Hyde Park Citizen 12-19-2018

Citizen

FIFTH GRADER AIMS TO DONATE 1,000 BARBIE DOLLS FOR CHRISTMAS — PAGE 3 Week of Dec. 19, 2018

| Vol. 30 | No. 4 | www.thechicagocitizen.com

HYDE PARK

With increased spending comes increased financial fraud during the holiday season. Maurice Dawson (pictured), director of the Center for Cyber Security and Forensic Education at the Illinois Institute of Technology, offers a few tips on how to stay safe while shopping during the holiday season. Photo Caption: Illinois Institute of Technology

IIT PROFESSOR SHARES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Maurice Dawson is the director of the Center for Cyber Security and Forensic Education and an assistant professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). Dawson recognizes the risks that many shoppers face during the holiday season and has offered a few quick tips on how to protect your financial information. PAGE 2

BUSINESS

ENTERTAINMENT

Don’t Let Small Dollar Loans Ruin Your Holidays

Chicago Park District and Chicago Blackhawks Team Up to Offer Free Ice Hockey Clinics at Six Neighborhood Ice Rinks

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NEWS briefly EDUCATION

CITGO AWARDS 20 STUDENTS THROUGH INNOVATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM CITGO Petroleum Corporation recently presented twenty scholarships to the recipients of its inaugural CITGO Innovation Scholarship Program, an initiative within the CITGO STEM Talent Pipeline. Each student will receive a $2,000 scholarship for undergraduate study. The awards may be renewed for up to three additional years, or until undergraduate studies are completed.

Each recipient was selected on the basis of academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, an essay, unusual personal or family circumstances, and an outside appraisal. Of the 20 recipients, 16 are the first in their family to attend college.

HEALTH

CHARITABLE DONATION HELPS SUPPORT EFFORTS TO SERVE 180,000 MEALS IN 5 AMERICAN CITIES The Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation (APTQI) recently announced its support for Rise Against Hunger, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger by 2030, by donating $25,000 to help feed Americans in need. The donation will be used to support one of Rise Against Hunger’s signature Meal Packaging Events in 5 cities. “As advocates for good health and wellness, we are proud to help address hunger, an issue that impacts individuals and families across the globe,” said Nick Patel, executive director of APTQI. “The APTQI is proud to support Rise Against Hunger’s Meal Packaging Events to continue our commitment to charitable giving.”

Rise Against Hunger operates meal packaging locations in 25 cities throughout the U.S. and five international locations in South Africa, Malaysia, the Philippines, Italy and India. In the past year, more than 398,000 volunteers from corporations, churches, schools and civic organizations packaged Rise Against Hunger meals.

LAW & POLITICS

TAX REFORM LAW MAKES CHANGES TO EMPLOYEE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RULES The IRS is reminding employers that last year’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made changes to several programs that can affect an employer’s bottom line and its employees’ deductions. This includes employee achievement awards.

Under previous law, employers could deduct the cost of certain employee achievement awards. Deductible awards were excludible from employee income. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, there is now a prohibition on cash, gift cards and other non-tangible personal property as employee achievement awards. Special rules allow an employee to exclude certain achievement awards from their wages if the awards are tangible personal property. The new law clarifies that tangible personal property doesn’t include cash, cash equivalents, gift cards, gift coupons, certain gift certificates, tickets to theater or sporting events, vacations, meals, lodging, stocks, bonds, securities, and other similar items.

IIT Professor Shares How To Protect Yourself From Fraud This Holiday Season Continued from page 1

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

Maurice Dawson is the director of the Center for Cyber Security and Forensic Education and an assistant professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). Dawson recognizes the risks that many shoppers face during the holiday season and has offered a few quick tips on how to protect your financial information.

This year, the average holiday consumer will likely spend about $1,000 on purchases from gifts to food to holiday attire which is a 4.1 percent increase from last year. Across the board, it was estimated that Black Friday and Cyber Monday shoppers alone amassed over $30 billion in retail purchases, according to estimates made by the National Retail Federation.

During this time, according to Dawson, people are less diligent about checking their bank statement and as a result become more likely to fall victim to credit card fraud where they might not notice it right away.

“The biggest trend is that people are buying so many items. People go on Amazon and other places and buy tons of stuff and aren’t really noticing extra payments being made from their accounts. There is so much activity occurring in their bank account during this period that they aren’t paying attention to the fine details,” said Dawson.

Attacks against consumers spike during the busy holiday shopping season. People become more vulnerable to cyber hacks because they are sharing their sensitive financial information more than normal while trying to book holiday travel and shopping online. Using third party websites like Facebook to do holiday shopping can put consumers at an even greater risk, said Dawson.

“Individuals use their Gmail or Facebook to sign into various things online because there can be added incentives and coupons but then they forget to log out of that stuff. So now, if someone goes into your Gmail account and there are 25 applications that are approved and attached to that account the hacker now has access to all of it,” said Dawson.

He also warned against logging into personal accounts from public machines, like a photo kiosk or at an electronics store.

“People may use machines that aren’t their primary computer around this time of year.

Say you go to Walmart and log into their system to look something up real quick you should remember to use a private browser or remove all the cache and cookies from the machine when you’re finished because no one at the store is on there signing you out. Even if you log out of your e-mail or social media, the machine can still save your passwords so it’s important to clear that out,” said Dawson.

The last thing that Dawson warned about was a spike in fraudulent e-mails around this time of year.

“People will sometimes get e-mails claiming to be from UPS saying that you have a package to pick up and they really look legitimate but really it’s going to hijack your browser and your information,” said Dawson.

“People really have to stay vigilant around this time of year.”

Traveling Truth Civilization Banner Displayed In Chicago

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

A long-time Chicago activist known as EvAngel Mamadee Yhwhnewbn (Mama Dee) recently unveiled the Traveling Truth Civilization Banner in front of the DuSable Museum of African American History. The banner depicts centuries of global African history and the unveiling was hosted to commemorate the 400 year anniversary of the first group of enslaved Africans arriving in North America in 1619.

Mama Dee received the banner as a gift from Rabbi Kohain Halevi, executive director of the Panafest Foundation, when she was visiting Ghana last month.

The banner features images that represent significant moments in worldwide African history from the times of Ancient Kemet, known today as Egypt, to present day and highlights African heroes like the Great Kings and Queens of Africa to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “I was having lunch at a restaurant in Ghana and I saw this huge banner on the wall and I was so captivated by it. I had never seen anything like it in my life. When you roll it out it is longer than 6 feet and its about 5 feet tall and it starts by talking about early Africans and the evidence proving that we were the first people to walk upright and then it goes on to show all

EvAngel Mamadee Yhwhnewbn (pictured) recently unveiled the Traveling Truth Civilization Banner, that she brought back from a trip to Ghana, in front of the DuSable Museum of African American History.

Photo Caption: Provided by EvAngel Mamadee Yhwhnewbn

these great kings of Africa and Cleopatra and Haile Selassie, Marcus Garvey, Master Farid Muhammed, Dr. King, and Fannie Lou Hammer. I was just in awe, my jaw had dropped open.

The banner covers not just the 400-year slavery incident but it’s from biblical time in Kemet all the way to during and after and beyond slavery,” said Mama Dee.

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Some significant and more modern points of interest on the banner were four different covers of Ebony Magazine that each pointed to significant African Americans who were both celebrities and civil rights activists throughout their careers.

“One thing I found very interesting and very clever was that the banner shows four

front-page stories from Ebony Magazine. The front covers are Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Prince, and Aretha Franklin so they had that there and it represented all four of them who were all very significant during the American Civil Rights Renaissance during the 1960s,” said Mama Dee. The DuSable Museum of African American History was selected as the location to first unveil the Traveling Truth Civilization Banner in Chicago because Jean Baptist-Point DuSable, who the museum is named after, was a Haitian immigrant and explorer who founded the city and DuSable is part of the significant history that is on the banner, according to Mama Dee. While the banner shows a great wealth of worldwide elements of African history over many centuries, Mama Dee noticed a few people that were missing and chose to add to the display with her own banner.

“Everybody and everything is on the banner, but they did not have Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Jesse Owens, or Harold Washington on there so I had another banner that featured those trailblazers and we added that to the Traveling Truth Civilization Banner so now they are all on there and it’s complete,” said Mama Dee.

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NEWS

For Christmas In 2017, Josilyn Martin-Richardson, 11, collected 1,000 Barbie dolls at her annual Barbie Brunch and donated them to other young girls. Photo credit: Wendell Hutson

Fifth grader aims to donate 1,000 Barbie dolls for Christmas

BY WENDELL HUTSON Contributing Writer

A fifth grader whose favorite class is science, plans to give away Barbie dolls to girls living in poor neighborhoods as a way to give back to the community during Christmas.

The goal is to collect 1,000 Barbie dolls at the 4th Annual Josilyn’s Barbie Brunch, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22 at The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. Organizers said the last three brunches, which included refreshments, were held at The Velvet Lounge, 67 E. Cermak Road, but was moved this year to a bigger venue to accommodate the growing attendees.

Dolls received at the brunch will be donated to LaRabida Children’s Hospital, Chicago Housing Authority and the nonprofit Ada S. McKinley Youth Services which will distribute them to young girls living in economically challenged neighborhoods, such as Roseland, Englewood and North Lawndale. For the last

three years, organizers said 1,000 Barbie dolls were collected at the brunch.

Many girls living in impoverished neighborhoods have never had a Barbie doll before, said Josilyn Martin-Richardson, 11, who wants to become an attorney.

“I collect Barbie dolls and have a collection at home but for a lot of girls they never had a Barbie doll,” said Martin-Richardson, who shares the same last names as her grandfather and father. “I think every girl should have a Barbie doll before they grow up.”

Martin-Richardson, who lives in south suburban Richton Park, got the idea to collect and donate Barbie dolls four years ago when she met another little girl at the park who never had a Barbie doll.

“I was at the park with my grandmother playing with my Barbie dolls and I met this girl who started playing with me and my Barbie dolls,” recalled Martin-Richardson. “She told me she never had a Barbie doll so I offered to give

Every year, Josilyn Martin-Richardson, 11, goes shopping for Barbie dolls and donates them to little girls for Christmas. Photo credit: Wendell Hutson

her one of mines since I had three. That’s when I decided to collect Barbie dolls to give away.”

Giving away dolls is nothing new for Martin-Richardson, who said she does so, “because it is the right thing to do. After all, it’s Christmas time and that’s a time to bring smiles to other people.”

Among the donations received each year at the brunch are hundreds of Barbie dolls from the toy’s manufacturer Mattell, according to Kellie Martin, Josilyn’s mother.

“Anyone unable to attend the brunch but would like to make a donation instead, please do so online through PayPal and the email kelliec.martin@ gmail.com,” said Martin. And ‘Barbie Brunch’ should be written in the comment section.

And as much as Martin-Richardson loves Barbie dolls it is not what she wants for Christmas.

“I’m hoping to get a lot of color pencils for Christmas because I like to draw in coloring books,” said Martin-Richardson, whose favorite color is purple. “Besides coloring, I like to read and watch TV. My favorite TV show is the Gilmore Girls.”

At the age when most children look forward to receiving toys for Christmas Martin- Richardson said she is more excited about helping people.

“For me, Christmas is a time to give back. If you don’t get anything but $1 I feel you should be grateful because there are some kids who do not get anythings for Christmas,” she said.

“Christmas is a normal day for them.”

The Hyde Park Youth Symphony to Perform Annual Holiday Concert at Mandel Hall The Hyde Park Youth Symphony will perform in concert at Mandel Hall on the campus of the University of Chicago on Friday, December 21, 2018. The concert will begin at 7:00 pm and last for approximately one and a half hours. Mandel Hall is located on 1131 E 57th Street in Chicago.

The two junior orchestras of the Hyde Park Youth Symphony program will also participate. The concert program will include Holiday favorites, classical music standards, and selections that celebrate the season. The orchestras will

be conducted by artistic director Matthew Sheppard and associate artistic director Lindsay Wright.

In addition to musical performances by the three orchestras, there will be collaborations with the Chicago Children’s Choir and the Hyde Park School of Dance.

Both guest organizations will be featured in selections that feature the combined talents of students in all three programs.

Admission is free, but a donation of $20 per family is encouraged and appreciated. For more information on the concert, please contact the

Hyde Park Youth Symphony office at 312.525.9642 or send an email to ed@thehpys.org.

ABOUT THE HYDE PARK YOUTH SYMPHONY The mission of the Hyde Park Youth Symphony (HPYS) is to bring together diverse students from the South Side of Chicago and beyond to provide a high-quality orchestral performance experience as a training ground for the next generation of performers, educators, and advocates of music and the arts. www.thechicagocitizen.com

The program offers three different orchestras for students at varying levels of ability and experience.

Rehearsing on Thursday evenings at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts on the campus of the University of Chicago, the HPYS brings a racially and economically diverse group of young musicians together to increase their orchestral performance skills and gain a lifelong appreciation for music and each other. For more information about the Hyde Park Youth Symphony, visit www.thehpys.org or call (312) 525-9642.

The Hyde Park Youth Symphony (HPYS) was started in 1954 by Claire Oppenheim, well known Hyde Park piano teacher and sister of long-time Independent Hyde Park 5th Ward Alderman Leon Despres. What started out as a fledgling group of young musicians who were primarily string players, is now a full-blown organization with three levels of musical instruction serving children on the Southside of Chicago. Both conductors are expert music teachers and lead the practice sessions that are held after school.

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BUSINESS

Don’t Let Small Dollar Loans Ruin Your Holidays MONEY MATTERS

BY CHARLENE CROWELL

In this wonderful time of the year when family and friends gather in good cheer to celebrate the holidays, nearly everyone has a number of lists. From greeting cards to shopping for gifts, decorations and more, lists are made and reviewed to keep pace with the barrage of seasonal activities.

But if holiday lists seem bigger than budgets, turning to a highinterest, “small dollar” loan can turn joy and merriment into a financial quagmire. The good news is that holiday financial hangovers that predatory lenders give, do not need to be a part of your celebrations.

Just keep walking or drive past the brightly-colored signs advertising high-interest, small dollar loans. Both payday and car title loans can provide quick cash; but the harms these loans create will likely linger well past the winter’s cold. In truth, these predatory loans often lead to consumers paying more in interest and fees than for they money borrowed.

Research by the Center for

High-interest, “small dollar” loans can turn holiday joy and merriment into a financial quagmire.

Responsible Lending (CRL) has found that predatory payday loans drain $4.1 billion in fees from consumers annually -- borrowers who typically are unable to fully repay the original loan, usually in two weeks’ time. With average annual interest rates averaging 391 percent, 75 percent of all payday loans go to borrowers with more

than 10 loans a year.

Like payday loans, car title loans are often marketed as an easy way to get cash without a credit check – but with interest rates that tend to be 20-30 times higher than that of credit cards. The average car title loan of about $1,000 can only be secured by signing a personally-owned car as collateral. Further, the loan may only

PAYING PR AGENTS TOO MUCH FOR PUBLICITY?

Charlene Crowell is the Communications Deputy Director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at: Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.

REAL ESTATE

Fannie Mae Offers Certainty To Lenders That Use LoanBeam Technology

Instead use LG Consulting’s “pay as you go” press release service. Reach over 400,000 consumers with your message.

Visit lgpr.biz Click on press releases Make an appointment And start sharing your story today!

be a fraction of the marketable value of the vehicle. While the lender holds on to a car title, the borrower is faced with triple-digit interest and, in one of five cases, a whopping 20 percent, the loss of personal transportation.

As harmful as payday and car title loans are, other seemingly harmful small dollar transactions can also cause financial havoc.

If you believe pre-paid cards will always avoid financial rip-offs, think again.

Before paying cash for this convenient form of plastic, read all of the fine print that explains the terms and fees that come with its usage. Terms and options can and do vary significantly. Many include

a range of fees from activation, to learning your current balances, reloading monies and in some cases fees for inactivity. By the time all applicable fees are assessed, the amount of money actually available on that prepaid card can shrink and shortchange how far it can help on purchases.

Similarly, the convenience of debit cards can easily trigger overdraft charges for consumers with slim or no checking account cushions. CRL research has shown that although overdraft fees vary by institution, the average $35 overdraft fee on a debit card is double the amount of the overdraft itself. Banks engage in a range of unfair and deceptive tactics to maximize these fees, which can amount to hundreds of dollars over the course of just a day or two--talk about a holiday damper. Too many overdrafts can lead to involuntary account closures.

This holiday season try adding a full measure of practical sense to help your dollars preserve the spirit and joy of the season – it only comes once a year!

LISETTE GUSHINIERE Owner, LG Consulting

Fannie Mae and LoanBeam recently announced an innovative enhancement allowing mortgage lenders to enjoy a consistent and reliable process for calculating income for self-employed borrowers.

By year-end, LoanBeam customers will be able to use LoanBeam's FNMA SEI 1084 workbook to simplify the self-employment income calculation process and enjoy enhanced certainty knowing the calculation aligns with the Fannie Mae Selling Guide.

"LoanBeam is excited to work with Fannie Mae on this solution," said Kirk Donaldson, LoanBeam's chief executive officer. "We are proud that Fannie Mae committed to aligning the FNMA SEI 1084 workbook to the Selling Guide. It is a great win for our customers," he continued.

"We always put our customers at the center of what we do. Our customers asked us to innovate around self-employed income and we listened," said Henry Cason, Fannie Mae's Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Products. "We are excited to deliver this solution to the market so quickly."

Lenders who want to learn more about using LoanBeam's FNMA SEI 1084 workbook can contact their Fannie Mae Relationship Manager or support@ loanbeam.com (current LoanBeam customers) or sales@loanbeam.com (lenders new to LoanBeam). www.thechicagocitizen.com

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

*To be eligible for the down payment assistance of 3% of the home’s purchase price, up to $3,600, the property must be in one of the following eligible states: MI, IN, IL, KY, TN, OH, WV, NC, GA, FL and either located in a low Income Census Tract or borrower must meet the low income limit threshold based on the qualifying income per FFIEC website. Down payment assistance may be taxable as income and reported to the IRS. Consult your tax advisor. Not available with all loan products.

Loans subject to credit review and approval. Prices and programs subject to change without notice. Fifth Third Mortgage Company, 5001 Kingsley Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45227, 1-877-841-7511, an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act and by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurances. Fifth Third Mortgage Company d/b/a Fifth Third Mortgage Company Incorporated and licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department. Fifth Third Mortgage is the trade name used by Fifth Third Mortgage Company (NMLS #134100) and Fifth Third Mortgage-MI, LLC (NMLS #447141). Fifth Third Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

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CITIZEN ON THE GO! Farewell To The Queen of Jazz Nancy Wilson JEROME PHOTO MRMAGRIOT@AOL.COM

Nancy Wilson died this week after a lengthy illness in her home in California at the age of 81.

Wilson had a long relationship with appearing at the Crown Propeller Lounge 866 E 63rd St. There she met Ramsey Lewis, and most likely Sid McCoy a prominent Jazz DJ who named her “the baby” for his audience. In my opinion her landmark album was with Cannonballl Adderly.

Wilson’s’ landmark hit “Guess Who I Saw Today” is still a jazz icon, Wilson was the recipient of 3 Grammy Awards. Wilson was married twice and had 3 childrens.

Wilson became the host of National Public Radio’s “Jazz Profiles,” a documentary series featuring jazz legends and comJerome Simmons Citizen’s Photographer L-R TV Personaility Merri Dee, Ramsey Lewis, Nancy Wilson and the and Nancy Wilson Ramsey Lewis during mentary. late radio personalty Yvonne Daniels recording of their National Public Radio Show. .

SUPREME COURT JUSTICE P. SCOTT NEVILL SWEARS IN NEW LAWYERS

Supreme Court Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr., will preside over the afternoon ceremony. .Guests of the second First District ceremony will include Illinois State Bar Association Second Vice President Dennis Orsey, Urie Clark, president of the Cook County Bar Association; Radhika Lohia, president of the Asian American Bar Association; and Thomas Clancy of the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar. Stephen D. Phillips will move for admission of the class. John S. Mrowiec will second the motion.

Supreme Court Justice P.Scott Neville presided over 1 of 5 swearing in ceremonies at which 1,200 new lawyers became members of the Illinois Bar Association There were two sessions held at McCormick Place recently. There are 96,000 lawyers in Illinois.

Supreme Court Justice P..Scott Neville.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

L R Melanie Anewishki CEO Keith Stanley O’Connor, Andrea Middleton, Samuell Miller Jr. Heidi Jones and Stacey Anewishki COO The four in the middle retiired after20 years at Featherfist a social service organization..

Rev Joseph Gordon Pastor of Carter Temple C.M.E. is joined by breezy Clause and Dianna Doss.

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IT’S NOT THE

THE LEADING LADY GETS HER CLOSEUP.

Call 1-800-xfinity, visit an Xfinity Store or go to xfinity.com

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Xfinity On Demand requires Xfinity TV service. ©2018 Comcast. All rights reserved.

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The best connections have always been wireless, and you can stay connected this season with Xfinity. Watch Netflix and YouTube right on your TV. Even stream your holiday favorites on any device with the Xfinity Stream app, powered by the best WiFi experience. Plus, save money when you switch to Xfinity Mobile. That’s how Xfinity makes the holidays simple, easy, awesome.

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ENTERTAINMENT

RCA Inspiration Celebrates Two 2019 Grammy Award Nominations for Koryn Hawthorne and the Walls Group RCA Inspiration celebrates two GRAMMY® Award nominations in the categories of Best Gospel Performance/Song and Best Gospel Album for the 61st GRAMMY® Awards, with nods for their chart-topping releases from Koryn Hawthorne and The Walls Group. Koryn Hawthorne garners her first-ever GRAMMY® Award nomination, with her recordbreaking #1 smash “Won’t He Do It” nominated for Best Gospel Performance/Song. The Walls Group are nominated for Best Gospel Album for their #1 hit album The Other Side (Fo Yo Soul/RCA Inspiration), marking their third career GRAMMY® nomination. Additionally, multiple GRAMMY® winning Fo Yo Soul/RCAI artist Kirk Franklin receives his 23rd career GRAMMY® nomination as an artist and songwriter, for his featured performance with Tori Kelly on her song “Never Alone,” which is nominated for Best Gospel Performance/Song, Phil Thornton, RCA Inspiration SVP and General Manager says, “Congratulations to Koryn, The Walls Group, and Kirk on their GRAMMY® nominations! We appreciate the recognition from The Recording Academy honoring their impact on Gospel over this past year with these nominations.”

The 61st Annual GRAMMY® Awards will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, February 10th, 2019 on CBS.

The Walls Group

Kirk Franklin

Koryn Hawthorne

Chicago Park District and Chicago Blackhawks Team Up to Offer Free Ice Hockey Clinics at Six Neighborhood Ice Rinks

The Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Park District are partnering again this winter to offer free hockey clinics at six neighborhood ice rinks across the city.

The Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Park District are partnering again this winter to offer free hockey clinics at six neighborhood ice rinks across the city.

Parents of children, ages 5 to 12 years old, are encouraged to enroll their young ones in this year’s clinics.

The free Blackhawks clinics will take place Wednesdays and Saturdays and are going on now through Feb. 6, 2019.

Skates and equipment will be made available to participants for free. Upon arriving at the rinks for their scheduled clinics, participating kids will also receive a keepsake Chicago Blackhawks jersey.

“The Chicago Park District is excited to team up with the Chicago Blackhawks for yet another year of offering our children access to instructors, equipment and facilities with the goal of teaching them how to play the sport with pride,” said Chicago Park District Superintendent & CEO Michael P. Kelly. “This longstanding partnership has allowed us to continue to grow www.thechicagocitizen.com

the presence of the sport in neighborhoods citywide.”

Online registration is required before attending one of the clinics. Parents are also encouraged to arrive 2030 minutes before the clinic begins to better facilitate the distribution of equipment and jerseys. For more information and to register, parents should visit www. chicagoblackhawks.com/cpdclinics.

Earlier this year, the Chicago Park District, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Blackhawks opened a Hockey Rink at Norwood Park in Chicago’s 41st Ward.

The new 75’ x 160’ rink features a SportCourt surface for both street and roller hockey use, creating accessibility across multiple seasons. The rink, located at 5801 N. Natoma Avenue, will serve as a public park amenity and will be programmed by the Chicago Park District. While the Chicago Blackhawks may hold occasional clinics and camps at the rink, its primary purpose is for residents to use at their own discretion.

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Holiday Season News

Great Holiday Gift Ideas for Music Lovers (StatePoint) Shopping for some music lovers this holiday season? Here are some great gift ideas to help your favorite musicians play and compose music.

Music Composition Tools Assist both aspiring and accomplished songwriters in their efforts with music composition tools. You can choose to go analog or digital, depending on the style of your gift recipient. For traditionalists, consider a beautiful leather-bound music composition book. For a modern music maker, consider composition software that assists in the creation and sharing of music notation.

Instruments For both beginner or seasoned musicians, consider the gift of a portable keyboard to help hone their skills at home or on-the-go. Wherever your gift recipients are on their musical journey, and no mat-

ter what budget you have to work with, you shouldn’t have to compromise on sound quality. For instance, for a modest sum, you can gift the CT-X700 from Casio, which features the AiX Sound Source, 600

life-like instrument tones, hundreds of built-in rhythms and effects for a full band sound, and a lesson system that displays proper fingering and notation. A six-track recorder allows musicians to capture their inspiration, a great feature for songwriters.

Rehearsal Time Know someone in a band? A soundproofed rehearsal space can be a dream come true for musicians (and their neighbors). Gift your recipient a rehearsal space rental. Whether you pay for one session or several months’ worth of rehearsal time, this is a thoughtful way to support a musician’s efforts.

By gifting the instruments, tools and space needed to learn, write and practice music, you can show a musician you care this holiday season.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Pixelot / stock.Adobe.com

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

(StatePoint) We’ve all been there before. Procrastinated or overscheduled our holiday season to the point where we leave ourselves little to no time to shop for loved ones. But great gifts don’t necessarily need to be planned months in advance.

These last-minute ideas will bring cheer to the season for gift-givers and recipients alike.

• A Gift Basket: A gift basket is easy to prepare and, if created by you, won’t feel last-minute at all. With a few customizations for an individual’s preferences, this is an extremely thoughtful gift. Shopping for a person with a sweet tooth? Hit up the candy aisle and get most of your items from there. (StatePoint) ‘Tis the season of friends, family Shopping and entertaining! If you’re planning on hosting for a food- guests -- whether for an entire week of family ie? Prepare a basket of interesting herbs and spices from around fun or a one-night celebration -- now’s the time to get your home in the holiday spirit. the world. The possibilities are endless. After you’ve arranged “Preparing a home for the holidays doesn’t the items nicely, spiff it up with a few bows and flourishes in your have to require adding extensive decorations gift recipient’s favorite colors. or undergoing a total remodel to update • A Timepiece: If you’re stumped for a gift for that pragmatic, favorite spaces,” says Jennifer Kis, director of stylish someone that will be appreciated for both its beauty and marketing communications for Progress its functionality, consider a great timepiece in a classic design Lighting. “Small changes through lighting can create a festive and comfortable environment that will complement a variety of styles, such as those from with minimal effort and investment.”

Casio’s Vintage Timepiece Collection. Featuring stainless steel Here are three easy tips to try: bands in such different metallic color combinations as gold and Update Entryways and Foyers. Your entryblack, and rose gold and silver, they are equipped with an LED- way is your opportunity to make an exceptionlit display face, a countdown timer, a 1/100th second stopwatch, al first impression and set the tone for the rest offer functional features during the holidays as well as a daily alarm, hourly time signal and auto-calendar. of the interior. Add drama to your foyer with a and beyond. Added illumination will improve grouping of striking, oversized pendant lights This throwback accessory is both useful and fashionable, adding safety and enhance security, while bringing a in lieu of a traditional chandelier. new bold look to the front of your home. To a bold, retro-inspired look to any outfit.

Pay Attention to Shared Spaces. Popular create instant curb appeal, hang a large • Movie Night: Everyone loves a trip to the movies, and these spaces where friends and family are likely to lantern on either side of your front door, or days, it’s easier than ever to send a loved one to the theater gather most during the holidays include great install a post lantern at the front of your walkagain and again. With a MoviePass membership of just $9.95 a rooms, living rooms and dining areas. A large way. month, you can give the gift of unlimited theater-going to your statement chandelier in a common living For more design inspiration and to view space creates a focal point and also ensures favorite cinephile. on-trend lighting collections, visit proThis holiday season, don’t show up empty-handed or re-gift there is enough illumination for card games, gresslighting.com. movies and coffee and cocoa by the fireside. something generic lying around the house. There are plenty of In a few easy steps, you can light up your Illuminate Walkways to Enhance Curb home for a warm and welcoming holiday seathoughtful gifts that can be prepared at the last minute and your Appeal. Simple outdoor lighting techniques son. recipient will be none the wiser. can improve a home’s appearance and also PHOTO SOURCE: (c) evgeniykleymenov / stock.Adobe.com

3 Easy Ways to Illuminate Your Home for the Holidays

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

© 2018 The Coca-Cola Company. All Rights Reserved.

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

Coke Holiday - 10x13 - Joy Chicago Citizen_Watts Times

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11

JOY

Job 401213097_04a Client Name: Coca-Cola Description: HOLIDAY

Bleed: Trim: 10" x 13" Live:

Line Screen: 85 Scale: 1" = 1" Max Density: 240

12 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

NEWS

Think

INSIDE THE BOX

Thornton Township Christmas Toy Giveaway A Success, Hundreds Attend South Holland, IL. - Thornton Township President Frank M. Zuccarelli and its Board of Trustees made hundreds of families happy with a huge toy giveaway on Saturday, December 15, 2018. Trustee Joyce M. Washington, Chairman of the Thornton Township Human Relations Commission and Santa’s helper said, “There were so many children attending the event. Lines of parents and children began to form early Saturday morning, they were so excited. We were wishing them all Merry Christmas. The event was well attended.”

Several township trustees, township officials, and others volunteered. Food and snacks were provided.

Alexandra Muse, Thornton Township Special Projects, headed up the Christmas Care Program. Children were entertained with a special visit from Santa.

for unused drugs!

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O’Brien WRP 3500 Howard St., Skokie (847) 568-8223 7 days/week 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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6001 W. Pershing Rd., Cicero (708) 588-3000 7 days/week 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Visit mwrd.org and click the Unwanted Medicine banner for a listing of other medication disposal locations throughout Cook County.

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Santa’s helpers. Photo credit: Ernst Lamothe, Thornton Township Public and Community Relations Manager

THE AFRIKAN CONNECTION PRESENTS

A Tribute To

The Unforgettable Sam Cooke FREE EVENT

Performed by Black Elegance Saturday, January 26

Blackstone Library 4904 S. Lake Park Avenue 1-4 p.m.

R.S.V.P. to Sembene Nathanyahu

773.783.7961 after 6 p.m.

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

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13

NEWS

ESSENCE® Beauty Carnival Hits the Road in 2019 World’s Largest Beauty Experience for Black Women Reimagined as Multi-City Tour Tickets On-Sale Now for Kick-Off in New York City April 27-28, 2019 NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2018 / PRNewswire/ - The ESSENCE®

Beauty Carnival ™, recognized as the world’s largest beauty experience for Black women, is hitting the road in 2019—newly reimagined as an expanded, multi-city tour. Tickets are on-sale now for this epic celebration of Black beauty—convening a community of enthusiasts, experts and influencers at New York City’s Pier 36 on April 27-28, 2019.

“As the leading global destination for Black women, ESSENCE® celebrates diverse beauty and inspires inclusivity in a way that only we can,” said ESSENCE Fashion and Beauty Director Julee Wilson. “With the expansion of our Beauty Carnival, we are embracing our unique journey and curating our programming to share a very special experience with beauty aficionados from city to city.”

Inspired by the brand’s original Beauty Carnival which takes place during the annual ESSENCE Festival and attracts more than 10,000 fans per day from around the world, the tour will return to New Orleans this summer, making the 25th anniversary ESSENCE Festival its second stop. The Beauty Carnival’s final destination will be in Texas October 2019. Details to be announced at a later date.

The ESSENCE Beauty Carnival tour will deliver a globally inclusive and immersive experience featuring up-close access to exciting moments, such as expert tutorials, engaging conversations, exclusive interviews with today’s beauty icons, live podcasts and special guest performances. Highlights include: l ESSENCE’s new museum of Black beauty, documenting key historical and cultural moments, classic products and archived video to bring to life ESSENCE storytelling around Black beauty l Curated “Shop ESSENCE” beauty marketplace

“AS THE LEADING GLOBAL DESTINATION FOR BLACK WOMEN, ESSENCE® CELEBRATES DIVERSE BEAUTY AND INSPIRES INCLUSIVITY IN A WAY THAT ONLY WE CAN.” JULEE WILSON ESSENCE Fashion and Beauty Director l Extensive product sampling and special brand activations l Premier pampering services, gift bag, light bites and sips, and celebrity/influencer meet and greets for VIP level ticket-holders in our Beauty Bungalow For more on the ESSENCE Beauty Carnival tour and to purchase tickets, visit Essence. com/BeautyCarnival. Share your experience on your social platforms using the official hashtag #EssenceCarnival.

ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS INC. Essence Communications is the number one media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 17 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival. Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures, an independent Black-owned, technology-driven company focused on merging content, community and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color.

SOURCE Essence Communications Inc.

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14 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

CALENDAR

The Rainbow PUSH Coalition celebrates its founding Cold Chicago winters hold a warm place in Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.’s heart.

On December 25, 1971, in a frigid and faded old South Side movie palace, packed with thousands of supporters, Rev. Jackson founded Operation PUSH, now known as the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, one of the country’s preeminent civil rights and human rights organizations.

The Rainbow PUSH Coalition will celebrate its founding with a month-long series of guest speakers, musical performances and purposedriven events.

The Founders Month celebration kicked off on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 9:30 AM and was broadcasts live around the world during the regular weekly community forum at Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s national headquarters located on 930 E. 50th Street, Chicago.

Throughout December, there will be Christmas food basket giveaways, gospel choirs, a millennial and young people’s summit and Rev. Jackson’s annual Christmas Day visit with inmates and staff at Cook County Jail.

Rev. Jackson was a 25-year-old graduate student at CTS when Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., appointed him in the winter of 1966 to lead Operation Breadbasket, the economic development arm of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Under Rev. Jackson’s leadership, Operation Breadbasket was so successful in bringing jobs and tens of millions of dollars in salaries, benefits and contacts to Chicago’s African American community and other locked out African American communities across the country that Ebony magazine christened the young Baptist minister, the “Apostle of Economics.”

Fifty-two winters later, Rev. Jackson continues to crisscross the country, fighting for equity and fairness in corporate America from Wall Street to the automotive industry to and Hollywood to Silicon Valley.

Eradicating poverty and expanding educational opportunities for students in underserved communities are at the core of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s mission.

While pushing for an education against the odds, one can recall Rev. Jackson being arrested for the first

Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Photo Credit: AFGE

time in 1960. He and seven high school classmates were taken to jail for trying to use a public library in his hometown of Greenville, S.C. Events during the month of celebration will include: l Saturday, Dec. 22 will be Founders Day, featuring one of America’s most influential religious leaders and sought-after public speakers, theologian, author, activist, giant of the Civil Rights Movement, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., a staff member of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and a founding board member of Operation PUSH. l Saturday, Dec. 26 there will be a millennial and college student summit, focusing on such issues as voting, unemployment, student loan debt, housing, healthcare, finance and education.

On Dec. 22 – Rainbow PUSH will give away Christmas food baskets to veterans, homeless and families.

Registration is required.

Rev. Jackson and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition will also visit the inmates and staff at Cook County Jail on Christmas Day, a more than 40-year holiday tradition, which includes messages of hope, musical entertainment, and a voter registration drive.

“We have never stopped doing Dr. King’s work,” Rev. Jackson said.

“That work, and Dr. King’s spirit and his example of nonviolent direct action are vitally important in these perilous times for our country and our world. We have never lost a battle we fought, and we have never won a battle unless we fought. So, we keep fighting.”

Socks of Love Campaign Donates 10,000 Pairs of Socks to Homeless Shelters In Time for the Holidays

F

ootprints to Recovery is launching the firstever national Socks of Love campaign and aims to donate 10,000 pairs of socks. This goal involves extensive outreach in local communities, plus social media and email awareness campaigns using the #SocksOfLove hashtag.

Socks are the least commonly donated items and therefore one of the most needed items at shelters.

Those who donate include not only community members but also Footprints to Recovery staff, clients, clients' families, alumni and business partners. Some individuals order/donate socks online and ship them directly to one of the five treatment centers (addresses listed below), while others prefer to purchase socks then drop them off in person at one of the locations.

Footprints to Recovery clients and alumni process incoming donations and coordinate their delivery.

Each treatment facility will provide socks to local homeless shelters.

In addition, the treatment facilities located in major metropolitan areas will assist clients in delivering some of the socks to public spaces that serve as shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness.

ABOUT FOOTPRINTS TO RECOVERY: Footprints to Recovery is a collection of regional drug and alcohol treatment centers with headquarters in Chicago and facilities in Arizona, Illinois, Colorado, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Each treatment center has a modern, contemporary style and include amenities that help young people in particular feel comfortable. The company also operates a 24/7 call center to answer questions and support individuals in crisis.

Because Footprints to Recovery believes each individual’s needs are unique, their facilities provide a number of different resources. These treatment centers provide comprehensive services that include customized treatment planning, individual and group therapy and co-occurring and dual diagnosis care. Supplementary and alternative services include: acupuncture, chiropractic work, massage therapy,

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meditation practices, pet and equine therapy, spirituality groups, 12-step programming, writing workshops and yoga.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Footprints to Recovery has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®​​for Behavioral Health Care Accreditation by showing continuous compliance with its nationally recognized performance standards.

PROGRAMS: l Addiction Treatment l Drug and Alcohol Medical Detox l Partial Hospitalization Treatment (PHP) l Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) l Outpatient Treatment (OP) l Alumni Community CLINICIANS: All clinicians at Footprints to Recovery facilities are licensed and credentialed. All clinicians specialize in addiction treatment, and many clinicians have additional specialties, such as: trauma, co-occurring disorders, dual diagnosis, EMDR certified, art therapy, experiential therapy, LGBTQ+ and family therapy.

LOCATIONS: Arizona: Medical Detox Inpatient Facility 1132 S Oakland, Mesa, AZ 85206 Colorado: Alcohol & Drug Outpatient Treatment Facility (PHP, IOP, OP), 6505 S Paris St, Centennial, CO 80111 Illinois: Alcohol & Drug Outpatient Treatment Facility (PHP, IOP, OP), 3265 N Arlington Heights Rd, Suite 303, Arlington Heights, IL 60004 New Jersey: Alcohol & Drug Outpatient Treatment Facility (PHP, IOP, OP), 3535 Quakerbridge Rd, Suite 300, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619 Pennsylvania: Alcohol & Drug Outpatient Treatment Facility (PHP, IOP, OP), 992 Old Eagle School Rd, Suite 904, Wayne, PA 19087

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

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

grow. Filled with fascinating stories of how plant roots and leaves communicate with their neighbors and how flowers use color and scent to interact with the creatures around them, this is an introduction to the mysterious inner workings of the plant world.

• For children who can’t get enough wildlife, consider “An Anthology of Intriguing Animals,” a compendium of the facts, stories and myths behind more than 200 of their favorite animals. Whether it’s how the koala got its name or which animal the ancient Egyptians thought rolled the sun across the sky, readers can learn fun facts while poring over photographs, including detailed close-ups.

• “Robot,” a book for kids, covers artificial intelligence (AI) throughout history, including automata created by Leonardo Da Vinci all the way through to modern-day androids. Discover cutting edge robotics, where science, technology, mechanical engineering and computing meet. Bright graphics and photography help readers learn how robots work, how they are made, and how they help and hinder modern society.

This holiday season, stock the shelves of those you adore with fascinating books on topics they love. _______________________________

PERSONAL FINANCE

Savvy Tips for Your Holiday Spending

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MISCELLANEOUS LEGAL SERVICES NEED LEGAL HELP? Get a FREE referral to an attorney! Call the Illinois State Bar Association Illinois Lawyer Finder The advice you need 877-2703855 or https://www.isba.org/public/ illinoislawyerfinder _______________________________ WANTED TO BUY FREON R12 WANTED: CERTIFIED BUYER will PAY CA$H for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. (312) 291-9169; www.refrigerantfinders.com _______________________________

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HOLIDAY SEASON Shopping for the Holidays?

Book Ideas for Everyone on Your List (StatePoint) No matter who you’re shop-

ping for this holiday season, books can make great gifts. Here are five engaging volumes to consider.

• “Writers: Their Lives and Works” features more than 100 biographies of the world’s greatest writers, from Shakespeare to Toni Morrison. Biographical entries trace the friendships, loves and rivalries that influenced each writer, while placing their works into historical context.

Illustrated with portraits, photographs and paintings of writers’ homes, studies and personal artifacts, along with pages from original manuscripts, first editions and correspondence, this book introduces the key themes and literary techniques of its subjects, revealing the imaginations and personalities behind some of the world’s greatest novels, short stories, poems, and plays.

• From its origins at court and the first national ballet companies, to the contemporary scene and the extraordinary venues that stage productions, “Ballet: The Definitive Illustrated Story” provides an invaluable overview of the history of ballet.

Readers can discover more than 70 of the most famous ballet dances, learn the stories behind renowned companies, explore the lives and achievements of dancers across centuries, and meet composers and choreographers. Filled with rarely seen photographs, this book is wellsuited for ballet enthusiasts.

• “Flora: Inside the Secret World of Plants” invites you to explore the plant kingdom from the ground up, and from root to leaf tip. This elegant introduction to botany from DK is packed with photos and illustrations explaining the mechanics of photosynthesis, why leaves change color, how cacti store water, and how seeds know when to

(StatePoint) We are in the midst of the holiday season, and if you are like many people, you’ve probably already spent more than you anticipated.

More consumers are looking to use a credit card this season to pay for gifts, and they plan to take longer to pay it off than in previous years, according to a recent NerdWallet survey. In fact, more than 39 million Americans are still carrying some of last year’s holiday balance on their cards today.

While credit card use is common during the holidays, the key is making sure you use the right card, are aware of common fraud tactics and have a plan to pay off debt quickly. Here are some helpful tips from The United Services Automobile Association (USAA): • Pick the right card. The average American has 2-3 credit cards. During the holidays, make sure you use those cards that won’t leave you with financial regret afterward. Balance the benefits of reward points, zero percent APRs, or special deals, with the long-term cost of borrowing money. For example, store credit cards give exciting discounts at the time of purchase but often charge higher APRs than a card you already have in your wallet. Take a moment to think about how you will pay after the fun of holiday spending is over, and don’t forget to review the fine print associated with making big purchases.

• Be smart and safe. If you are shopping online, make sure the website starts with ‘https://’ to ensure it’s a credible site before making a purchase, and be sure to turn off Wi-Fi auto-connect and Bluetooth when you’re out and about this holiday season.

Connecting to public Wi-Fi is dangerous and less secure than connecting to your mobile network. In addition, think twice before sharing your logon information over the phone or clicking on random links in emails from unknown sources, such as “track your package,” “open your holiday greeting” or “free gift card.” Fraudsters often impersonate credible companies to get you to share your logon information or click links.

Now is also a great time to consider changing your account passwords and enrolling in multifactor authentication (MFA) where available. Using MFA, creating unique passwords, responding to fraud alerts and monitoring your accounts are critical steps during the holiday season.

• Start planning to pay it off now. Be sure to keep track of your spending so there are no surprises in the new year. Decide when you want to have your card paid off, and calculate the best plan of action based on your lifestyle and finances. Utilize your bank and credit card companies’ resources to create a realistic timeline that still allows for your everyday and monthly expenses.

Many financial institutions, such as USAA, offer free financial tools to help.

For more tips and resources to help stay on track, spend responsibly and avoid cybercrime this holiday season, visit usaa.com.

By approaching the season responsibly, you can make the holidays fun and exciting -- not stressful. __________________________________

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Place your ad today.

Call us at (773) 783-1251.

Darrell Garth

President /Publisher

Janice Garth Sales Manager General Manager

William Garth Sr. CEO Emeritus

Editorial

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Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. CNGI does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Monday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Fridays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send press releases for calendar items at least three weeks prior to the event.

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16 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

Make rent a thing of the past.

With a down payment as low as 3% for modest-income buyers, Bank of America makes affording a new home easier than ever.1 To get started call 1-800-641-8603 or visit your local financial center.

BankofAmerica.com /FirstHome

Available for fixed-rate purchase loans with terms of 25 or 30 years and on primary residences only. Certain property types are ineligible. Borrower(s) must not have an individual or joint ownership interest in any other residential property at time of closing. Maximum purchase loan-to-value is 97% and maximum combined purchase loan-to-value is 103%.

For loan-to-values >95% any secondary financing must be from an approved Community Second Program; ask for details. Homebuyer education may be required. Restrictions apply regarding co-borrowers. Maximum income and loan amount limits apply.

1

Bank of America, N.A.,

Equal Housing Lender Š2018 Bank of America Corporation. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. AR98CFM5