South Suburban Citizen 12-27-2023

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WEEK OF DECEMBER 27, 2023

Winnie Harlow Uses COCA-COLA AI to Bring a Fresh Perdpective to Kindness And Empowerment DuringThe Holidays

WEEKLY

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DIGITALUNDIVIDED ANNOUNCES LEAH WILLIAMS AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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FREE | VOL 43 | ISSUE 06

Zakat Foundation of America opened a Social Service Center in Harvey, which will provide essential items to those in need. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ZAKAT FOUNDATION OF AMERICA.

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During the holiday season, Zakat Foundation of America provided clothing, cold weather accessories and toys. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ZAKAT FOUNDATION OF AMERICA.

ZAKAT FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

Chicago Jeff Award Winner Darryl Maximilian Robinson Celebrates 50th Anniversary As An American Stage Performer!

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OPENS SOCIAL SERVICE CENTER IN HARVEY, ILLNOIS

The Zakat Foundation of America recently opened a Social Services Center in Harvey, Illinois located at 444 E. 147th St. The center will provide items for migrant refugees and low-income residents on the South side of Chicago and South Suburbs.

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NEWS

briefly GOV. PRITZKER CELEBRATES HOLIDAY SEASON WITH SCHOOL GIFT GIVEAWAY AND ANIMAL SHELTER VISIT

Proclaims December 10-16 “Dog and Cat Adoption Week” in Illinois CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker visited the Howe School of Excellence to participate in the Daisie Foundation’s annual “Holiday Magic Experience.” Following the event, the Governor visited the Anti-Cruelty Society’s (ACS) Dog Adoption Center and Clinic to celebrate 125 years of animal advocacy and adoption.

“As Governor, there’s nothing more exciting than celebrating the holiday season with Illinoisans, including the youngest and the furriest members of our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

“Thank you to non-profits like the Daisie Foundation and the Anti-Cruelty Society for your tireless work to bring joy to families all over Illinois.”

At Howe School of Excellence, alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus, elves, and school administrators, Governor Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton distributed surprise gifts and toys to students aged Pre-K to 2nd grade, their teachers, and school staff members. The gift-giving was followed by a luncheon for all attendees. Sponsors included Meijer, Shiraleah, Raising Cane’s, Old National Bank, Pink Pewter, Wantable, and Benefit Cosmetics.

The Daisie Foundation is a nonprofit organization that empowers mothers, children, first responders, and educators with community support and philanthropic efforts. The Holiday Magic Experience takes place each December in partnership with K-8 schools in underserved communities, providing a holiday party with toys, games, books, and holiday treats from volunteers and Daisie partners.

Afterwards, Governor Pritzker toured the Anti-Cruelty Society’s Dog Adoption Center and Clinic alongside ACS staff and local leadership.

During the event, Governor Pritzker encouraged all Illinoisans to consider adoption. He also highlighted that the ACS has waived all adoption fees during the month of December in the spirit of the holiday season.

Founded in 1899, the Anti-Cruelty Society is Chicago’s oldest and largest, private, open-admission, unlimited stay humane society. With a mission of building a community of caring by helping pets and educating people, their comprehensive programs and services help over 50,000 animals and humans every year.

GOV. PRITZKER CELEBRATES MHUB RIBBON CUTTING AND GRAND OPENING

The State of Illinois is investing $9.6 million to support clean technology innovation CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker joined mHUB leadership, local elected officials, business leaders, and members of Illinois’ entrepreneurial community to celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand opening of mHUB’s new headquarters. The new innovation center is receiving $9.6 million in funding from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to continue advancing technology solutions for a clean tech economy through energy infrastructure, grid modernization, and long-energy storage. mHUB is a hardtech and manufacturing innovation center launched in 2017 to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem that promotes growth, advancement, and innovation solutions in the manufacturing industry. The community includes over 500 active and alumni startups and small business that are supported by a coalition of product designers and developers, entrepreneurs, engineers and manufacturers, corporate leaders, industry experts, mentors, and investors.

The new location will also provide more equitable access to Chicago’s south and west side to enhance mHUB’s partnerships with community-based organizations and uplift historically underrepresented communities.

The State’s funding will help propel clean energy and sustainable manufacturing innovation to advance the Pritzker administration’s clean energy goals as outlined in the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). With its manufacturing and sustainability-centered work, mHUB is one of the state’s most active investors in climate technologies.

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South Suburban | Week of December 27, 2023

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Zakat Foundation of America opens Social Service Center in Harvey, Illinois Continued from page 1 tion’s headquarters in Bridgeview. Demir was aware that some people who are in need of services might not have the adequate transportation necessary to come to BridZakat Foundation of America was founded in 2001, geview. with the mission to provide essential items to those in For Christmas, the organization wanted to bring joy need. The humanitarian organization, which is headquarand happiness to the families in need, so it provided new tered in Bridgeview, aims include to relieve starvation, to clothes, shoes and personal items, as well as toys for the provide access to education, to provide clean water, help victims of disaster and violent conflict, caring for orphans, children, on its opening day. It also responded to the cold weather during the Winter months by providing hats, lifting people out of poverty and alleviating the needs of gloves and scarves for people who visit the center. The vulnerable families and children. Zakat Foundation of organization will also start to provide food items to the America has 10 offices in the United States and 10 interpeople in need. national offices to provide a Demir said when he first response to emergencies and established Zakat Foundahumanitarian aid. tion of America, there was a “Not only do we want to giveaway in the South Submake a measurable differurbs and the organization has ence in the over 40 countries a longstanding relationship in which we work internawith Harvey. tionally, but we also want to “We started working in make an impact in our own Harvey almost 20-something backyard. The Social Services years ago, so it’s not new.

Center will provide vital assisDuring COVID-19, we were tance to uplift and empower also very active and were the Harvey community and its partners with the churches, neighbors.” Said Halil Demir, CEO and Founder of Zakat Zakat Foundation of America’s Social Services Center is located and there’s also a Mosque at 444 E. 147th St. in Harvey, Ill. Photo provided by Zakat Foun-community there, so we’ve been Foundation of America, in a dation of America. very active there,” Demir said, release. adding that the Mayor’s office Zakat Foundation of Amerhas been very open when the organization needed. ica is able to do its work because of generous donations.

Demir is happy Zakat Foundation of America is able During COVID-19, the organization was able to distribute five million pounds of food in 200 communities across the to bring a little comfort to the people of the South Suburbs and their families.

United States. The organization opened the Harvey locaThe Zakat Foundation of America is accepting donations tion because the South Suburbs have always been part of its service area. It wanted to be closer to Harvey, Markham and looking for volunteers. Those interested in donating new and Phoenix, which are communities in great need. Also, a and lightly used items can do so at 7421 W. 100th in Bridgeview, Ill. Those interested in volunteering can email Lyla lot of refugee families reside in the community.

Ramirez at lyla.r@zakat.org.

Demir has conversations with the leadership in For more information about Zakat Foundation of AmeriHarvey and, as a result, decided to have a social services ca, visit www.zakat.org, or call 1-888-ZAKAT-US (925-2887). center there instead of having them come to the organizaBY TIA CAROL JONES

Reps. Kelly, Miller-Meeks, Eshoo, Burgess, PREEMIE Act Passes the House WASHINGTON, D.C. — H. R. 3226, the “Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act of 2023,” or the PREEMIE Act, legislation to improve pregnancy outcomes and infant health by continuing research and education programs aimed at preventing preterm births passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation was introduced by U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly (IL-02), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Anna Eshoo (CA-16), and Michael Burgess (TX-26).

“Babies born premature face significant and unique barriers to live full, healthy lives. I am proud to have helped lead the PREEMIE Act to ensure that premature babies have the resources they need to thrive,” said Kelly. “This bipartisan legislation will equip our medical providers and our communities with the best practices and resources to help produce better outcomes for premature babies and their mothers.”

“Every baby deserves a healthy start and reauthorizing the PREEMIE Act will help us toward that goal. Since it was first passed in 2006, the PREEMIE Act has helped researchers and doctors identify the causes of premature births and work to prevent them. Still, every day in the U.S. one in ten babies is born premature. We cannot allow the U.S. to have one of the highest prematurity rates in the developed world. I urge my

colleagues to swiftly reauthorize this important program,” said Eshoo.

“Babies born prematurely already have a steep hill to climb. The ‘Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act,’ ensures that preterm babies have a better opportunity at a healthy start,” said Miller-Meeks. “I’m proud that this bipartisan effort to support research and educational programs to uncover the cause and impact of preterm births has passed the House and I look forward to getting it one step closer to becoming law.”

“I served as an OBGYN in North Texas for nearly 30 years, so I know firsthand the importance of giving every baby a healthy start in life. That’s why I strongly support the PREEMIE ACT, which provides critical support to make that a reality,” said Burgess. “By renewing the CDC’s research and programs on preterm birth, improving national data tracking, promoting healthy pregnancies, and establishing a coordinated effort across federal agencies, we can take meaningful steps to prevent preterm birth and reduce infant mortality. This legislation is a crucial investment in the health of our nation’s children, and we urge our colleagues to act swiftly to ensure its renewal.”

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South Suburban | Week of December 27, 2023

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Gov. Pritzker Announces Milestones on I-57/74 Reconstruction Signature Rebuild Illinois project taking shape with new bridge piers, pavement work CHAMPAIGN-URBANA – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation were joined by local officials and community leaders to celebrate the latest milestones on the $251.8 million replacement of the Interstate 57/74 interchange, a signature project of the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. As it moves into its next phase, the overall project will positively impact safety and mobility while positioning the region for long-term economic growth.

“This $251.8 million, multi-year project to redesign the I-57/74 Interchange is a cornerstone of our road modernization program, and today, I couldn’t be prouder to announce that we’ve completed the first phase of its construction,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “When we make smart

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investments in the roadways that working families and businesses rely on, we’re constructing a better future for the entire region—one where parents and their children can commute with confidence and where new factories and distribution centers are choosing to locate in Illinois, so they can reliably ship their products across the nation.”

“The reconstruction of Interstate I57/74 is a testament to our priorities. We are committed to providing safe roads and dependable infrastructure,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Thanks to the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, our administration continues to invest in Illinois’ growth.”

The I-57/74 project is replacing a traditional cloverleaf interchange built in 1965 that no longer meets current traffic volumes and demands. The new interchange will feature a design that includes two flyover ramps to improve traffic flow and efficiency: Eastbound I-74 to northbound I-57 and westbound I-74 to southbound I-57. To add capacity, a third, auxiliary lane will be added to both directions of I-74 between Prospect Avenue and Duncan Road.

In recent months, the framework of the new interchange has started to take shape, with piers getting placed for the new flyover structures. Last month, reconstruction of mainline lanes of I-57 and I-74 started and will continue for the next two years.

In 2021, Gov. Pritzker and IDOT broke ground on the overall project, with new Mattis Avenue bridges over I-57 and I-74 as well as a new U.S. 150 bridge over I-57 built since then to make room for the new interchange’s larger footprint.

“The I-57/74 project is one of the cornerstones of Rebuild Illinois,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Under Gov. Pritzker, this project and others like it across the state are not only strengthening the state’s transportation system, but also creating opportunity for communities, improving commerce and enhancing local quality of life.”

“The city of Champaign has seen great benefits with the Interstate 57/74 Interchange Reconstruction project.

Today, it’s a pleasure to announce the project’s next stage — a new beam placement,” said State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Urbana). “This project, in its entirety, will restore green spaces, add LED lighting for improved visibility and efficiency, and improve travel times. It is a fruitful infrastructure project that prioritizes the needs of Illinois residents.”

“Rebuild Illinois is a transformative investment in our state’s roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure. Replacement of the I-57/74 interchange reflects the State of Illinois’ continued

commitment to improving safety and efficiency in the interstate highway system that serves 40,000 vehicles daily, said Mayor Diane Marlin, City of Urbana.

“This new interchange and related projects also provide training opportunities through Parkland College for people to pursue a career in the construction trades. We’re building lives along with our public infrastructure.”

In addition to acting as a gateway to the University of Illinois and manufacturing, logistics, healthcare and agricultural industries, I-57/74 serves almost 40,000 vehicles a day, nearly 25% of which are commercial trucks moving freight.

Upon substantial completion in late 2025 with some remaining work anticipated in 2026, the new interchange will eliminate the merging, weaving and slow speeds of the existing one, resulting in improved traffic performance, reduced travel times and fewer conflicts between vehicles.

To provide underrepresented communities, women, and disadvantaged individuals a path toward a career in the construction trades, the project is putting to work members of the Highway Construction Careers Training Program, an IDOT initiative with Parkland Community College to provide critical on-thejob experience.

The project is one of several on I-57 made possible by Rebuild Illinois, remaking the state’s longest interstate at 359 miles and a crucial link between cities and major institutions. Rebuild Illinois advanced $84 million in resurfacings and other improvements in Chicago and the south suburbs, $219.4 million in bridge replacements, interchange upgrades and multiple other improvements in Kankakee and Iroquois counties, and $267 million in capacity and safety upgrades in southern Illinois.

Across the state, Gov. Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois is investing a total of $33.2 billion over six years in the state’s transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth.

Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

Accomplishments through Year Four of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $12.1 billion of improvements statewide on 5,339 miles of highway, 533 bridges and 762 additional safety improvements.

Visit https://idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois for information and highlights of other Rebuild Illinois projects happening throughout the state.

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POLITICAL AFFAIRS

NEW YEAR, NEW LAWS: ILLINOIS LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS DELIVERS ON KEY ISSUES As 2023 draws to a close, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus is looking ahead to 2024 with a sense of accomplishment and hope.

Several impactful bills championed by the caucus will take effect Jan. 1, tackling critical issues like education, healthcare and criminal justice reform.

“Looking ahead to the new laws taking effect, we are prioritizing underserved schools, ending youth solitary confinement, creating successful pathways to reentry and so much more,” said State Senator Robert Peters, Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Senate chair (D-Chicago). “I am proud of the legislative work we have done collectively to prioritize the needs of our most vulnerable communities.”

The caucus outlined a few legislative highlights that will take effect Jan. 1. Those include: Helping Food Deserts Flourish: Senate Bill 850 recognizes the lack of fresh food access in many communities, particularly for underserved areas. It directs grants and financial aid to grocery stores opening or operating in “food deserts,” promoting healthier food choices and economic development.

Honoring the Underground Railroad: Senate Bill 1623 establishes a statewide task force to create a cohesive historical map and narrative of the Underground Railroad in Illinois. This initiative will not only preserve history but also boost educational and tourism opportunities.

Fortifying the Teaching Force: House Bill 381 provides a much-needed incentive for National Board Certified teachers working in challenging schools. A $4,000 annual retention bonus for two years recognizes their dedication and helps stabilize the workforce in these critical environments.

Empowering Schools with Mental Health and Trauma Tools: House Bill 342 establishes the Whole Child Task Force, focusing on creating safe and supportive school environments for students dealing with trauma and mental health challenges. This task force will develop resources and strategies to ensure all students have access to the support they need.

Protecting Residents During Extreme Heat: House Bill 1541 safeguards vulnerable residents during heat waves. It prohibits utility companies from disconnecting gas or electric services for non-payment on days exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit or during heat advisories.

Smoothing Reentry for Returning Residents: House Bill 3345 simplifies the process for returning residents to obtain an Illinois ID. By accepting identifying documents the state assists in obtaining, this bill removes a barrier to reintegration and access to essential services.

Closing the Curtain on Solitary Confinement for Young Detainees: House Bill 3140 takes a significant step towards juvenile justice reform. It bans the use of solitary confinement for young detainees in detention centers, except for immediate physical harm prevention.

This aligns with best practices in child development and reduces the potential for harm.

These are just a few examples of the impactful legislation the ILBC has championed.

For a full list of laws to take effect Jan. 1 visit here.

As the new year dawns, the caucus remains committed to fighting for justice, equity, and opportunity for all Illinoisans.

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South Suburban | Week of December 27, 2023

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DIGITALUNDIVIDED ANNOUNCES

LEAH WILLIAMS AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER NEWARK, N.J., PRNewswire -- digitalundivided (aka “DID”) is the leading research, data, programming, and thought leadership organization championing an equitable entrepreneurial landscape. The organization announced years. Holding a Juris Doctor from the appointment of Leah Williams as Stanford Law School, she is also an its new Chief Executive Officer, ending alumnus of UCLA Anderson School of digitalundivided’s year-long nationwide Business Management Development search for a permanent leader. Williams for Entrepreneurs program. Williams’ brings a wealth of knowledge and expercurriculum vitae boasts leadership and tise to lead the organization through its advising roles for a diverse group of next growth phase with her successful leaders, from state and federal judges track record as a C-Suite leader across to elected officials at the local level to startups, new ventures, and quasi-govour nation’s capital to business leaders. ernmental organizations.

With a commitment to a fully inclusive “I am excited to join DID and get and equitable society, she is trusted by to work disrupting the ecosystems of DID’s Board of Directors to continue its investors and entrepreneurs. DID is rich history and dedication to research quickly becoming a force multiplier of an digitalundivided CEO Leah Williams. changing the entrepreneurial landscape. entrepreneurial landscape in which Lati- digitalundivided Williams succeeds Brittany S. Hale, who na and Black women who lead thriving served as interim CEO & COO during the search process. startups have equitable access to capital and investment. This “Leah’s appointment as CEO heralds a transformative is an exciting time to work with an organization grounded in data, and that is uplifting how often overlooked women entre- chapter for digitalundivided,” said Patricia Mota, Board preneurs rapidly scale their businesses,” stated Leah Williams, Member at digitalundivided. “With a distinguished career spanning over two decades and leadership roles in nonprofits, CEO of digitalundivided. “I look forward to building upon the startups, and government entities, Leah has left an indelible rich legacy of programming and research - like the Project mark on business leadership, entrepreneurship, law, nonprofit Diane Report - and expanding the investor and entrepreneurexcellence, policy, public affairs, strategic communications, ial ecosystems.” and innovative partnerships. Her visionary outlook for the A true connector of people, initiatives, and organizations, future of digitalundivided is a source of immense excitement, Williams has served in many C-Suite roles, from Execuand we eagerly anticipate the positive impact she will bring to tive Director to CEO/Co-Founder to Chief Legal Officer and our organization.”

Corporate Secretary to General Counsel over the past 20-plus

As digitalundivided sets its sights on the new year, the organization prioritizes the digitalundivided disruption of funding pipelines and institutional investment by building bridges of access for its community of ready-to-scale Latina and Black women entrepreneurs.

With a rich network of companies ready for angel investing, local investors, and impact investors, along with early-stage, pre-seed, and seed-ready investments, digitalundivided is excited to continue serving as a trusted expert, connector, and knowledge bank for founders, funders, and investors.

For 11 years, digitalundivided (aka “DID”) has increased visibility and access for Latina and Black women founders.

DID began with groundbreaking research and expanded to data-based programming, strategic partnerships, and a vibrant ecosystem of founders, funders, and investors. DID not only champions an equitable entrepreneurial landscape, it provides women of color at various stages of running a business the space to improvise and innovate. DID was the first to debut authoritative research on the state of investment in businesses led by Latina and Black women founders with the Project Diane Report. digitalundivided’s expanded research, programming, and landscape reflects the communities rapidly becoming the next generation of business leaders. DID’s programs -- START, BIG Pre-Accelerator, BREAKTHROUGH, Do You Fellowship, and the New C-Suite -- mobilize best-in-class resources, coaching, community connection, and investment to support women of color founders at all stages of their entrepreneurial and funding journeys. For more information, visit www.digitalundivided.com and follow us on X(@digundiv), Instagram, and Facebook (@digitalundivided).

T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures Partners with New Urban Development to Address Housing Crisis in South Florida MIAMI, PRNewswire -- T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures, LLC (TDJREV), a real estate company leading the creation of healthy and sustainable communities in a global marketplace, announced a partnership with New Urban Development, Miami’s largest Black-owned real estate developer, to build two affordable housing developments in Hallandale Beach, Fla., and Miami Gardens, Fla. The strategic partnership signifies a concerted effort to provide affordable housing for in-need areas of South Florida while also helping to revitalize and stabilize the communities. This project is the continuation of Chairman T.D. Jakes’ push to create affordable, accessible housing nationwide for those who PRNewsFoto need it most.

“Florida continues to grow and the need for more living options is at an all-time high,” said Marcus Dawson, managing partner of T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures. “It is our mission to create the necessary alliances that help address the most glaring issues like affordable housing. New Urban Development shares our vision for community transformation for seniors and underserved populations, and their accomplishments in South Florida model what development should look like in our communities.”

As Miami’s largest Black-owned real estate developer and real estate development affiliate of The Urban League of Greater Miami, New Urban Development has been revitalizing neighborhoods in South Florida for nearly two decades.

The company has facilitated the development of more than 13 housing projects including multi-family and senior living units.

“The relationships and access to funding sources through T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures will help us expand the work we’ve been doing to improve the housing options in

overlooked and underserved neighborhoods of Miami-Dade County and surrounding areas,” said Oliver Gross, president of New Urban Development. “We all believe in a holistic approach to community revitalization that values transformation over transactions and incorporates education programs, financial literacy and other resources to residents.”

The multifamily, mixed-income development located in Hallandale Beach will feature 200 units on five acres, located at the center of a historic African American community with limited affordable housing options.

The development is expected to break ground in Q1 2024.

The senior living development in Miami Gardens will consist of 150 units on seven acres. Located adjacent to Miami Gardens Senior Family Center, this will be the first housing complex developed for seniors in Miami Gardens and will feature a clubhouse and walking trails. The City of Miami Gardens awarded the land to New Urban Development to complement the existing senior recreation center while Miami-Dade County awarded funding for the housing development.

“It is my absolute honor to welcome the partnership between T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures and New Urban Development to Miami-Dade County,” said Oliver G. Gilbert, III, chairman of the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners. “Their joint venture in Miami Gardens exemplifies a purposeful commitment to not only create housing options but to create an environment tailored to the unique needs of our senior residents, embodying a vision of dignity, comfort, and community.”

TDJREV established a development in Dallas called Capella Park, which is a master planned community spearheaded in 2007. TDJREV is also slated to break ground on Ft. MacPherson, a former U.S. Army base in Atlanta, which

will be transformed into mixed-income housing, businesses, and a master planned community. Similar developments are planned for Chicago, Houston and other areas across the country.

Nationwide affordable housing is a top concern for all Americans, but particularly, African Americans and those living on the margins of society. Recent reports show the Black homeownership rate was 45% in 2022, 30% lower than white households, making the gap wider than it was 50 years ago. In addition to soaring interest rates and home prices plaguing all homebuyers, other obstacles to Black homeownership still include discriminatory public and private housing policies that hinder Blacks from being approved for loans, the devastating impact of student loan debt, which disproportionately impacts Black women, and the wage gap where Black employees are still paid substantially less for equal work.

TDJREV is a Dallas-based real estate company dedicated to implementing T.D. Jakes’ vision of creating attainable and sustainable communities in a global marketplace and developing 21st Century solutions to address rudimentary needs in targeted communities with a focus on economic development, job training, financial literacy and education enrichment. Its real estate portfolio includes Capella Park, a 400-plus acre community in south Dallas that includes single-family homes, live-work space and a pre-k-8 school.

Founded in 2005 as the housing development affiliate of the Urban League of Greater Miami, Inc., New Urban Development’s primary responsibility is the financing, acquisition, development, construction oversight and asset management of the myriad of commercial and residential housing developments owned and/or managed by the Urban League of Greater Miami and its subsidiary entities. New Urban Development transforms dwellings into homes, homes into neighborhoods, and neighborhoods into opportunities.

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Images courtesy of Coca-Cola

WINNIE HARLOW USES COCA-COLA AI TO BRING A FRESH PERSPECTIVE TO KINDNESS AND

EMPOWERMENT DURING THE HOLIDAYS NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Supermodel and beauty entrepreneur, Winnie Harlow, is sharing her Coca-Cola AI generated holiday cards to give fans a unique take on what’s most important to her this festive season: kindness and empowerment.

Winnie, a leading advocate for representation who has redefined beauty standards, has brought a fresh perspective to the holidays with a striking set of AI generated images that reflect her unique experience and perspective of the holidays.

The December Issue – Winnie’s tribute to all things fashion, fabulous and the holidays Joy in Jamaica – inspired by the holidays that Winnie spent on the beach, enjoying BBQed holiday feasts Cozy in Canada – a nod to the cozy holidays spent with her family in Ontario Out of This Universe – a homage to her younger self and her incredible imagination Empowering others through kindness and empathy, Winnie’s Coca-Cola AI generated images highlight the ability of AI to connect, uplift and invite people to embrace their individuality – no matter where they are in the world.

Winnie said: “I am so excited to be a part of this innovative project. In everything I do, creativity and kindness are at the core, and I love the way that Coca-Cola AI is giving everyone the chance to create according to the world as they see it and share their unique take on the holidays. Together with Coca-Cola AI, we are inviting people everywhere to do

this together.”

People want to show they care by sending a greeting card, but many of the cards you can buy in shops don’t always reflect the world we live in, or even where you are in the world. This partnership is about more than just creating images; it’s about setting a new standard for representation in all forms of media. We’ve disrupted fashion, now it’s time to disrupt the way we send holiday cards and what that looks like.”

Coca-Cola’s Create Real Magic platform enables everyone to experiment with AI and design

their own shareable holiday cards in a way that uniquely reflects how they celebrate the holiday season. Alongside the power of AI to dream up your most creative designs, Coca- Cola is giving unprecedented access to its iconic characters and imagery. By sharing these storied assets - and allowing them to be seen through the prism of new technology - they can be re-discovered by a younger generation, enabling them to be reinterpreted and relevant in 2023.Pratik Thakar, Coca–Cola’s Global Head of Generative AI, said “We are flipping the script. We are literally putting the power of our brand into our fan’s hands. Now they can personalise holiday cards and represent themselves as they would like to be seen, in a way that represents how they celebrate the holidays, when they share their holiday creations across their social media channels with loved ones.”

Winnie and Coca-Cola are encouraging people from around the world to visit CreateRealMagic.com and generate artwork to share with family and friends. Creators can download, share, copy and distribute their greetings cards as they wish.

This year’s global festive campaign comes to life in many forms and will be adapted by more than 80 markets worldwide. The unifying theme is the magic of kindness and the spirit of generosity and goodwill in us all. This narrative extends across all channels - from the TV ad, to physical experiences with the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan tour and local charitable partnerships, to digital initiatives like the ‘Create Real Magic’ AI Christmas Card generator and the ‘Find Your Inner Santa’ quiz, as well as two upcoming Christmas short films.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated Partners with Nickelodeon for Our World Global Initiative Celebrating Children WASHINGTON, PRNewswire -- Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is partnering with Nickelodeon to celebrate all children through Our World—a brand-new global initiative to inspire kids and provide them with tools to activate their individual and collective agency. Together with a coalition of partners, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. joins Nickelodeon in providing resources and best-practices for kid-driven philanthropic opportunities that allow this new generation to take action in their communities and beyond.

“With Our World Nickelodeon is building on its longstanding prosocial legacy and community relationships, harnessing the power of the brand’s iconic franchises and global ecosystem, as well as the expertise of our coalition of partners to upskill, uplift, and empower kids around the world,” said Marva Smalls, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, Nickelodeon and Executive Vice President, Global Head of Inclusion at Paramount. “Through this initiative we will provide accessible pathways to encourage kids to take action, no matter how small, and inspire them to believe they can make a difference.”

Launched in May, the multiplatform Our World initiative focuses on the healthy development of youth agency as a key component to a successful childhood and includes a digital destination that links kids, parents and caregivers to developmentally appropriate activities, as well as to partner organizations with additional resources.

The brand also amplifies kids’ experiences, telling their stories across its global ecosystem of platforms.

On November 20, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. served as a lead Our World partner with UNICEF USA, Nickelodeon and its parent company Paramount, to celebrate World Children’s Day—UNICEF’s annual day of action for children, by chilPRNewsfoto/Jack and Jill of America, Inc. dren. Nickelodeon marked World Children’s Day with “takeovers” and shadowing experiences at CBS Sports and CBS News stations in various locations. Jack and Jill of America, Inc. had four winners participate in World Children’s Day takeovers – Heru Sa Shekhem (Miami Chapter), Lillian Phillips (North Suburban Atlanta Chapter), William Aristide (Miami Chapter), and Langston Howard (Oakland County Chapter).

Founded in 1938 by Black mothers, Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated is regarded as the largest and most prominent African American family organization representing over 70,000 family members including mother members, associates, fathers, teens, and children throughout 262 chapters nationwide.

This new partnership with Nickelodeon is a part of the organization’s stellar 85th anniversary year in 2023.

National President Kornisha McGill Brown said, “For 85 years, Jack and Jill of America has been committed to serving children and providing them with opportunities to thrive. We are very grateful to be a leading coalition partner of Nickelodeon Our World, elevating the voices and role of kids today in our society. The Nickelodeon Our World initiative’s aim of helping children develop a healthy sense of agency and self-confidence aligns with the principles of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, and we are happy to expand our reach through this partnership, have a greater impact, as well as celebrate all children—on mission, on purpose.”

Caregivers and kids can access resources and more information about Nickelodeon’s Our World at www.nickourworld. com.

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South Suburban | Week of December 27, 2023

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Frist Art Museum Presents

Woodblocks, Prints, and Mixed-Media Works by LaToya M. Hobbs to tell the grand historical narratives of white men,” NASHVILLE, Tenn., PRNewswire -- The Frist writes VanDiver. “Yet, with its positive depictions of Art Museum presents Carving a New Tradition: a Black family and Black female artistry, Carving Out The Art of LaToya M. Hobbs, an exhibition of recent Time marks a shift in canonical representations.” The woodblock prints and mixed-media portraits from title references both the daily negotiations one makes the Arkansas-born, Baltimore-based painter and to get everything done and the time Hobbs had to printmaker. Organized by the Frist Art Museum with “carve out” to finish the labor-intensive project.

Dr. Rebecca VanDiver, associate professor of African While Carving Out Time highlights Hobbs’s American art at Vanderbilt University, the exhibition labor, new works like A Moment of Care, Sunday will be on view in the Frist’s Gordon Contemporary Morning, and Note to Self: No Rest for the Weary Artists Project Gallery from January 26 through April draw attention to the need for rest and self-care.

28, 2024.

Visitors to the Frist In her practice, will have the opporLaToya M. Hobbs explores Black womtunity to see several works completed in anhood, family, labor, 2023 such as Erin and self-care, and the rich Anyah with Hydrantraditions of printmaking while pushing the geas, which depicts the medium’s boundaries. artist’s stepdaughter She often uses herself, Erin and niece Anyah. her family, and friends VanDiver notes, “The as subjects in her work hydrangeas and green to draw attention to foliage found in the the power of represenbackground, a newer element in Hobbs’s tation and legacy. She art, reflect the sense has stated, “Though of healthy growth and I’m presenting the ‘flourishing’ Hobbs has work through the lens experienced recently in of my own experiher career and personal ence, I champion the everyday woman while LaToya M. Hobbs. Erin and Anyah with Hydrangeas, 2023. life.” Further, “The addressing the themes Acrylic and collage on carved wood panel; 48 x 60 in. Courtesy patterned background of motherhood, family, of the artist. Photo: Ariston Jacks. PRNewsfoto/Frist Center of Erin and Anyah and for the Visual Arts. the different textural and the connection elements seen in other one has to the physical works illuminate the tactile and textured quality of spaces they occupy.” much of Hobbs’s artwork.”

Much of Hobbs’s art begins with photographs of “Throughout her practice, Hobbs charts a new her subjects, many made during collaborative photocourse in which depictions of the Black family, Black shoots with her husband Ariston Jacks. After a mulwomen, Black rest, and Black creative labor are tistep preparatory process, she begins carving and recognized, celebrated, and elevated. In both form painting. “Hobbs favors relief printmaking, in which and content, Hobbs carves a new tradition,” writes one carves away material from a surface to create an image,” writes guest curator Dr. VanDiver. Hobbs goes VanDiver.

Hobbs received a BA in painting from the Univerfurther, noting that “the act of carving and its removal of material carries symbolic meaning related to the sity of Arkansas at Little Rock and an MFA in printcarving away of negativity and stereotypes needed to making from Purdue University. She is a professor at reveal the real version of oneself.” the Maryland Institute College of Art and a founding In traditional printmaking, an artist carves the member of Black Women of Print, an artistic collecmatrix—the printing surface—leaving a raised image. tive that seeks to make the past, present, and future Ink is then applied to the matrix, paper is pressed to work of Black women printmakers more visible. Her its surface, and then the paper and matrix are run work is in the permanent collections of the Baltimore through a printing press to create a print. “While Museum of Art; The David C. Driskell Center at the Hobbs does create traditional woodblock prints, she University of Maryland; Harvard Art Museums, Milalso carves a new tradition by displaying the painted waukee Art Museum; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; print matrixes themselves as finished art objects,” the Petrucci Family Foundation Collection of African notes VanDiver.

American Art; Samella Lewis Contemporary Art On its debut loan from the Baltimore Museum Collection at Scripps College; Smith College Museum of Art, Hobbs’s monumental work Carving Out Time of Art; The Rockefeller Foundation; and more.

(2020–21) anchors the exhibition and is only the Supporter Acknowledgment second complete installation of the masterful carved Lead Sponsor: Blevins, Inc. cherrywood panels. Life-size scenes follow Hobbs Supporting Sponsor: Clay Blevins through her full day as a woman, mother, wife, and an Supported in part by Gordon CAP Gallery Fund artist. On the walls of highly detailed domestic spacand Friends of Contemporary Art. The Frist Art Museum is supported in part by es, Hobbs reproduced artworks by African American The Frist Foundation, Metro Arts, the Tennessee Arts artists from whom she draws inspiration, including Commission, and the National Endowment for the Elizabeth Catlett—who Hobbs considers one of her Arts. “art mothers,” Kerry James Marshall, and Alma For current hours and additional information, Thomas. “The large scale of Carving Out Time is akin visit FristArtMuseum.org or call 615.244.3340. to that of Western history painting, typically utilized

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ENTERTAINMENT

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The Otis Redding Foundation Remembers Legendary Singer 56 Years After His Passing Otis Redding September 9, 1941 - December 10, 1967

Photos provided by Darryl Maximilian Robinson

Chicago Jeff Award Winner Darryl Maximilian Robinson

Celebrates 50th Anniversary As An American Stage Performer!

This month marks a special achievement for veteran theatre artist Darryl Maximilian Robinson, Founder, Artistic Director and Producer of the multiracial chamber theater known as The Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago.

Fifty years ago this month, on December 21, 1973, a skinny, apprehensive, stage-frightened, 13-year-old, African-American kid walked upon a makeshift stage in the gym at a now nonexistent middle school, the West Side of Chicago’s Robert H. Lawrence Upper Grade Center, to play the role of Mr. Jones in that Chicago Public Schools facility’s holiday play for students and staff entitled “A Black Christmas Carol.” By the end of the second school day performance of that work the kid knew, above all else, he wanted to be an actor, a professional actor in The Theatre, and he would do all that would be required of him as a Student of The Performing Arts to achieve that goal.

During his high school years, ( as a Student Performer at Albert G. Lane Technical High School and Whitney M. Young Magnet High School for The Performing Arts, and as A Guest Student Actor Performer at Josephinum High School for Girls ) he would go on to perform many roles and receive educational training at many facilities.

He would happily work with numerous professional arts educators, who were also working professionals in The Windy City’s entertainment industry, including four years (1975-1979) giving public performances and receiving quality musical theatre training with The Chicagoland High School Theatrical Troupe.

By 1980, he was a working, paid for his craft, stage performer. His 1980s stage credits would include roles with The National Shakespeare Company Tour of New York, The Indianapolis Shakespeare Festival, The King Richard’s Faire and Bristol Renaissance Faire of Wisconsin, and St. Louis’ historic Goldenrod Showboat docked at Laclede’s Landing.

Ten years after his first appearance on the stage, he was honored to play The City of Chicago’s Historic Founder. For a time, in 1983 ( just two years after winning the 1981 Fort Wayne News-Sentinel Reviewer’s Recognition Award for Outstanding Thespian of the Season for a gallery of his stage roles, particularly for the part of Fagin in a revival of Lionel Bart’s classic musical “Oliver!” at Enchanted Hills Playhouse of Syracuse, Indiana

), for the highly-regarded Urban Gateways arts and educational organization, Chicago-born and stagetrained actor and play director Darryl Maximilian Robinson, toured to numerous public and private schools throughout the greater Chicagoland area playing the Caribbean Island-born, African-American, French and English speaking Frontiersman and Founder of The City of Chicago, Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable ( 1745-1818 ), in local playwright Alice Rubio’s highly-effective, one-act historical drama “Chicago: A Tale of One City.”

On the occasion of his 50th Anniversary as An American Stage Performer, Darryl Maximilian Robinson ( winner of both a 1997 Chicago Joseph Jefferson Citation Award for Outstanding Actor In A Principal Role In A Play for his critically-praised performance as Sam Semela in The Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago staging of Athol Fugard’s “Master Harold And The Boys” at The Heartland Cafe Studio Theatre of Rogers Park and a 2019 Broadwayworld Chicago Award nomination for Best Performer In A Musical or Revue for his portrayal of the dual roles of The Chairman Mr. William Cartwright and Mayor Thomas Sapsea in the 2018 Saint Sebastian Players of Chicago revival of Rupert Holmes’ Tony Award-winning Best Musical Whodunit “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” at The Windy City’s more than a century old St. Bonaventure Church of West Lakeview ) provides a previous tv appearance where he discusses a few of his most early Chicago Stage Roots and several of his Los Angeles Stage Roles during the September 19, 2016 edition of veteran entertainment journalist and reporter Ron Brewington’s internet performing arts television show “The Actor’s Choice” Episode 2.37. This program is available for viewing at YouTube.

After an intriguing interview with Guest Actor John Ruskin, Founder of The Ruskin School of Acting in Santa Monica, California, Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder Darryl Maximilian Robinson talks of his training and experiences during the second half-hour of this informational program with Host Ron Brewington. https://youtu.be/sQILE03EAUU Most recently, Darryl Maximilian Robinson was named a winner of a 2022 Making The World Happening Award from Allevents.in for his numerous online theatre-related offerings during the early years of The Covid-19 pandemic.

MACON, Ga., PRNewswire -- Nicknamed the “King of Soul,” Otis Redding is regarded as one of the greatest singer-songwriters in the history of American popular music and a seminal artist in soul music, rhythm and blues,” stated Otis’ wife, Zelma Redding.

Sunday, Dec. 10, marked 56 years since Otis Redding passed away in an airplane crash in Madison, Wisc., with four members of his band, The Bar-Kays (guitarist Jimmy King, tenor saxophonist, Phalon Jones, organist, Ronnie Caldwell and drummer Carl Cunningham; their valet, Matthew Kelly and the pilot Dick Fraser. Trumpet player, Ben Cauley was the only survivor.

Otis has received numerous honors over the past 56 years including Two Grammy Awards, A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award (Legacy Tribute Award) and Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame (Foundational Inductee). Redding is also number 9 on Rolling Stone’s 200 Best Singers of All Time (January 2023).

The Otis Redding Foundation, founded by Mrs. Zelma Redding to continue his commitment to education for young people with a focus in music and the arts, would like to thank radio, television, print media and social media for their continued support of Otis’ music. The Foundation is well underway for the opening of the new Otis Redding Center for the Arts, in Macon, GA, in the Fall of 2024. This multipurpose space will be open to students 5-18 who have a desire to explore their interest in all elements of music and the arts. The Center will be staffed with Macon’s finest musicians and educators offering private lessons in areas including piano, audio engineering, strings and more.

Since its inception in 2007, the Foundation continues to support the philanthropic commitment of Otis Redding to empower and enlighten all young people to fulfill their dreams.

Stay connected to the Otis Redding Foundation, by visiting https://otisreddingfoundation.org, on Instagram @otisreddingfoundation, on X @Otisredding, or on Facebook @Otisredding foundation.

Photo credit: Michael Ochs Archive

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FOODS

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South Suburban | Week of December 27, 2023

Hosting Advice for a Perfect

HOLIDAY HAM

(Family Features) Bringing together loved ones with classic seasonal meals is a staple of the holiday season, and few centerpieces call to mind childhood memories like a tender ham cooked to perfection. A longtime hallmark of family meals during the holidays, ham can feed a crowd, complement a wide variety of side dishes and is easily elevated with glazes, spices and rubs of all kinds for those who want to take their hosting up a notch.

While ham can be the centerpiece of your holiday dinner, it’s also a versatile dish that can be served for any special occasion.

Ham is also ideal for incorporating into holiday brunches, served as an hors d’oeuvre at cocktail parties and shared at office potlucks.

To help cook the perfect ham for your celebration, consider this advice for a festive feast from the experts at Coleman Natural Foods, which has produced high-quality, all-natural, humanely raised, no antibiotics ever, fresh and prepared meats sourced from American farmers since 1875.

Start with a tender and delicious spiral ham, which is pre-cut in one continuous swirl, allowing you to simply cut each piece from the one behind it for even, consistent slices.

Set the oven to 250-350 F, keeping in mind lower temperatures lead to longer cooking times but more tender meat. Bake 10-16 minutes per pound, adding glaze about 15 minutes prior to finishing, until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145 F at its thickest part.

Make your guests’ mouths water with a sweet glaze that mingles with the ham’s natural saltiness, creating a balance of flavors.

To achieve a unique taste, try flavors such as pineapple, honey or ginger. For a classic, delicious ham perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions, try this Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham. After enjoying as the centerpiece of your holiday dinner, it can be savored in the days following your celebrations to help make lunches and weeknight meals a breeze after a busy season.

Leftover ham can be enjoyed in sandwiches like a ham and cheese melt, mixed in a delicious salad, chopped up into an omelet for a hearty breakfast or added to macaroni and cheese for a protein-packed dinner.

Find more holiday ham recipes at ColemanNatural.com.

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham Prep time: 12 minutes Cook time: 90 minutes Servings: 32 1 fully cooked Coleman Natural Applewood Smoked Bone-In Spiral Ham (7-9 pounds) 1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves Preheat oven to 325 F. Remove ham from packaging and place in roasting pan with flat side down.

Bake ham about 1 hour until heated through to internal temperature of 130 F with meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of ham.

In medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon and cloves. Cook mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until butter is melted and ingredients are well combined.

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Brush about half of glaze over ham, making sure to fill crevices or scored cuts.

Return ham to oven and bake 30-45 minutes, or until glaze is bubbly and caramelized with internal temperature of 145 F. Baste ham with pan juices and glaze every 10-15 minutes while baking.

Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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HEALTH

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Illinois Poison Center Celebrates 70 Years of Saving Lives

Photos courtesy of Aspen Dental®

Aspen Dental Introduces

Motto Smile Complete Club to Help Stranded SmileDirectClub Patients CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- Aspen Dental announced Motto Smile Complete Club to assist patients affected by the recent closure of SmileDirectClub. The special initiative aims to assist former SmileDirectClub patients by offering a seamless transition to Motto Clear Aligners with a $400 credit towards a MottoEssentialTM treatment plan.

Motto Clear Aligners, which are sold exclusively at Aspen Dental, offers patients the best of both worlds: doctor-driven care at an affordable price. With the credit, SmileDirectClub patients can now receive MottoEssentialTM treatment plan at participating offices for $1495.

“For more than 25 years, Aspen Dental’s primary concern has been the well-being of patients and eliminating the barriers that prevent millions of Americans from getting the oral health care they need,” said Sarah Sharfstein, Vice President of Commercialization at Aspen Dental. “We want to ensure all patients have access to quality, doctor-directed care despite the challenges posed by SmileDirectClub’s closure.

We are hoping to help thousands of patients complete their aligner treatment with a reliable and convenient solution available through a network of 1,000 Aspen Dental branded locations across the country.”

Patients interested in continuing their aligner treatment through the Smile Complete Club are encouraged to schedule a complimentary consultation at aspendental.com/mot-

toaligners to find the closest participating Aspen Dental location to them. Walk-ins are welcome, and patients will need to bring their current SmileDirectClub trays and treatment plan to their appointment. During the consultation, the dentist will assess each patient’s unique needs and create a customized treatment plan.

The custom treatment plan will ensure a smooth and successful transition using Motto Clear Aligners.

Through Smile Complete Club, patients are also eligible to receive a $400 credit towards a MottoEssentialTM treatment plan at participating offices. For patients that are interested in a retention solution, participating Aspen Dental offices are offering 25% off MottoRetainTM, which includes four sets of retainers and teeth whitening.

For more information about Smile Complete Club or to schedule an appointment, please visit aspendental.com/mottoaligners/ transfer/.

Aspen Dental® was founded in 1998 in New York by Bob Fontana with a simple goal in mind: to break down the barriers that doctors and patients face when it comes to dental care.

Today, more than 25 years later, with a network of 1,000+ Aspen Dental locations nationwide, the mission of the company remains the same – to bring better care to more people. Aspen Dental is the largest group of branded dental offices in the world. For more information, visit aspendental.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

CHICAGO – The Illinois Poison Center (IPC), the nation’s first poison center, is celebrating 70 years of protecting the health and safety of Illinoisans. Located in Chicago, IPC was established in 1953 in response to a growing number of pediatric poisonings, which were driven by the increased production of chemicals, drugs and household products that followed World War II. Today, IPC serves almost 13 million Illinois residents, the largest single population of any poison center in the country, and manages approximately 80,000 cases annually. In 2022, more than 20,000 cases came from hospitals, where medical professionals turned to IPC for specialized consultation services for patients. Poisonings managed

by IPC range from minor to severe, and can occur after exposure to medication, plants, household chemicals, automotive products, insect stings, lead, carbon monoxide and more.

IPC’s expert staff - comprised of specially trained pharmacists, nurses and physicians - provides free, confidential treatment advice and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A proclamation by Governor JB Pritzker commemorating IPC’s 70th anniversary and recognizing the achievements of IPC’s “dedicated workers, past and present” can be found here.

“We are proud of the work we are doing to prevent poisonings, provide emergency treatment advice, saves lives and reduce healthcare costs across the state,” said IPC Medical Director Michael Wahl, M.D. “Over the years, IPC has managed millions of poisoning exposure and information cases, provided intensive toxicology training for thousands of Illinois student healthcare professionals, and educated the public on how to prevent exposures to potentially harmful substances.”

Since 2000, IPC has managed more than 2 million exposure and information cases, including more than 820,000 cases involving children 5 and under. IPC data shows among the exposure cases, 79% were unintentional and approximately 18% were attributed to intentional exposures led by suicidal intent. As a result of IPC’s work within this timeframe, it is estimated nearly $1 billion of unnecessary healthcare was prevented.

In 2005, IPC launched its free Poison Prevention Education Course. More than 30,000 individuals from all 102 Illinois counties have completed the course so far. IPC staff have also held more than 22,000 public education events, reaching more than 2.8 million Illinois residents since 2005. IPC’s “My Child Ate…” online resource, which launched in 2012, has received more than 3.5 million views.

Over the years, IPC has also been instrumental in ensuring the safety of Illinoisans during various public health emergencies, including the nationwide panic following deaths associated with Tylenol contaminated with cyanide in 1982, the emergence of synthetic drugs, threats of bioterrorism after the September 11th attacks, the H1N1 influenza outbreak in 2009, and many other national and local incidents.

IPC staff and medical toxicologists have co-authored innovative studies. Earlier this year, IPC research and data were included in a study titled, “Pediatric Edible Cannabis Exposures and Acute Toxicity: 2017–2021,” which analyzed National Poison Data System data for pediatric exposures to edible cannabis products in children ages 5 and younger between 2017 - 2021.

Calls to the IPC helpline (1-800-222-1222) are free and confidential. IPC experts are available to provide information and treatment advice 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, including holidays. To visit IPC’s website, click here.

In the 1950s, when managing a poisoning, many healthcare professionals turned to Louis Gdalman, director of the pharmacy at then-known St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago. Gdalman had developed a national reputation as an expert in managing acute and chronic poisoning, and he put this knowledge to use, answering questions from healthcare providers at any hour, day or night.

In 1953, Gdalman, in conjunction with the American Academy of Pediatrics, leveraged this expertise to establish the first poison center in the U.S. That operation has grown from a single phone at St. Luke’s into today’s Illinois Poison Center (IPC), which serves almost 13 million Illinois residents. Along with the medical science, IPC’s role, structure and services have expanded dramatically in the succeeding 70 years.

However, its mission remains the same: reducing the incidence and injury of poisoning in Illinois.

The Illinois Poison Center is a nonprofit health service that provides the people of Illinois with comprehensive and trusted information and treatment advice on potentially harmful substances via a free, confidential 24-hour helpline staffed by specially trained physicians, nurses and pharmacists.

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The Cost of Resiliency During Power Outages

5 tips to stay prepared ahead of storms (Family Features) Safeguarding your family, home and finances from disaster starts long before an extreme weather event occurs. When destructive storms challenge the electric grid’s reliability and cause loss of power for an extended period, many facets of everyday life are disrupted.

Unexpected power outages can impact vital communications, transportation and access to important businesses. It can also cause food spoilage or water contamination and prevent the use of medical devices. Protecting your loved ones and property starts with a plan.

“My family was without power for three days after a tornado touched down two blocks from our home,” said Matt Blashaw, licensed home building contractor, real estate agent and host of various HGTV shows. “I partner with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) because I realized the importance of not only having an emergency plan but the need for a reliable energy source, like propane, to power a standby generator to keep my family and home resilient. In addition to providing peace of mind, a propane standby generator could lower a homeowner’s insurance rate and simultaneously raise the home’s property value. It’s a win-win-win in my mind.”

According to PERC, the average homeowner will experience 3.5 power interruptions in a two-year period. Even short outages lasting less than four hours can cost homeowners an average of $1,250 in spoiled food, hotels, damaged electronics and more.

To avoid a financial burden caused by power outages, consider a reliable propane standby generator as a key part of resilient design. It allows a house to: • Resist hazards brought on by electric grid failures, such as spoiled food, loss of heat or air conditioning, hotel costs and more • Continue providing the primary function of a home – protection • Reduce the magnitude or duration of a disruptive event to a property and its impact on the homeowners While no amount of preparation can stop the forces of nature, planning ahead to manage blackouts can have a significant impact on you and your family. Consider these tips from Blashaw and the experts at PERC.

Make a Plan

Creating a plan that assesses the risks of the

region where you live and addresses potential disasters is a key step toward safety in an emergency.

Gather your family and discuss how you’ll receive emergency alerts, where you’ll shelter, how you’ll evacuate and how everyone should plan to communicate, if the need arises. Think through needs specific to your household such as ages of residents, critical medications, dietary needs, child care, pet care and more. Putting a plan in place means you and your loved ones can react quickly when time is of the essence.

Prepare Your Propane System

Regardless of what weather may be on the horizon, it’s important to ensure your propane tank is ready. Take a few minutes to know where the gas shutoff valve is located on your propane system in case the propane needs to be turned off in the event of an emergency. Call a propane professional to inspect the system before restoring it.

On average, a 500-gallon tank can hold enough propane to meet the annual energy needs of a single-family home. A local propane supplier will come to the home and fill the tank, providing energy for key appliances that use propane even if the fragile electric grid is down.

As the season transitions to winter, mark the tank with brightly colored stakes or flags that are higher than anticipated snow depth; this ensures propane personnel can always locate it during scheduled refills, even during the toughest condi-

tions.

Secure Doors and Windows

When storms and high winds are expected, one easy way to protect your home and family members is to secure all exterior doors and windows. Start by checking seals to keep out wind and water, which can cause damage. Secure outdoor furniture and trim vegetation like bushes and trees to avoid flying debris shattering windows during high winds.

Have a Backup Power Source

When the electric grid is interrupted, the loss of power can impact systems like smoke and fire detection, refrigeration, air conditioning and heating, and other health and safety equipment. When a homeowner purchases a backup standby generator, a licensed technician installs the unit outside the home and wires it to the home’s circuit breaker. When a power outage occurs, the generator automatically senses the disruption of service and starts the generator’s engine, which then delivers power to select appliances in the home in as little as 10 seconds after an outage.

Available in a variety of capacities to fit the needs of any size of home, propane backup generators are versatile and can power several major appliances throughout a home including lights, refrigeration, heating and cooling equipment and critical medical equipment. For homes that already operate on propane, consider running important systems and appliances like the furnace, water heater, stove and fireplace on propane.

The more appliances powered by propane, the smaller and less expensive your standby generator can be.

Plus, propane is environmentally friendly and won’t degrade over time like other fuel sources, ensuring the backup generator reliably powers your home to give you added peace of mind. As a low-carbon emissions energy source, propane is part of a wide path to achieving a low-carbon future. Its abundance, along with the growth of renewable propane, means propane can be used now and for generations to come.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Regardless of the emergency you’re facing, being prepared means stocking up on food, water and other supplies that can last your family multiple days. Although an emergency kit is largely a collection of basic household items, it’s important to have the kit packed, stored and secured ahead of potential disasters to save time and energy.

Some basics to pack include gallon jugs of water, non-perishable food, flashlights and extra batteries, smartphone chargers, sanitation supplies like trash bags and moist towelettes, a first-aid kit and basic tools. Also consider items based on individual needs like prescription medications, eyeglasses, essentials for infants and pet food.

Find more resilient storm preparedness solutions at Propane.com.

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South Suburban | Week of December 27, 2023

Classifieds MONEY

Tips to Lower Your Energy Costs This Winter PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Irina Tiumentseva / iStock via Getty Images Plus

ed the tax credit amounts and types of qualifying expenses available. Look for tax credits on items like new energy-efficient exterior doors, windows, central air conditioners, water heaters, furnaces, boilers and heat pumps.

5. Utilize electric technology.

Consider installing a smart thermostat, smart switches, or smart home devices for energyintensive household items like, lights and heating systems. Smart technology is designed to automatically adjust to your needs, helping you save energy and money.

During a long cold winter, energy-efficient technologies and updates can help you weather the season, for a cozier home and a lower-carbon future. ____________________________________

SERVICES/ HELP WANTED (StatePoint) The U.S. Department of Energy reports that low-income households face an energy burden – the portion of income spent on home energy costs – three times higher than other households, leading to tough budgeting decisions for many Americans.

Energy efficiency is an important way to tackle home energy costs and can also support sustainability. Knowing that these issues are important to their customers and communities, Wells Fargo contributed more than $19 million last year to nonprofits that aim to advance sustainability, including a $500,000 grant to the Beneficial Electrification League.

Whether your motivations are economic, sustainability-related or both, Keith Dennis, president of the Beneficial Electrification League, offers these smart tips to help you curb your energy consumption this winter:

1. Give energy-efficient holiday gifts. Leverage holiday spending on items that can help you save down the line by giving energy-efficient gifts to members of your household this holiday season. Look for gas alternative products like electric lawn tools, bikes and scooters, smart devices and appliances. Energy-efficient electric products offer good results, are often more cost efficient and support sustainability. Certain retrofits, updates and upgrades may even qualify your household for additional savings via a rebate, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

2. Request an energy audit of your home. With a home energy audit, you can obtain your Energy Star rating, important information regarding your energy usage, and identify sources of energy loss, which you can then take actions to correct.

Resources for obtaining a professional energy audit or conducting one yourself can be found at energy.gov.

3. Beat the peak. Ask your utility provider about discounted rates. Some offer cheaper rates during parts of the day when general usage is down — think early in the day or late at night. Strategically tackle your energy bills by doing laundry and other energy-intensive chores at off-peak times.

4. Take advantage of tax credits.

Making energy improvements to your home?

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 expand-

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LEGAL NOTICE

MISC.

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: Y23011261 on December 8, 2023. Under the Assumed Business name of RON PRODUCTIONS with the business located at: 840 W SUNNYSIDE APT 19 D, CHICAGO, IL 60640. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name AKIYA FINLEY Complete Address 840 W. SUNNYSIDE APT 19 D , CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60604, USA . _______________________________________

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Notice is hereby given, pursuant to "An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State," as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23011288 on December 18, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of KIERRA CHARDAY STOKES with the business located at: P.O. BOX 6084, CHICAGO, IL 60680 The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name STOKES KIERRA CHARDAY Complete Address 9138 SOUTH CARPENTER STREET CHICAGO, IL 60620, USA

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12 | South Suburban | Week of December 27, 2023

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