South Suburban Citizen 1-15-2020

Citizen Federal Appeals Court Reinstates NAACP Census Suit — Page 2 Week of Jan. 15, 2020

| Vol. 39 | No. 8 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SOUTH SUBURBAN

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CAMELOT GRANTS T CAUCUS FO LOST BOYZ

From Left: Dion Fox, Camelot Illinois Corporate Social Responsibility Manager; Lee Smith, Lost Boyz Inc. MVP Program Director; LaVonte Stewart Sr., Lost Boyz Inc. Executive Director; Keith Horton, Camelot Illinois Acting General Manager

Country Club Hills Alderman Ricardo Spivey (pictured) helped Krimson Technology Group obtain the location for its facility in Heritage Plaza. Photo credit: Tia Carol Jones

Camelot Illinois announced the fir Camelot Illinois Grant Program to initiatives that benefit communitie “As an Illinois company, we pla social responsibility and are dedic much-needed support to organiza a difference in our communities,” Acting General Manager Camelot our new grant program, we are ab impactful organizations like Chica Foundation and Lost Boyz to do g Illinois.”

Camelot Illinois awarded the C Foundation $25,000 in grant fund resources and opportunities throu Academy. The Leadership Academ generation of Latino leaders by pr essential tools and support needed create a talent pipeline to fulfill lea the public and private sectors.

“We are extremely proud and e part of the first wave of Camelot I recipients,” said 36th Ward Alderm Chairman of the Chicago Latino C “Our foundation has worked di and empower the Latino commun time when our city is facing many require bold and innovative leader forward.”

“We’ve accomplished so much i time,” said Sonia Del Real, Execut Chicago Latino Caucus Foundatio grant speaks to Camelot’s faith in

GROUP BRINGS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRAINING TO COUNTRY CLUB HILLS From Left: Dion Fox, Camelot Illinois Corporate Social Responsibility Manager; Sonia Del Real, Executive Director Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation; Alderman Gilbert Villegas of the 36th Ward, Chairman for the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation; Keith Horton, Camelot Illinois Acting General Manager

Krimson Technology Group, LLC, is training residents in the South Suburbs in information technology with the hope that people will be exposed to lucrative STEM jobs. PAGE 3

Give your backside a break: 4 tips if yo

HEALTH

(BPT) - Sitting is nearly impossible to avoid. Whether during your daily commute, working hard at your desk or watching your favorite TV show on the couch, sitting can provide relief and give you the opportunity to relax.

However, sitting for a long period of time can lead to some adverse health effects. According to a recent survey commissioned by Preparation H, 63% of Americans admit that staying seated for an extended period has resulted in butt pain or discomfort.

While sitting may be one of our favorite positions, the following tips will help you diminish the harmful, but common, side effects of sitting and highlight how6to give PAGE 4 PAGE your backside the break it deserves.

1. Move bad posture out of the way 2. Improve poor circulation Sitting down at a desk for eight hours at work each day is advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com thechicagocitizen@thechicagocitiz www.facebook.com/durrell.garth.9 www.citizennewspapergroup.com Let's face it - we all want to get home, kick off ou common for many professions, in addition to sitting during lost in our couch cushions for the rest of the night. H the commute to the office. For many, this is the preferred for too long causes your blood to remain in your fee position, as one in four employed Americans would not due to lack of movement, causing your body's circu

UNO Pizzeria & Grill Expands “Love All, Feed All” Menu with the Introduction of New 600-Calories-orLess Pizzas PAGE 2

BUSINESS

NEWS

Debunking new home myths: Erie Insurance survey reveals what’s hot and what’s not in new homes

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Give your backside a break: 4 tips if you sit for extended periods

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NEWS briefly EDUCATION

ILLINOIS BIODIVERSITY FIELD TRIP GRANTS Teachers in Illinois can apply now for the annual Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant program. Funding for the program is donated by the Independence Tube Corporation in Bedford Park, the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation in Skokie, the D. F. and M. T. Grohne Family Foundation in Wilmington and the Illinois Conservation Foundation.

Application details for these nature field trip grants are online at https://bit.ly/35enXt8 The application deadline is Jan. 31.

HEALTH

UNO Menu Item (available 1/14): Vegetarian Cheeseburger Pizza – featuring plant-based Beyond Burger, cheddar, mozzarella, ketchup, mustard, pickles and onions. 590 calories.

UNO PIZZERIA & GRILL EXPANDS “LOVE ALL, FEED ALL” MENU WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW 600-CALORIES-OR-LESS PIZZAS On the heels of a successful “Love All, Feed All” menu launch this fall, UNO Pizzeria & Grill recently announced the expansion of its popular 600-calories-or-less pizza offerings.

“With so much excitement around our all-inclusive ‘Love All, Feed All’ menu and its 600-calories-or-less pizzas, we want to roll into 2020 with the introduction of even more unexpected options,” said Jim Ilaria, CEO of UNO Pizzeria & Grill. “Whether you come to UNO for the deep dish pizza that made us famous or for a new 600-calories-or-less pizza while sticking to your New Year’s resolutions, you can be sure you’ll have enough delicious options to satisfy the whole family.” To view the “Love All, Feed All” menu, learn more and find UNO locations, please visit www.unos.com/love.

LAW & POLITICS

ERA FIGHT IN ILLINOIS The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) battles in Illinois were the subject of a talk on Wednesday, Jan. 8 by Dr. Mark DePue, director of Oral History at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. Titled “An Unlikely Defeat: The ERA Fight in Illinois,” the program was held at the Illinois State Museum’s Thorne Deuel Auditorium in Springfield. In his talk, DePue featured the stories of those who participated in the ERA struggle in Illinois and whose voices are recorded as part of the Oral History Program at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Each month, the ISM Paul Mickey Learning Series features a different speaker and topic.

For additional information, contact events@ illinoisstatemuseum.org or 217-558-6696.

US Census Bureau Population Regions

Federal Appeals Court Reinstates NAACP Census Suit The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Prince George’s County, Maryland, and other plaintiffs won an important appeals court ruling recently, which reinstates their federal suit challenging the federal government’s inadequate plans for conducting the 2020 Census after the district court erroneously dismissed it.

The ruling will aid efforts to ensure that the 2020 Census properly counts all people, including historically undercounted communities of color, who are at risk of being missed under the Census Bureau’s current plans.

“Mindful of the Supreme Court’s recent guidance affirming judicial review of ‘both constitutional and statutory challenges to census-related decision-making’ . . ., we conclude that the district court erred in dismissing the plaintiffs’ Enumeration Clause claims as unripe,” a unanimous three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit wrote in an opinion authored by Judge Barbara Keenan on December 19, 2019.

The Court directed the District Court to expeditiously proceed with the plaintiffs’ claims under the Enumeration Clause.

Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory added in a concurring opinion: “If Congress is in violation of the Enumeration Clause’s mandate, it cannot take refuge behind the fig leaf of deference to administrative procedure. Nothing is more existential to the preservation of the ‘Republic’ than requiring an ‘actual Enumeration’ without ‘partiality or oppression.’”

The suit, NAACP et al. v. Bureau of the Census, was filed in March 2018. Plaintiffs allege that the Bureau’s deficient plans for the 2020 Census will lead to an undercount of commu-

nities of color, leading to decreased political representation and diminished allocations of federal funding for plaintiffs. The suit seeks to ensure the government fulfills its legal obligations to enumerate the entire population.

“Today’s decision moves us closer to our goal of ensuring that African Americans and other historically undercounted communities are fairly and accurately counted in the 2020 census, a necessary predicate to equal representation in Congress and state legislative bodies,” said NAACP General Counsel Bradford M. Berry. “An accurate count will also ensure that traditionally underserved communities receive their fair share of the billions spent each year on federal program payments in such critically important areas as education, transportation, and health care,” said Berry.

The Department of Commerce, according to a press release, is putting hard-to-count populations at risk of a severe undercount in 2020 by slashing field infrastructure, drastically cutting the resources dedicated to community outreach and advertising, and reducing follow up with individuals who do not initially respond to the census questionnaire.

“The government’s decisions about the 2020 Census will have a deep impact on racial inequality over the next 10 years and beyond,” said Robert Ross, president of the Prince George’s County NAACP Branch, which is also a plaintiff in the suit. “By cutting key programs and resources meant to ensure that traditionally neglected communities are properly counted, the government is perpetuating a cycle of political and financial disempowerment.”

“This is a critical step for Prince George’s County, and other traditionally undercounted

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communities, as we work to ensure that we have the resources and opportunity to achieve a complete count in 2020,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.

“As a result of the undercount during the 2010 Census, our County lost out on approximately $363 million in federal funding; money that goes to help us fund schools, infrastructure and healthcare. We are now closer to ensuring that Prince George’s County and other traditionally undercounted communities receive the public resources and political representation they are due.”

The proceedings before the Fourth Circuit stemmed from an appeal by the plaintiffs. In opinions in January and August 2019, Judge Paul W. Grimm of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland dismissed plaintiffs’ case. The Fourth Circuit reversed Judge Grimm’s decisions and reinstated the plaintiffs’ constitutional claims, while affirming the dismissal of their separate claims under the Administrative Procedure Act. “This ruling provides hope that some of the decisions that will undercount communities of color can be redressed in time for the 2020 Census,” said Rachel Brown ’20, a law student intern with the Yale Law School Peter Gruber Rule of Law Clinic. Brown argued the appeal together with Jessica Ring Amunson of Jenner & Block LLP, co-counsel for the plaintiffs. “This decision gets us closer to a more just 2020 Census and shines a light on the critical issues at stake in the decennial census,” added Amunson.

The Peter Gruber Rule of Law Clinic at Yale Law School, Jenner & Block, and the NAACP Office of the General Counsel represent the plaintiffs.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Jan. 15, 2020

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NEWS

Group brings information technology training to Country Club Hills Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Krimson Technology Group, LLC, is training residents in the South Suburbs in information technology with the hope that people will be exposed to lucrative STEM jobs.

The program began in 2016, when Bill Owens and his partner met with Country Club Hills Alderman Ricardo Spivey.

Spivey and Owens identified an area where the program could have a greater impact.

Spivey located a space in the Heritage Plaza where the program could be housed and helped secure the facility.

“We thought Country Club Hills demographics met our target market,” Spivey said.

He added what made the suburb a target market was the racial makeup and the median household income.

The program provides coding and programming training, cybersecurity, IT specialist and IT Project Management training. Peo-

ple involved in the program include career changers and unemployed residents who live in Country Club Hills. Training is also available to other residents living in the rest of the South Suburbs.

“We hope the Katalyst Cohort program becomes an anchor on the south side of Chicago and south suburbs to provide a way to bridge the technology gap that exist for urban communities,” Spivey said. “The program has already certified a handful of Country Club Hills residents who have also found gainful employment. We believe the program is and will continue to be a catalyst for new entrepreneurs and new technology professionals in Country Club Hills.”

There is also the Katalyst Kohort Program, which is a partnership with the Safer Foundation. It focuses on returning citizens who were formerly incarcerated.

“We’ve had people ages 21-62 in our program who have no college education, they have gone through our program, started their own

businesses and gotten gainfully employed,” Owens said.

He added seven people who have completed the program at the Country Club Hills facility work as trainers. Someone from Spivey’s ward helped build Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry’s website.

There are currently 16 people in the program. Trainees are able to participate in on-site hack-a-thons, as well as mock Ransomware attacks. Students are also able to run their businesses from the site.

With cybersecurity and Cloud + training set to begin soon, Owens said there is something that distinguishes the program.

“What makes us different is the students go through the training and do a capstone, where we bring out African-American and Latinx professionals,” he said. “At the end of each cohort session, students are given a mock situation.”

Students cannot complete the program without doing a presentation and answering questions from the executive. Owens said it is

imperative to the program that trainees also have good communication skills.

Owens said the group is looking for a much larger site but would still like to keep the Heritage Plaza facility.

“We really want to have a facility with four classrooms and have more community interactions,” he said.

Owens said while the group has worked with a lot of political servants, he counts Spivey and Lowry as great supporters.

“Country Club Hills and the 3rd District of Cook County have been true partners. They’ve invested their time. To have political leaders who truly care is great,” he said.

There is also a training facility on 99th and Halsted and the ability to do pop-up sites for training.

“Students are not just coming here and learning, they’re getting a shot,” Owens said.

For more information about Krimson Technology Group, LLC, visit www.krimsongroup. com.

Young Children Receiving Housing Vouchers Had Lower Hospital Spending Into Adulthood Young children whose household received a housing voucher were admitted to the hospital fewer times and incurred lower hospital costs in the subsequent two decades than children whose households did not receive housing vouchers, according to a new study from researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

The study was recently published online in JAMA. The findings, which tracked hospitalizations over time after households participated in a voucher program, are potentially relevant for the approximately four million children living in low-income households receiving Housing and Urban Development assistance, the researchers say.

The study found that children age 12 or under whose household received a housing voucher had 27 percent lower spending on hospitalizations—nearly $200 per year—than children whose household did not receive a housing voucher.

Children 12 or younger whose family received a housing voucher were hospitalized 18 percent less than children whose family did not during the follow-up period. Mov-

ing to a lower-poverty neighborhood was linked with lower health care spending and fewer hospital admissions for younger children.

The study did not find comparable savings or fewer hospitalizations in older children or in adults whose households received housing vouchers to move to lower-poverty neighborhoods.

The study used data collected by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in an experimental program—the Moving To Opportunity for Fair Housing Demonstration Project—that gave low-income families living in public housing the chance to move with a housing voucher. Researchers linked households with insurance and hospital data representing 11 years to 21 years after enrollment in the program.

“While the long-term financial benefits of helping young children move out of high-poverty neighborhoods has increasingly been recognized, these findings underscore the potentially significant health impacts,” says lead author Craig Evan Pollack, MD, associate professor in the Bloomberg School’s Department of Health Policy and Management.

“The fact that we see lower hospital

spending over such a long follow-up period suggests the enduring importance of helping young children live in opportunity neighborhoods.”

The Moving to Opportunity for Fair Housing Demonstration Project enrolled 4,604 families living in public housing developments or in high-poverty neighborhoods in Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York from 1994 to 1998. Families were randomly selected to 1) receive a housing voucher that needed to be used in a low-poverty neighborhood, 2) receive a housing voucher without neighborhood restrictions, or 3) were assigned to a control group.

The study sample focused on 4,072 adults and 9,118 children ages 18 years or younger at the time of receiving the housing voucher. Children under 18 were then divided by age, 13 years and older and 12 and under, and by gender. Households were followed up to 21 years after enrolling in the Moving to Opportunity for Fair Housing Demonstration Project.

Researchers linked participants to hospital discharge and Medicaid data to evaluate the association of housing vouchers with hospital utilization and spending among www.citizennewspapergroup.com

children and adults from 1995 to 2015, depending on city and health records. The study focused on the number of annual hospitalizations, the number of inpatient hospital days per year, and total annual hospital spending for adults, children under 18, and children under 13.

Researchers found that children under 18 whose family received a housing voucher had an 18 percent reduction in annual hospital spending compared to children who did not receive a housing voucher ($633 dollars compared to $785).

They also found that there was a 15 percent lower rate of hospitalizations for children under 18 who received a housing voucher. For every 10 percentage point reduction in neighborhood poverty—e.g., moving from a neighborhood where 40 percent of the households lived below the poverty line to one with 30 percent below the poverty line—households, on average, spent $152 less per year in the hospital on children under 18.

There were no significant associations with rates of hospitalizations, number of hospital days, or annual spending in adults.

On average, adults were 32 years old at the time they received a hous-

ing voucher. Sixty-four percent were black, and 32 percent were Hispanic.

About a quarter of the adult study sample were employed and about a third (37 percent) had a high school diploma. Children were 8 years old on average at the time the household received a housing voucher.

Sixty-five percent identified as black and approximately 31 percent were Hispanic.

“Reducing the level of poverty that children are exposed to in the neighborhoods where they grow up may be one way to lower health care costs,” explains Pollack. “Housing policies should take into account the potential implications for health care use over the long run.”

The study was supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Hopkins Population Research Center, and the Johns Hopkins Division of General Internal Medicine.

“Association of Receipt of a Housing Voucher with Subsequent Hospital Utilization and Spending” was written by Craig E. Pollack, Amanda L. Blackford, Shawn Du, Stefanie Deluca, Rachel L. J. Thornton, and Bradley Herring.

4 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Jan. 15, 2020

BUSINESS

Debunking new home myths: Erie Insurance survey reveals what’s hot and what’s not in new homes Think granite countertops are passé? Think again – they’re almost twice as preferred as quartz.

That’s just one of the findings of a national survey of U.S. homeowners conducted on behalf of Erie Insurance. Erie Insurance commissioned the survey to gain fresh insights about homeowner preferences on a wide range of topics including design and finish preferences, aging in place design features, technology, energy efficiency and more.

There’s been some buzz over the past few years about the rising popularity of quartz, but the Erie Insurance survey found granite is still the preferred choice. When homeowners were asked which countertop material they would want if building a new home today, 40% said they would definitely want granite, compared with only 23% who said they would definitely want quartz.

“As a company in the business of protecting people’s homes and belongings, we’re always looking around the corner to see what’s next so that we can continue to meet the needs of today’s homeowners,” said Bob Buckel, vice president, Erie Insurance.

“One of the key takeaways from our perspective is that homeowners would benefit by talking with their insurance agent to make sure

Think you know the latest trends and what homeowners love in their homes? Think again!

they have the proper coverage,” said Buckel. “For many people, their home is their single biggest financial investment, and the last thing they would want is to find out too late that they don’t have enough coverage to rebuild it.”

Some of the other survey findings include: l Freestanding soaking tubs are seen as a hot trend, but only a fifth of homeowners (21%) would definitely want a soaking tub if they were building a new house today, compared with 34%

who definitely would not. But almost half (45%) are on the fence, saying they might want one. l You’d think the convenience of having two sinks in the master bath would be a no-brainer but that’s not the case. While more than half of homeowners (54%) would definitely want two sinks, a fair number are undecided (33% might want them), and 13% definitely would not want them. l The U.S Census Bureau projects older adults to outnumber children by 2035.

The survey asked about universal design elements and found only about a quarter of all respondents (26%) would definitely want universal design features. The percentage is only somewhat higher (34%) among homeowners between the ages of 51 and 60.

When asked to write in what they would want in a new home, features ran the gamut from the practical to the luxurious. Some wanted more storage space and extra rooms, while others wanted luxuries like heated floors and heated driveways. Some were looking for spa-like features such as saunas, tanning beds and relaxation rooms. One person wanted a koi pond while another wanted a wine cellar. Two wanted safe rooms. One wanted a feature that’s probably not available for sale from any new home builder: an in-house chef!

IDOR Reminds Illinois Businesses of Minimum Wage Tax Credit Available This Year The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is reminding small businesses they can now utilize the Minimum Wage Credit, which became effective on January 1, 2020.

The new tax credit is designed to help small businesses offset the state’s minimum wage rate that will gradually increase to $15 an hour over the next six years. Businesses can claim now the credit on their quarterly Illinois Withholding Income Tax Returns.

“Illinois small businesses should take advantage of this tax credit,” said acting director David Harris.

“Raising the wage for hardworking Illinois families was one of Governor Pritzker’s top priorities and he worked to ensure that small businesses and nonprofits remain competitive during the transition period. Along with a new capital bill and tax credits for apprenticeship programs and research investments, this measure will help fulfill this administration’s goal of fostering an environment that will grow jobs and reward hardworking families.”

This year, businesses and www.citizennewspapergroup.com

nonprofits with 50 full-time equivalent employees or less are eligible to offset a portion of the minimum wage increase cost from their withholding income taxes. The maximum credit amount allowed is 25 percent of the difference between the new minimum wage and what each employee was paid previously. The percentage allowed each proceeding year will decrease before sunsetting in 2026 for most small businesses. Eligible businesses can claim this credit by filing Form IL-941, Illinois Withholding Income Tax Return, and a new schedule.

Illinois’ minimum wage was last raised in 2010 (to $8.25).

Raising the wage to $15 an hour is estimated to impact 1.4 million Illinoisans, according to the Illinois Economic Policy Institute at the University of Illinois.

Visit IDOR’s website tax.illinois. gov for information on how to calculate this credit, as well as additional resources, including IDOR’s withholding income tax Information Bulletin FY2020-13 and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Jan. 15, 2020

If it were up to me, we’d have all the healthcare we need.

The 2020 Census informs funding for walk-in clinics, Medicare and all types of health services. Rest assured your answers are safe and secure.

Learn more at:

2020CENSUS.GOV Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau.

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NEWS

CAMELOT ILLINOIS AWARDS GRANTS TO CHICAGO LATINO CAUCUS FOUNDATION AND LOST BOYZ INC.

From Left: Dion Fox, Camelot Illinois Corporate Social Responsibility Manager; Lee Smith, Lost Boyz Inc. MVP Program Director; LaVonte Stewart Sr., Lost Boyz Inc. Executive Director; Keith Horton, Camelot Illinois Acting General Manager

From Left: Dion Fox, Camelot Illinois Corporate Social Responsibility Manager; Sonia Del Real, Executive Director Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation; Alderman Gilbert Villegas of the 36th Ward, Chairman for the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation; Keith Horton, Camelot Illinois Acting General Manager

Camelot Illinois announced the first recipients of the Camelot Illinois Grant Program to help fund non-profit initiatives that benefit communities across the State.

“As an Illinois company, we place great emphasis on social responsibility and are dedicated to providing much-needed support to organizations that are making a difference in our communities,” said Keith Horton, Acting General Manager Camelot Illinois. “Through our new grant program, we are able to partner with impactful organizations like Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation and Lost Boyz to do good for the people of Illinois.”

Camelot Illinois awarded the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation $25,000 in grant funds to help provide resources and opportunities through its Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy guides the next generation of Latino leaders by providing them with essential tools and support needed for success and helps create a talent pipeline to fulfill leadership gaps in both the public and private sectors.

“We are extremely proud and excited to have been part of the first wave of Camelot Illinois grant recipients,” said 36th Ward Alderman Gilbert Villegas, Chairman of the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation.

“Our foundation has worked diligently to mobilize and empower the Latino community, particularly at a time when our city is facing many challenges that require bold and innovative leadership to move us forward.”

“We’ve accomplished so much in a short period of time,” said Sonia Del Real, Executive Director of the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation. “Receiving this grant speaks to Camelot’s faith in our program’s ability

to have a measurable impact within the Latino community.”

Lost Boyz Inc. was also awarded a grant of $20,000 to support the organization’s efforts to address the social and emotional needs of Chicago’s youth boys and girls through organized sports and mentorship.

Lost Boyz Inc. uses the benefits of team sports as a foundation, with additional services providing opportunities to improve academic performance, develop personal relationships and sense of community, experience cultural enrichment and participate in rewarding social recreation.

"Lost Boyz is extremely grateful to be a recipient of Camelot Illinois' grant program,” said LaVonte Stewart, Founder and Executive Director of Lost Boyz Inc. “This support will further enhance our ability to positively impact the lives of children on Chicago's south and west sides. ” The Camelot Illinois Grant Program was launched in July 2019, and awards grants to eligible non-profit organizations four times per year. Annual grant reviews take place in January, April, July and October.

Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000+ and will be used to fund programs that: 1.

Foster educational opportunities 2.

Support technology initiatives 3.

Promote community and neighborhood development.

Interested applicants can find out how to apply and obtain more information about the Camelot Illinois Grant Program at www.camelotillinois.com.

Give your backside a break: 4 tips if you sit for extended periods (BPT) - Sitting is nearly impossible to avoid. Whether during your daily commute, working hard at your desk or watching your favorite TV show on the couch, sitting can provide relief and give you the opportunity to relax.

However, sitting for a long period of time can lead to some adverse health effects. According to a recent survey commissioned by Preparation H, 63% of Americans admit that staying seated for an extended period has resulted in butt pain or discomfort.

While sitting may be one of our favorite positions, the following tips will help you diminish the harmful, but common, side effects of sitting and highlight how to give your backside the break it deserves.

1. Move bad posture out of the way Sitting down at a desk for eight hours at work each day is common for many professions, in addition to sitting during the commute to the office. For many, this is the preferred position, as one in four employed Americans would not show up to work if they could not sit down the entire time.

However, sitting can have significant effects on our backs and spines, causing pain and discomfort. To avoid bad posture and a stiff neck or back, take a quick walk around the office, find a longer route to the water cooler or grab a coworker for a few laps around the parking lot during lunch.

If your office allows it, opt for a standing desk to get you off your butt and onto your feet.

ultimately contribute to the causes of hemorrhoid flareups, like constipation and straining. When hemorrhoids do strike, Preparation H is the #1 doctor-recommended OTC hemorrhoid brand formulated to soothe, cool, cleanse and care for your backside. To help shorten the time spent on the toilet, avoid digital distractions, like your phone, that can lead to spending extended time sitting in the bathroom.

2. Improve poor circulation Let's face it - we all want to get home, kick off our shoes and get lost in our couch cushions for the rest of the night. However, sitting for too long causes your blood to remain in your feet and lower legs due to lack of movement, causing your body's circulation to slow down and resulting in numbness and tingling. To break up your sitting marathon, try to perform a few simple bodyweight exercises during commercial breaks or use the time to get up and tidy your living room space.

3. Leave backside discomfort in the past Everyone uses the bathroom throughout the day, but some may spend a little too much time on the porcelain throne. The time spent sitting, as well as the habits associated with the activity, can www.citizennewspapergroup.com

4. Bring the power back to your brain Your physical health isn't the only thing suffering from sitting - your mental health is affected as well.

Sitting for extended periods can slow down brain function, leading to memory loss and a foggy brain feeling. If you're feeling distracted or can't seem to accomplish a task at hand, try getting up and going for a quick walk to help improve concentration and keep blood flowing to your brain so the next big idea is right around the corner.

Whether it's getting in an extra couple of steps or banishing your phone from the bathroom, these small changes can be beneficial in reducing the negative effects of staying seated for too long. Sitting will inevitably be a part of your day, but by implementing these tips, you can give yourself a pat on the back for putting your health first.

For more information on hemorrhoid relief, visit preparationh.com.

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Celebrating The Birthday of The Dreamer . . .

1929-1968

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CLASSIFIEDS our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook

shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 EMail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-05959 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019 CH 07880 TJSC#: 39-7257 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2019 CH 07880 I3141967 ________________________________________

TRAINING/EDUCATION

REAL ESTATE AC1-1-2020 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DITECH FINANCIAL LLC F/K/A GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC Plaintiff,-v.-KIMBERLY M. LUCKETT-PERRY, ISLANDER CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF BLUE ISLAND Defendants 2019 CH 05787 1950 CANAL ST UNIT 3 C BLUE ISLAND, IL 60406 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 22, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 3, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1950 CANAL ST UNIT 3 C, BLUE ISLAND, IL 60406 Property Index No. 25-31-426-024-1023 The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into

County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 EMail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-04018 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019 CH 05787 TJSC#: 39-7143 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2019 CH 05787 I3141282 ________________________________________ AC 1-8-2020 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION M&T BANK Plaintiff, -v.- ANDREA FLEMING, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, STATE OF ILLINOIS - DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE Defendants 2019 CH 07880 1116 W VERMONT ST CALUMET PARK, IL 60827 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 4, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 7, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:Commonly known as 1116 W VERMONT ST, CALUMET PARK, IL 60827 Property Index No. 25-32-217-061-0000 The real estate is improved with a residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States

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LEGAL NOTICE 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: Y20002914 on January 8, 2020. Under the Assumed Business Name of QUE OIL with the business locataed at: 1462 W. 115th STREET, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60643. The true and real full name (s) and residence address of the owner (s)/partner (s) is: MARVIN MCNEIL, 8153 S. GREEN STREET, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60620, USA ________________________________________

HELP WANTED JOB OFFER PERSONAL CAREGIVER ASSISTANT POSTION MUST HAVE DRIVER’S LICENSE CALL (773) 233-5678 ASK FOR PAUL CALL AFTER 6:00 P.M. _______________________________________

SAFETY / HOME TIPS 5 carbon monoxide safety tips

(BPT) - Along with the cold temperatures, snow and ice, winter also brings unpredictable dangers, including the threat of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, CO poisoning is the number one cause of accidental poisonings in the U.S. Referred to as the "silent killer," CO is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that can only be detected with a CO alarm.

"As temperatures dip and we crank up the heat, it is important to make sure your home is equipped with the adequate number of working CO alarms," said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert. "Proper placement and maintenance of CO

alarms can potentially save the lives of you and your loved ones."

Every year, CO poisoning takes the lives of over 400 people, while an additional 50,000 people are treated for it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - and half of these deaths occur between November and February.

Here are 5 ways to ensure you are practicing CO safety this winter: Check your alarms. Be sure to check all carbon monoxide alarms in your home by testing them regularly and replacing the batteries at least twice each year. Generally, CO alarms should be replaced every five to seven years. However, newer CO alarm models, such as the First Alert 10-Year CO Alarm, now offer a lifespan of 10 years, allowing you to rest easy without having to worry about changing the batteries every six months. CO alarms should be installed on every floor, including the basement, and in or near every sleeping area of the home.

Warm up your car outside. Do not attempt to warm up your car or leave your car running inside of the garage, even if the garage door is open.

Garages are a common source of carbon monoxide, and in the case of attached garages, these fumes can leak into the home. Other common sources of CO include, but are not limited to, heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, appliances or cooking sources using coal, wood, petroleum products or other fuels that emit CO as a by-product of combustion.

Ensure proper ventilation. The kitchen stove is among the most frequent sources of CO poisoning in the home. To help eliminate the danger of overexposure, always run exhaust fans when cooking and periodically open a nearby window when using the oven or stove to allow fresh air to circulate. Never use the stove to heat your home.

Maintain fuel-burning appliances. Have a professional inspect any fuel-burning appliances throughout the home each season. This includes furnaces, water heaters, ovens and dryers, as carbon monoxide can leak from any fuel-burning device. If using a fireplace to heat your home, make sure your flue is open and have your chimney checked and cleaned each year by a professional.

Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. Because you can't see or smell carbon monoxide, you might not recognize the symptoms of CO poisoning, as they can be confused with common cold and flu symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, chest pain and vomiting. If a CO alarm sounds or symptoms appear, exit the home immediately and call 911.

To learn more about how to keep your home safe, visit FirstAlert.com. ________________________________________

6 ways to turn your home into a natural oasis (BPT) - As the year comes to an end, many people make resolutions to start the New Year strong. This might mean ramping up your workout routine, increasing your self-care regimen or finding time to de-stress.

The EPA reports we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, but most people feel that spending time in nature has a positive effect on their mental well-being and stress level, according to a recent YouGov study commissioned by VELUX. So, if your goal is to de-stress, here are some healthy behaviors and design tips to help you bring nature's sanctuary indoors.

Fill your home with photos of nature Surrounding yourself with images of nature can have a positive effect on wellness. Try framing some photos of special memories in nature like a hike with your family, beach sunset or mountain view.

Let in more fresh air and natural light Today's homes are built tighter and more sealed, which means they trap toxins from daily living such as cooking, cleaning, pets and more - inside.

Adding skylights that can open is a simple home renovation project to improve fresh air flow, helping rid indoor air of pollutants. Additionally, studies show that exposure to natural light helps to sync your circadian rhythm, allowing for better sleep at night.

Fill your home with natural scents Up your chef game by using fresh herbs in your cooking that will fill your kitchen with natural fragrance. Making an indoor herb garden ensures you'll always have some on hand. You can also incorporate fresh herbs into bouquets or wreaths for a natural air freshener throughout your home.

Meditate or do yoga in the morning Waking up with stretching or meditating is a great way to prepare yourself for a successful day.

Open the blinds or curtains on your windows and skylights to let in early morning light and help you feel invigorated and refreshed.

Go green with your décor Reap the benefits of nature by bringing it inside, adding greenery or even fruit into your décor. The possibilities are endless - use a bowl of fresh fruit as a centerpiece or mix different sizes of pots to create a succulent gallery. Little touches of green in each room will go a long way.

Use natural cleaning products Many common cleaning products have harsh chemicals that can be inhaled or absorbed into your skin. Combat the dangers of these toxins by switching to natural cleaning products. You'll feel safer and more relaxed when your home is chemical-free.

From boosting your home's natural light to going green and adding plant life, it's easy to turn your home into a natural oasis with these simple steps.

For more information, visit whyskylights.com.

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12 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Jan. 15, 2020

JANUARY 20, 2020

We honor the

LIFE & LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

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