), the HOPE Initiative is a collaboration with Texas Health Institute and Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Center on Society and Health.

Dr. Derek Chapman, Interim Director of the VCU’s Center on Society and Health, said, “Policymakers, advocates, and other stakeholders can use the HOPE data to measure how far states must go to achieve equitable opportunities for health and wellbeing, and inform policy solutions and practices that advance health equity.”

LAW & POLITICS

NORTH AMERICA ONLINE GAMBLING MARKET PROJECTED TO REGISTER A CAGR OF 14.78% According to a ResearchAndMarkets.com report, the North America online gambling market is projected to register a CAGR of 14.78% during the forecast period (2020 - 2025).

Casino gambling has been one of the rapidly growing gambling categories, owing to the convenience of usage and optimal user experience. With the advent of technology, there has been a widespread implementation of virtual reality, block chain, and mobile platforms in the gambling industry across the region.

The current legislation framework for online betting in the United States allows only bookmakers licensed in Nevada, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey to operate legally, as these are the four states where online betting is regulated.

Custom slot types are trending the most in the market, owing to the scope of innovation and personalization by consumers.

Moreover, live casinos have gained popularity over the recent past, as they involve a wide deal of live dealers and real-time feedback that help improve the real-world casino experience.

For more information about this report visit https://www. researchandmarkets.com/r/qok7r4

Start Early is a non-profit organization that advances opportunities for parents to involve their children in early childhood education and care programs through their Educare Chicago Center, located in the Grand Boulevard community. Photo courtesy of Start Early

Organization highlights advantage of early education programs Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Start Early believes early childhood education programs are one of the ways to close the opportunity gap that exists in the Black community when it comes to children’s education.

Brenda Eiland-Williford is Start Early’s director of early childhood quality and impact. The organization has an Educare Chicago Center that is located at 5044 S. Wabash. She said it is a benefit for children to be involved in early childhood programs because young children’s brains are developing and it is an opportunity for them to really learn.

“Their brains are developing so quickly and the more exposure a young child can get, in terms of engaging with other children, engaging with other adults, having an environment where they can explore, where they can try out new things, where they can discover, all of that adds to their ability to develop a strong sense of self, to develop strong socioemotional skills,” she said. “So, having that early childhood experience, which brings all of those things together, really promotes children’s growth and development and gives them such a strong foundation for when they enter kindergarten and later in life.”

Eiland-Williford added an early childhood education also helps children develop language and problemsolving skills. She said that at Start Early, they work with parents prenatally and they have doulas. Parents have the option of moving from the home-based doula program to the center-based program where the child engaged. The program goes up to 5 years old.

Eiland-Williford said there are parents who have continued throughout the program, starting before the child was born until the child turned 5. She said Start Early was able to continue engagement with the family because the parents got so much out of it.

“It was not just about learning how to engage with their child, it was also about the support the parent got as well. When we talk about early childhood, we talk not only about how children develop, but we talk about what the parent needs in order to be a support, to be an advocate, to be the kind of parents that can help her child flourish, grow and develop,” she said.

Eiland-Williford said it is all about holistically supporting the child and the family. She said Start Early creates individual family service plans and every plan is different because every family is different. She said they provide the parents with community resources based on those individual family service

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plans, and based on their needs.

Eiland-Williford said Start Early and other early childhood education programs like it help close the opportunity and achievement gaps that exist in the Black community. She said the headstart program is a comprehensive program.

“We not only look at educating young children and what’s best for young children, but how can we help families become self-sufficient. We’re talking about how we can help families become self-sufficient, earn a living wage that helps them go beyond minimum wage, that helps them get income where they can really live off of it,” she said.

Eiland-Williford said it is a matter of supporting a family in obtaining a career that can make them self-sufficient, so they can get good housing, have savings and potentially own a home.

“We talk about these big dreams and hopes that parents want for themselves and then we help them think about how we can chart out a pathway for you to get there. What are the resources, what are the community supports, what are the program supports that we can employ with you so that we can help you get on a track where you can be self-sufficient,” she said.

For more information about Start Early, visit www.startearly.org.

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Dec. 9, 2020

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NEWS

City Colleges of Chicago Invites Students to Enroll in Spring Classes With a new year just around the corner, it’s time to leave 2020 behind and make a new start and City Colleges of Chicago is inviting students to enroll in spring classes.

“At City Colleges our goal is to ensure that students have the support they need to achieve their academic and career goals,” Chancellor Juan Salgado said.

Students at City Colleges may be eligible for a variety of support. This support may include, but is not limited to, grants, scholarships, virtual services and laptops on loan among other things.

Quality, In Demand Programs Each City College offers students many paths to success. They can choose from basic and advanced certificates, associate degrees or continuing education classes. Each City College provides general education classes in addition to specializing in an in-demand field. Specialties include: healthcare, engineering & advanced manufacturing, information technology, business, culinary and hospitality, education, human and natural sciences, and transportation, distribution, and logistics.

Non-credit adult education classes (free English as a Second Language classes and free high school equiva-

in good academic standing can return to college, clear their debt, and earn a college certificate or degree. Learn more at: www.ccc.edu/freshstart.

Students at City Colleges may be eligible for a variety of support. This support may include, but is not limited to, grants, scholarships, virtual services and laptops on loan among other things.

lency (GED or HiSET) preparation classes) are available at six colleges.

Paying for College Students who register for credit courses must provide a verified way to pay for their tuition within three days of when they register. Options for tuition payment include: using financial aid, arranging a no-interest payment plan, paying in full, or applying for scholarships. Those interested in applying for City Colleges scholarships can visit www.ccc.edu/scholarships to apply. Applications for spring are due

by February 11, 2021.

Debt Forgiveness Fresh Start gives thousands of Chicagoans the chance to return to college and earn a credential. Earlier this year, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Chancellor Salgado announced the launch of a college debt forgiveness program titled Fresh Start. The program offers more than 21,000 former City Colleges students a way to return to school and finish a program. Those who left the community college system within the last ten years while

Approach to Spring Classes & Services To protect the health and safety of students, faculty and staff, most City Colleges credit classes will continue remotely or online this spring. All adult education (high school equivalency – GED/ HiSET and English as a Second Language (ESL)) classes will be held via distance learning.

A limited number of credit classes will take place either face-to-face or as blended face-to-face and remote classes. These classes are for when hands on experiences are essential to meeting course requirements or when student learning and retention can benefit. In all cases, face-to-face instruction is undertaken only as public health conditions allow and with social distancing in place.

Student services are also delivered remotely. All seven colleges will be open as study centers for students with proper protections in place.

Learn More & How to Enroll • To learn more, visit www.ccc. edu/apply.

• To learn more about and apply

for tuition-free Adult Education (GED/HiSET or ESL) classes, please visit www.ccc.edu/adulted and apply online.

• Registration and other services also continue remotely at www.ccc.edu/vss.

There are three sessions for the spring term: a regular 16-weeks session and 12- and 8-weeks sessions.

Registration for the regular 16-week is until January 15 (classes begin January 19). For the 12-week session registration is until February 12 (classes begin February 16). Registration for the final 8-week session is until March 11 (classes begin March 15).

The seven City Colleges of Chicago are: • Richard J. Daley College, 7500 S. Pulaski Rd. • Harold Washington College, 30 E. Lake St. • Kennedy-King College, 6301 S. Halsted St. • Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.

• Olive-Harvey College, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave. • Harry S Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave. • Wilbur Wright College, 4300 N. Narragansett Ave. For more information, call 773-COLLEGE or visit www.ccc.edu/ apply.

Former College Basketball Standout’s New Book Teaches ‘How to Play Basketball the Fun Way’

BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Jenarie Davis-Middleton is a self-described unconventional writer who likes to share life experiences.

A wife and a mother of five, Davis-Middleton noted that although her schedule is hectic, she tries as often as possible to incorporate quiet time to clear her thoughts. And, to write books.

Davis-Middleton has penned, “How To: Play Basketball the Fun Way,” a 122-page expose accompanied with a host of “how-to” photos that provide intriguing lessons on fundamental and expert-level hardwood acts like the twohand chest pass, shooting a set-shot in the face of a defender, how to rebound and play defense properly.

“When you think of defense in basketball, what comes to mind? For me, playing defense was my favorite,” stated Davis-Middleton, a standout basketball player in middle school, high school, and college.

“Playing defense prepared me to score on the offensive end. It’s exciting when you can stop the other team from scoring,” she exclaimed.

It wasn’t until she was 12 years old that

Davis-Middleton said she learned how to play basketball. “I didn’t know how to shoot or dribble the ball,” she said, noting that her father, the musician Aaron Teel, taught her the importance of timing. “Timing the ball is an art,” Davis-Middleton noted. “If you can time the ball right, you can steal the ball from other players any time. It’s not too difficult. All you have to do is have fun.”

The book details just how to time the basketball – always make sure you swipe at the ball with an open palm, hitting it upward with your fingertips. “Never swipe down,” Davis-Middleton explained. “If you do, the referee will most likely call a personal foul.”

Divided into 11 chapters and including a page on basketball terminology, a court diagram, and a bonus feature on how Davis-Middleton earned a scholarship to Jacksonville University in Florida, the book is a comprehensive tutorial on playing basketball, but getting the most fun from the game.

Davis-Middleton’s journey toward publishing the book began in 2002, during her junior year in high school. She said Teel, and her mother, Stephanie Teel, were inspirations. Her father urged her to “write things down,” and her mother wouldn’t allow her to quit. “When I

Divided into 11 chapters and including a page on basketball terminology, a court diagram, and a bonus feature on how Jenarie Davis-Middleton earned a scholarship to Jacksonville University in Florida, the book, How To: Play Basketball the Fun Way,” is a comprehensive tutorial on playing basketball, but getting the most fun from the game.

was in college when I first felt weak, my mother left me handwritten notes,” Davis-Middleton recalled.

“She gifted me with some things during those tough moments that I still have today.

I promised that I’d stay focused and finish

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school, and I did. They helped me become the woman I am today.”

Davis-Middleton said she also learned her basketball skills by watching NBA games.

“Every chance that I had, I practice and learned from watching players like Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant,” Davis-Middleton said. “My dad and uncle taught me everything about the basic skills I needed to get better.” She added that she needed all the encouragement she could muster initially trying out for the Jacksonville University Dolphins. Before trying out, Davis-Middleton sprained her ankle. “I drove to tryouts barely able to press on the gas pedal, but I ignored the pain and continued,” she said. Before she arrived home from tryouts, the university coach had called her family with good news.

“Mommy and daddy hugged me so tight, and we cried together,” Davis-Middleton said.

“Life experiences will teach you how to maneuver in society. Education improves your scope of thinking. Experience and education ties in together.”

To purchase “How To: Play Basketball the Fun Way,” visit amazon.com. To learn more about Davis-Middleton, visit www.Jenarie. wordpress.com.

4 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Dec. 9, 2020

BUSINESS

Platform lets entrepreneur creators and their teams manage their music development process Tully, a music creation and collaboration solution for artists, has launched the Tully Platform which is designed to give entrepreneur creators and their teams a more efficient and organized way to manage their music development process while taking creative careers to the next level.

The company, founded by Grammy-nominated recording artist Joyner Lucas and manager/ entrepreneur Dhruv Joshi, is offering new service tiers that uniquely streamline and simplify the creative process of preparing content for distribution into the market.

Building on Tully’s entry level service of allowing recording artists and songwriters to play, write, record song ideas, save beats, find rhymes and store original recordings all within one secure cloud-based application, Tully Platform now provides users at any level of their career journey levels of organization and management over the entire workflow of developing new content.

Tully Platform, for the first time, according to a press release, brings together an expanded array of creator capabilities all in a single platform that is accessible anytime, anywhere.

This includes the ability to securely store and keep track of recordings and creative assets in development, assign project tasks, set rules for how and when collaborators and partners can interact with assets, make changes to metadata, and access standard contract templates to quickly create split sheets and other agreements.

Users can also collaborate virtually and share their projects with an engineer or other collaborators before studio sessions, allowing instant access to the audio file, lyric sheet, and recording ideas.

Tully has designed Tully Platform to scale with the feature, workflow and storage needs of professional users – from DIY recording artists looking for an end-to-end solution for organizing the business around creative assets, to artist managers overseeing multiple clients’ careers. These include: l Tully Pro – A premium tier for individual members offering 500 GB of storage, enhanced security and file sharing, advanced project collaboration features and discounts on premium beats available for $9.95 per month. l Tully Team – An expanded tier for use by up to three plan members offering 1 TB of storage, 10 guest accounts, full access to Tully’s web and mobile platforms, tools and templates

PRNewsfoto/Tully

for creating contracts, and the ability to organize recordings into albums and EPs, available for $29 per month. l Tully AMP – An artist management tier for up to five plan members offering 2 TB of storage, 20 guest accounts and the ability to manage multiple portfolios of up to 3 artist catalogs, available for $59 per month.

Tully also offers a range of enterprise level solutions for larger management and label teams to use the platform.

“As an artist, I want my independence, I want ownership, and I want transparency from my team.

We built Tully Platform to give me all of that in one simple, easy-to-use app. Tully Platform is an end-to-end solution for a digital music industry.

Whether you’re on your own, or have a management team or label supporting you, Tully Platform empowers artists to take control of their careers,” said Joyner Lucas, “You can make great music, but you need more than that to make a great career. We built Tully Platform so that every artist can have the tools to compete for success in the industry. It takes the guesswork out of being independent and in control of your work and lets you focus on what matters, being creative,” added Dhruv Joshi.

“Joyner Lucas and Dhruv Joshi are at the forefront of driving new technology solutions that enhance and support the music development process. We continue to be impressed by their creative-first approach to Tully’s product evolution. As

BUILDING ON TULLY’S ENTRY LEVEL SERVICE OF ALLOWING RECORDING ARTISTS AND SONGWRITERS TO PLAY, WRITE, RECORD SONG IDEAS, SAVE BEATS, FIND RHYMES AND STORE ORIGINAL RECORDINGS ALL WITHIN ONE SECURE CLOUDBASED APPLICATION, TULLY PLATFORM NOW PROVIDES USERS AT ANY LEVEL OF THEIR CAREER JOURNEY LEVELS OF ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OVER THE ENTIRE WORKFLOW OF DEVELOPING NEW CONTENT. accomplished music creators and entrepreneurs, they have built Tully Platform with a firsthand understanding of the tools artists need to focus on their creative output,” said Dennis Kooker, president, global digital business and U.S. sales, Sony Music Entertainment.

The introduction of Tully’s new premium Platform service tiers follows an announcement in April that Sony Music Entertainment has taken a leading strategic investment in the company to support Tully’s ongoing work to further expand its feature offerings and grow its user base.

Tully was born out of a need Joyner and Joshi had for virtual creation and collaboration tools in Joyner’s own music making process, and Joyner used Tully in the process of developing his new album “ADHD,” and his latest EP “Evolution.” www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SINCE 1996, THE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD HAS RECOGNIZED 245 PARTNERSHIPS FROM CITIES AND TOWNS ACROSS AMERICA. THIS YEAR’S WINNERS, LIKE PAST RECIPIENTS, HAVE FOCUSED ON DELIVERING SOLUTIONS TO CRITICAL CHALLENGES FACING OUR COUNTRY TODAY.

Mutual of America Announces Five Recipients of the 2020 Community Partnership Award Mutual of America has announced the recipients of its 2020 Community Partnership Award, marking the 25th anniversary of the prestigious national competition.

This year, five nonprofit organizations were selected for their outstanding contributions to society, in partnership with public, private and other social sector organizations.

One, the 100 Scholars Robotics Alliance, received the Thomas J. Moran Award, which is given to the national award-winning program and includes $100,000 and a documentary video about the program. Four organizations were named honorable mention recipients, and each received $50,000.

About the National Award-Winning Program The 100 Scholars Robotics Alliance was created by 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc., and various partners as a way to help African-American youth in underserved school districts excel in the classroom and build life skills. This groundbreaking after-school and summer program provides students with hands-on educational opportunities to thrive in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs.

“To date, more than 10,000 students in underserved communities across the state have become part of the 100 Scholars Robotics Alliance, giving Georgia the highest participation rate in the country for minority students in youth STEM programs,” said Kevin Gooch, Chairman of 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. Celebrating the Community Partnership Award Since 1996, the Community Partnership Award has recognized 245 partnerships from cities and towns across America. This year’s winners, like past recipients, have focused on delivering solutions to critical challenges facing our country today.

“Twenty-five years ago, my predecessor at Mutual of America Financial Group, Thomas J. Moran, along with our board members and other sector leaders, envisioned the Community Partnership Award as a way to recognize the remarkable leadership of nonprofit organizations and the numerous contributions they make to improve the lives of individuals through collaborative efforts,” said John R. Greed, Mutual of America chairman, president and CEO. “Thanks to their vision and the excellent stewardship of the Mutual of America Foundation, the award has become one of the most prestigious and coveted awards in the country.”

2020 Award Recipients Thomas J. Moran Award Recipient l 100 Scholars Robotics Alliance (100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc., Atlanta, GA) Honorable Mention Award Recipients l Choose to Change (Children’s Home & Aid, Chicago, IL) l Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations (Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations, Spokane Valley, WA) l Human Services and Employment Capacity Building (Keystone Independence Management, Hermitage, PA) l The Community and Law Enforcement Collaboration Project (EMPACT-Suicide Prevention Center, Tempe, AZ) To watch videos of the national award-winning programs, visit the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award channel on YouTube.

For more information about Mutual of America, go to: mutualofamerica.com and visit them via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Dec. 9, 2020

Holiday Decorating Tips

Get crafty this year and spread a bunch of holiday cheer angle grinder, mini heat gun, rotary tool and wood and metal grinder, so the possibilities are limitless.

Be sure to test out your tools on some scraps first before diving into your perfect materials and always follow safety measures and be careful when handling tools.

Set the mood You've got everything you need so now it's time to start feeling festive. Light an apple cinnamon, vanilla cookie, fir and firewood or whatever spicedsnow-scent-tickles-your-fancy candle, turn on the cold weather carols and get your groove on.

Pour a cup of cocoa - or a glass of spiked cider for mom and dad

(BPT) - Holiday decorations bring a smile to

everyone's face, and this year, we could all use that now more than ever. Crafting seasonal dĂŠcor instead of shopping for it gives you and your family something to occupy your extra time at home and helps you avoid big crowds and shopping stress.

Perhaps you'll make wooden signs with jolly messages or metal snowflakes covered in lights? Or maybe you'll craft ornaments for the tree or engrave life-lasting messages into the menorah?

No matter the craft, a homemade holiday novelty will bring a sense of pride and happiness to all.

Ready to get crafty and holiday savvy? Here's what to do: Make a plan Visualize your project in your space and measure the location so you know how many supplies you need. Take a look around to notice what areas have the most room. Get a view from the outside to see what your neighbors will see when passing by.

Browse social media/decoration sites for inspiration. Save pictures of your favorites and then picture it fitting in your space. You could even sketch out your design on paper to get a clearer vision of what you're going to create.

Locate your sources of electricity if you want to incorporate lights, music or even snow machines (hey, we can dream!). Be sure you have extension cords if you'll need them.

Shop for your materials Shop for and select the items that are eyecatching and fun. Consider bright, festive colors and pretty patterns.

Research the items you need, and what stores near you carry them before you leave to save some time. Price check between stores to ensure you don't overspend. If possible, you can even order online supplies ahead of time to avoid the crowds.

Have the best tools in your tool belt Equip yourself with tools that are lightweight, versatile, portable, user friendly and the very best to get the job done. The new MakerX line of tools from Worx will elevate your home-crafter game, giving you a range of creative options, allowing you to create from anywhere and perfecting the small details that make all the difference.

The tool set revolves around a 20V Power Hub battery that powers five versatile tools, including an air brush,

and get to work!

Kick back and admire your work Enjoy the company of those around you as you work together to make your holiday crafts and see the beauty in creating something with your hands, regardless of the imperfections. Work any mistakes into your final design. After all, the experience is half the fun, and you're making memories that will last forever.

Proudly display your holiday decorations in and out of your home for yourself, your family and your neighbors to enjoy.

Take lots of pictures for friends and family who can't be there in person and share your work on social media. A little joy goes a long way.

End 2020 on a high note with these holiday hacks!

(BPT) - While 2020 has been a rollercoaster of emotions for all of us, this year's holiday season doesn't have to be. These hacks will help you navigate the new norm this holiday shopping season - and make sure 2020 ends on a stress-free note.

Channel your inner Clark Griswold.

Go all out with holiday decorating and make your home extra festive this year since everyone will be spending more time at home this holiday season. Missing family members who can't visit this year? Incorporate their photos into your holiday decorations to invoke family memories and to feel closer during this time when so many of us are spending the holidays apart. Cheery decor can improve your entire vibe - so whether you deck the halls with extra string lights in every room or spice up your bar cart with festive beverages, bring the holiday festivities into your own space and embrace the at-home life.

Shop smarter and protect your packages with in-garage delivery.

If you're planning to do most of your holiday shopping online this year like the majority of Americans, it's even more important than ever to be prepared with a secure and contactless delivery solution like Key by Amazon In-Garage Delivery. Amazon recently expanded the service to millions more Prime members in more than 4,000 cities across the United States. Ensure your gifts, decorations and everything else you need to have a safe and happy celebration are protected against damage, theft and weather. All you need is a myQ smart garage door opener linked to Key by Amazon app to have packages delivered directly into your garage. myQ technology can be added to all leading brands of garage door openers in minutes via a myQ

Smart Garage Hub, which practically pays for itself thanks to a special $30 Amazon credit after your first in-garage delivery with promo code KEY30 (Terms and conditions apply. Find them at amazon.com/keypromo to learn more.).

competition with a bake off over Zoom?) or maybe even try building an ice-skating rink on your lawn. 2020 has been an unforgettable year, so add some happy memories to the mix.

Start a new family tradition.

If you're entertaining and need extra space to spread out, consider your garage.

With the holidays looking a bit different this year, our annual traditions may also have a new feel. Since life is slowed down and everyone is snuggled in at home, consider making the most of the situation and putting some extra thought into starting a new family tradition. Try ordering matching holiday jammies, experimenting with new delicious family recipes (perhaps spark some friendly

Your garage is an extension of your home and can be a great place this year to remain socially distant. If you're entertaining and need extra space to spread out, why not utilize your garage? The indoor/outdoor space lets in fresh air and creates additional room for hosting loved ones over the holiday season. Add space heaters, twinkling lights, some festive music and pour the hot cocoa!

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In 2021, you can look forward to improved transit service in south Cook and north Will counties.

Got a minute? Take our survey!

Tell us how the pandemic has affected you and what ideas you have to make transit work better in south Cook and north Will counties.

NEWS

Improved service on Pace’s Halsted (352) route 50% lower Metra fares on Metra Electric and Rock Island lines Washington’s inability to reach a deal on a new round of relief prior to the November 3 election further devastated the travel industry, and travel leaders are strongly urging policymakers not to wait for the new Congress and administration to take office before advancing another package.

Eligible participants will receive a $5 gift card for coffee while supplies last.

Latest Projection: Travel Spending in U.S. to Plunge by Nearly Half This Year

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Travel spending in the U.S. is expected to finish the year 45% down from 2019 levels, and will still not have returned to its pre-pandemic strength by 2024, according to the latest figures released by the U.S. Travel Association.

The new 2020 projected travel spending figure of $617 billion is slightly worse than U.S. Travel’s previous forecast released in July ($622 billion)—and is a precipitous drop from the $1.13 trillion spent on travel in the U.S. overall in 2019.

The nosedive reflects a decline of 34% in domestic leisure travel spending—but even sharper drop-offs in the lucrative domestic business (55%) and international inbound (77%) markets.

Travel is by far the industry hardest hit by the ongoing fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, currently accounting for 33% of overall unemployment in the U.S. Nearly 40%—3.5 million—of all direct travel jobs have vanished over the past seven months, even after taking into account modest growth over the summer. Another million direct travel jobs—bringing the total to 4.5 million or 50% of pre-pandemic levels—are expected to disappear by year’s end without another round of congressional relief.

It is unknown how many of those job losses will become permanent.

Large numbers of travel businesses were unable to access early rounds of federal pandemic relief—and many businesses that did receive temporary aid have exhausted their relief funds.

Washington’s inability to reach a

deal on a new round of relief prior to the November 3 election further devastated the travel industry, and travel leaders are strongly urging policymakers not to wait for the new Congress and administration to take office before advancing another package.

“A lot of businesses that need help to retain and rehire their people won’t be there in January if we wait until the next Congress to get more aid passed,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “The pain among travel employers is extremely acute, and so is the frustration that Washington has been unable to act so far given the size and obviousness of this problem.”

U.S. Travel continues to recommend specific policy actions that should be pursued by Congress immediately to help stave off further economic damage and job loss, among them: l Enhance and extend the Paycheck Protection Program through the end of 2021, allow for a second draw on loans, and expand eligibility to include 501(c)(6) and quasi-governmental destination marketing organizations. l Enhance and extend the Coronavirus Relief Fund through at least the end of 2021. l Provide additional emergency assistance to U.S. airports.

U.S. Travel is also a founding member of the COVID RELIEF NOW Coalition, a large and diverse group of private- and public-sector interests that continues to issue urgent calls for legislative action.

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Dec. 9, 2020

COMMUNITY ENERGY CENTER

WELCOME

TO OUR NEW SITE CommunityEnergyCenter.org will Educate the Public about Energy Empowerment among Diverse Communities Diverse communities not only will be shaped by an evolving energy sector, they will shape it. Our new website – CommunityEnergyCenter.org – welcomes perspectives from commentators and journalists from publications in diverse communities to promote a deeper understanding of how energy and economic matters play a role in daily life. This new content hub will educate diverse communities to explore job opportunities and participate in the energy sector’s growth and vitality.

Visit www.communityenergycenter.org to learn more.

The Community Energy Center, a cooperative with the National Newspaper Publishers Association and National Association of Hispanic Publications Media, will provide information and perspectives on the integral role of the energy sector in daily life for American families in a wide range of communities.

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FASHION

The P&G brands partner with CVS and UNCF to award $200,000 in scholarships to Black women pursuing degrees in STEM subjects Black women have historically been underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce. P&G brands Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders and Gold Series from Pantene are determined to help change that by supporting the growth and development of future Black female STEM-focused innovators through a new initiative.

Together with CVS this fall, P&G will award $200,000 in scholarships to Black women pursuing a degree in STEM subjects at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and UNCF member schools, facilitated through long-time higher education partner UNCF (United Negro College Fund).

The Rooted in Science scholarships will be administered by UNCF, an organization dedicated to helping as many talented, deserving Black men and women as possible get to and through college successfully. To apply for a scholarship, please visit https://uncf.org/scholarships Applications will be open now through January 4, 2021, and recipients will be announced on January 28, 2021. There will be 16 scholarship recipients who will be awarded $5,000 a year for up to two years.

Scholarship funds are intended to help college juniors and seniors with expenses associated with the pursuit of their degrees as 45.9% of Black students enrolled in four-year public institutions complete their degrees in six years.

This is partially because 65% of Black college students are independent, which means they must balance obtaining a degree with full-time work, family responsibilities and more.

“Providing these resources to young, Black women studying STEM is deeply important to P&G as we hope to help further

The P&G brands are partnering with CVS and UNCF to award $200,000 in scholarships to Black women pursuing degrees in STEM subjects.

diversify the field and pave the way for future generations,” said Lela Coffey, vice president P&G multicultural hair care.

“STEM and diversity are at the core of our brands and ensuring representation of Black women in these roles is essential for

3 Ways to Treat Yourself With Self-Care This Holiday Season StatePoint - 2020 has thrown us all a lot of curveballs, so it’s no surprise that the concept of self-care is getting a lot of traction in many health and wellness circles. Treating yourself with healthy activities can improve your mental and physical state and help you be more present with friends and family this holiday season.

Here are three ways to treat yourself and indulge in a little TLC, for everyone’s benefit, during the holidays.

1. Makeover your morning: Rise an hour before everyone else in your household to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Use the time to meditate, stretch, write in a gratitude journal or visualize a successful day ahead.

2. Make a list of your favorite things: Write down ideas that genuinely bring you joy and fill you with a sense of purpose. To ensure you’re finding time to do them, schedule them in your calendar.

Activities could be anything from going for a run to buying fresh flowers or tackling an arts and crafts project.

3. Invest in new gear: Sometimes, the best motivator for getting active is a new piece of clothing or accessory you feel confident wearing.

“Whether updating accessories to

Three ways to treat yourself and indulge in a little TLC, for everyone’s benefit, during the holidays.

reflect the latest trends or choosing something to support daily step goals, new footwear is a great way to treat yourself,” says Alyson Stanley, buyer for national retailer Rack Room Shoes.

For those on-the-go, athletic styles such as Nike Air Max Excee and Brooks Ghost 12 running sneakers offer support to help reach health and wellness initiatives. To enjoy something ultra-comfortable that allows you to transition between activities easily or to wear when you

are lounging at home, try a classic Crocs with fun update – a fuzzy inner liner. And, to accessorize a stylish outfit, try a Dr. Martens Zavala combat boot available in various holidayinspired colors. For all your family’s footwear needs, visit rackroomshoes. com for online shopping or curbside pickup options.

Once you have the plan in place, get into a self-care routine that works for you. Doing so can help you enjoy the holidays while breathing a little easier.

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developing future innovations in beauty and personal care products that continue to support and reflect the needs of modern Black women.”

Both P&G brands are #RootedinScience. Gold Series from Pantene was formulated by Black scientists, Ph.D.s, dermatologists and stylists, and provides superior moisture benefits, according to a press release.

Through decades of cutting-edge innovation and technology, plus on-going research of textured hair, Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders was tested on African-ancestry hair for scalp and hair health.

Black men and women make up 11% of the U.S. workforce, but only hold 9% of the jobs in STEM. Even though our nation’s 100-plus HBCUs make up just 3% of colleges and universities, they produce 27% of Black students with bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields.

“During our 75 years of working together, P&G has been a very reliable partner for UNCF,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF. “With the COVID-19 pandemic raging across the United States and hitting communities of color particularly hard, we need as many students studying STEM fields as possible, as those careers are likely to be the bulk of our future pandemic frontliners—our future doctors, nurses, teachers and technologists. This new scholarship program helps fill a growing gap that HBCU students and other Black students have often fallen behind in due to a lack of funds. Thank you, P&G, for helping to open more doors to better futures for us all.”

You can stop by your local CVS to learn more about the scholarships and Royal Oils and Gold Series products.

Black-owned company builds a flourishing luxury brand Gregory Sylvia, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is a luxury brand featuring handbags and accessories. The company was founded in 2010 by husband and wife team Gregory and Terri “Sylvia” Pope.

Building their start-up brand from nothing to being considered by many to be a company to watch, the company is growing in recognition and the founders have no plans of slowing down.

In addition to its handbag line, the brand’s reach has expanded into other markets, including jewelry, watches, and cosmetics.

Terri “Sylvia” Pope states, “Leather goods have always been our niche, but we always knew Gregory Sylvia would sell more than leather goods.

We’re excited to be able to offer our customers more quality products in other categories.”

Gregory Sylvia has seen its share of success; generating a name for itself in the leather goods market, receiving the honor of designing bags for national organizations,

being featured in numerous publications as a top blackowned handbag brand, etc.

Growing on that success, the next natural move was to offer additional accessories.

Gregory Sylvia launched its collection of watches and fine jewelry accentuate, the total luxury look of its consumer base. Within the jewelry collection, the GS Diamond Collection features high-end diamond rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.

Along with the new accessories, Gregory Sylvia introduced its own beauty line in early fall of 2020. GS Beauty features custom-formulated lipstick, lip gloss, makeup, and skin care products. The couple is currently designing new handbag styles and finalizing new partnerships for the upcoming year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Gregory Sylvia please visit http://gregorysylvia.com

CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Dec. 9, 2020

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NEWS

Museum’s 78th Annual Christmas Around The World And Holidays of Light Exhibits Highlight More Than 40 Countries And Cultures The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago’s (MSI) Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibits has returned, highlighting the rich customs of more than 40 countries and cultures.

Explore trees and displays decorated by volunteers from Chicago’s diverse communities and learn about holidays from across the globe. Daily capacity is limited, and timed-entry tickets are required for this 78th annual tradition.

Trees and displays are more spread out than ever before inside the museum to ensure physically distancing. Guests can enjoy the comfort and space MSI has to offer through its nearly half million square feet all while learning about the traditional holiday celebrations from around the world, and new offerings including: • Traditional Outfits: New displays feature six traditional outfits shared with MSI by volunteer groups representing Kenya, Norway, Scotland, Hungary, Japan and Ecuador.

• Member Holiday Mornings: Every Saturday now through January 2, 2021, MSI Members can explore Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light before the museum opens to the public.

• Tree-topper Stars: Star sculptures stand at the base of MSI’s Grand Tree honoring the volunteers that were not able to participate in this year’s exhibits due to the ongoing

pandemic.

• Holiday Store: Full of gifts and festive trinkets for family and friends, including unique ornaments representing cultures from around the world. Some items also available for purchase online.

Holidays of Light also offers rich histories of celebrations honoring light and enlightenment, including Lunar New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, and St. Lucia Day. At the center of these exhibits stands the 45-foot-tall, floor-toceiling Grand Tree decorated with more than 30,000 lights, offering photo opportunities with loved ones.

Established in 1942, Christmas Around the World began with a single tree to show solidarity with fellow Allied nations during WWII, symbolizing that there is more that unites us than divides us. For the past 78 years, this exhibit has become a Chicago tradition, connecting guests through the spirit of the holiday season and the sharing of each other’s heritages.

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light are included in museum entry. Advance ticket reservations are required, book tickets online at msichicago. org/holidays. Face coverings are required for all staff and guests ages 2 and older. New visit procedures and safety details can be found at msichicago.org/welcome. MSI is closed on Christmas.

The 45-foot-tall Grand Tree has more than 30,000 lights. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI)

Holidays of Light contain symbolic objects that showcase celebrations honoring light and enlightenment, including Lunar New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, and St. Lucia Day. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI)

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10 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Dec. 9, 2020

18th Ward Alderman Derrick G. Curtis Spreads Holiday Cheers With Ward Christmas Parade

CITIZEN On The Move

Photos by L.M. Warbington

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Dec. 9, 2020

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

HELP WANTED

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Big "O" Movers is looking for licensed CDL Drivers with moving experience. The salary is negotiable up to $25.00 per hour.

Please contact Odis Reams, Big "O" Movers at (773)-487-9900 if interested Email: odis@bigomovers.com Fax: (773)-487-9020

LEGAL 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: Y20005225 on November 16, 2020.

Under the Assumed Business Name of STEVE VO’S BAR-B-QUE with the business located at 16526 GREENWOOD AVE., SOUTH HOLLAND, ILLINOIS 60473. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner (s) / partner (s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name STEVE C. BLUFORD, Complete Address 16526 GREENWOOD AVE., SOUTH HOLLAND, ILLINOIS 60473, USA. ______________________________________ _

Darrell Garth

President /Publisher

Janice Garth

Sales Manager General Manager

Editorial

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

Advertising

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

Classified Advertising call us at

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RENTAL Newly Decorated 4 room, 2Br apt.

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WANTED FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient.

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

Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGI), Publisher of the Chatham-Southeast, South End, Chicago Weekend, South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually).

Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send information for the calendar at least three weeks prior to the event. Send to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 783-1251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

12 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Dec. 9, 2020

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When Tuning Into Our Podcast You Can Expect To Hear News Topics Such As: Community Improvement, Entrepreneurship, Education, Politics, Or Simply The Honoring Of Our Own Community Unsung Heroes.

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