South Suburban Citizen 05-12-2021

Y O U R S O U R C E F O R C O R O N AV I R U S N E W S

Citizen Week of May 12, 2021

| Vol. 40 | No. 25 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SOUTH SUBURBAN

New Scholarship from Stride, Inc. Puts College Within Reach for More Black Students

Markham Mayor Roger Agpawa is fighting a Illinois Appellate Court decision that he is ineligible to hold office because of a mail fraud conviction in the 1990s.

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100 Black Men of America, Inc. Announce Virtual 35th Anniversary Conference Page 5

RV Rental Bookings are up 846% in April with a Promising Summer Season Ahead Page 7

AGPAWA SAYS NEXT STEPS INCLUDE TAKING HIS FIGHT TO THE ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT Roger Agpawa won the April 6 mayoral election in the city of Markham. But recently, the Illinois Appellate Court ruled he’s ineligible to hold municipal office based on a mail fraud conviction. PAGE 2

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NEWS briefly EDUCATION DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AWARD NAMED IN HONOR OF DR. BARBARA ROSS-LEE The ACGME recently announced that its Diversity and Inclusion Award will now be known as the Barbara RossLee, DO Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award in honor of Dr. Ross-Lee’s illustrious career, contributions to graduate medical education (GME), and expertise in health policy.

In 1993, Dr. Ross-Lee became the first African American female dean of a United States medical school when she accepted the position at Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is currently the President Elect of the American Osteopathic Foundation.

The award recognizes ACGME-accredited Sponsoring Institutions, programs, or specialty organizations working to diversify the underrepresented physician workforce and create inclusive workplaces that foster humane, civil, and equitable environments.

The ACGME is a private, non-profit, professional organization responsible for the accreditation of over 12,000 residency and fellowship programs and the approximately 865 institutions that sponsor these programs in the United States. For more information, visit https:// www.acgme.org

HEALTH

MORE THAN 4 IN 10 AMERICANS BREATHE UNHEALTHY AIR, PEOPLE OF COLOR 3 TIMES AS LIKELY TO LIVE IN MOST POLLUTED PLACES A new report from the American Lung Association finds more than 4 in 10 people (135 million) in the U.S. live with polluted air, placing their health and lives at risk. The 22nd annual “State of the Air” report shows that people of color were 61% more likely to live in a county with unhealthy air than white people, and three times more likely to live in a county that failed all three air quality grades. While the report finds some improvements in the nation’s air quality, according to a press release, in many parts of the country, climate change is making air quality worse.

“This report shines a spotlight on the urgent need to curb climate change, clean up air pollution and advance environmental justice,” said American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer. “The nation has a real opportunity to address all three at once – and to do that, we must center on health and health equity as we move away from combustion and fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy.”

LAW & POLITICS

OVER 400,000 VIEWERS TUNE-IN TO COURT TV FOR CHAUVIN TRIAL VERDICT More than 400,000 viewers – the most since the network relaunched - tuned into Court TV to watch the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial on April 20.

April 20 was the most-watched day since Court TV was rebooted in May 2019 with increases as high as +10 times the pre-Chauvin trial time period average. The network’s trial coverage itself was up more than +330 percent. In terms of streaming viewing, Court TV was up more than 20 times for the trial and more than 40 times for the verdict versus the pre-trial average.

Forty-six-year-old African American George Floyd was killed on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis while being arrested for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. Footage showing Minneapolis police officer Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck while three police colleagues looked on, went viral on social media and sparked a global movement protesting against police brutality and racism. Chauvin was tried separately and was found guilty on all charges: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The three other officers, charged with aiding and abetting murder, will be tried later this year; Court TV will air the trial.

Agpawa says next steps include taking his fight to the Illinois Supreme Court Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Roger Agpawa won the April 6 mayoral election in the city of Markham.

But recently, the Illinois Appellate Court ruled he’s ineligible to hold municipal office based on a mail fraud conviction.

Agpawa is a longtime Markham resident who has been the fire chief in Country Club Hills and who was the first Black fire chief in Markham. He also ran for alderman in Markham in 1995 and in 2017, he became more involved in politics.

Having lived in Markham since the 1960s, he said he saw the downturn of the community throughout the years, adding he wanted to be a part of the solution, which prompted him to run for mayor.

He said, he feels there’s some disenfranchisement when it comes to returning citizens, adding he was on probation for three years, did 200 community

service hours and paid $20,000 back.

“I made the mistake, but I also paid it back. I paid it back with my life. I certainly paid it back with my name. I destroyed my name in some places and had to rebuild it in the community,” he said. “At the time, I felt that constitutionally, I had a right to run. I should’ve not had to serve a life sentence and not be able to serve my community.”

Agpawa said he was going to run until somebody told him that he couldn’t. “I challenged the constitutionality of it, because I think it is unfair for any offender of anything to serve and then you’re treated as a second or even third class, fourth class in this case … a caste system is almost what felons run into,” he said. “I ran on that premise.”

In 2018, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signed a “Restoration of Rights of Citizenship,” which can be used to restore voting rights or additional civil rights to someone with a previous felony conviction, such as holding public office.

However, a pardon for a mail fraud conviction can only be granted by the president of the United States under Article II, Section 2 of the United States Constitution. Additionally, presidential pardons only apply to federal offenses and not state offenses.

Agpawa went on to say that he received 74 percent of the votes in the election, adding the people see what he is trying to do for the city, further contending that he has proven himself. “They’re buying into their own city and that has been a good thing for us,” he said.

He added that he’s hopeful that they can stay the order that has ruled he is ineligible to hold public office. His next steps include going to the Illinois Supreme Court. “If we get through this, which I think we will, just another bump in the road to having to deal with.

Maybe it needed this kind of polarization so people understand how important it is, so we don’t lose something like this,” he said.

“Drive safe. Work safe. Save lives.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, Illinois Tollway, Secretary of State Jesse White, industry partners and frontline construction workers joined forces recently for National Work Zone Awareness Week, asking the public to “Drive safe. Work safe. Save lives.”

“As we begin Year Three of the governor’s historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, you are going to be seeing and experiencing a lot of work zones, regardless of your mode of transportation.

When you see orange, slow down, pay attention and avoid all distractions,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman.

“Always remember, the people you pass working on equipment or behind the cones and barricades are someone’s father, mother, son, daughter, friend or neighbor. At the end of the day, they want to get home safely, just like you.”

The theme for this year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week was “Drive safe. Work safe. Save lives,” reinforcing the message that reaching a goal of zero work zone fatalities is truly a team effort by the public and the people who build our infra-

structure. To call attention to the life-and-death issues facing workers and the public in work zones, Gov. JB Pritzker has proclaimed April 26-30 as “Work Zone Safety Awareness Week” in Illinois.

Throughout this construction season, the public should be on alert for lane closures, changes in traffic patterns, reduced speed limits and the presence of workers and equipment. To promote safety in the field this week, IDOT is once again promoting “tailgate talks” among its staff to give workers refreshers on work zone protocol.

Each year, more than 6,400 motor vehicle crashes on average occur in Illinois work zones, resulting in more than 1,700 injuries. In 2020, 37 people died in work zones in Illinois, including two workers.

“This year, drivers will encounter work zones all across our system as we invest nearly $1.5 billion to rebuild, widen and improve our roads,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director José Alvarez. “This investment will mean better, safer roads for everyone, but it also means drivers must slow down and take precautions in work zones to protect

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THROUGHOUT THIS CONSTRUCTION SEASON, THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE ON ALERT FOR LANE CLOSURES, CHANGES IN TRAFFIC PATTERNS, REDUCED SPEED LIMITS AND THE PRESENCE OF WORKERS AND EQUIPMENT. TO PROMOTE SAFETY IN THE FIELD THIS WEEK, IDOT IS ONCE AGAIN PROMOTING “TAILGATE TALKS” AMONG ITS STAFF TO GIVE WORKERS REFRESHERS ON WORK ZONE PROTOCOL. the men and women who are making these vital improvements. Working together, we can make the roads safer for everyone.”

According to a press release, following guidelines for traveling through work zones should be followed at all times: • Drop it and drive. Phones and electronic devices down at all times – it’s the law.

• Obey the signs. They will help you safely navigate work zones – and sometimes avoid delays.

• Slow down. The posted speed limits are there for the safety of workers and you.

• Be on the lookout for slowed or stopped traffic.

• Consider the limitations

of heavy equipment, trucks and commercial vehicles.

Provide them extra distance to come to a complete stop if they are behind you.

“We have a responsibility to protect the people who work on and maintain our roads by driving safely and responsibly,” said Secretary of State Jesse White. “When you approach a construction zone, reduce your speed and pay attention – that means putting your phone away and keeping your eyes on the road. I am pleased to join with Gov. Pritzker and our state’s traffic safety partners in making sure that the roads of Illinois are the safest ever.”

Visit lifeordeathillinois. com for more information.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of May 12, 2021

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NEWS

New Scholarship from Stride, Inc. Puts College Within Reach for More Black Students Stride, Inc. (NYSE: LRN) has announced the opening of its We Stand Together College Scholarship, in continuation of its multi-year, $10 million commitment to support underrepresented students of all ages. Up to 22 Black students at Stride K12-powered schools will be awarded a total of $250,000 in scholarships for the 2021-2022 academic year.

“Access to education has the potential to change the entire life direction of a student,” said James Rhyu, CEO at Stride, Inc. “That kind of impact has a ripple effect. With this scholarship, we are showing young people of color that they deserve success, and that their presence and perspective is valued in institutions of higher education.”

According to EducationData.org, Black and African American college graduates carry, on average, $25,000 more in student loan debt than their white counterparts. As the nation’s $1.7 trillion student loan debt problem impacts 45 million Americans, more than half of Black college graduates report their student loan debt is greater than their net worth. With its We Stand Together College Scholarship, Stride intends to lower the financial barrier for more college-bound Black students to achieve their education and career goals.

The We Stand Together College Scholarship is open to high school seniors at schools powered by Stride K12 who identify as Black or African American, plan to enroll in fulltime undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school, and have a 2.0 GPA or greater.

Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on factors including their academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, educational and career goals, and financial need.

The We Stand Together College Scholarship is part of Stride’s multi-year commitment to support racial and socioeconomic equity and inclusion in and through education. The company’s scholarship investments also include the We Stand Together Private Academy Scholarship, which recently awarded 47 students with tuition-free full-time enrollment at K12 Private Academy, and subsidiary Galvanize’s $1.8M investment in its Opportunity Fund, which recently awarded four scholarships for tuition-free enrollment in the Hack Reactor Software Engineering Immersive bootcamp.

The company’s other commitments include developing socially conscious legal and law enforcement career pathways of study, interactive courses on the history of systemic racism,

The We Stand Together College Scholarship is part of Stride’s multi-year commitment to support racial and socioeconomic equity and inclusion in and through education.

and expanding the number of Black teachers employed by Stride.

The We Stand Together College Scholarship is being presented in partnership with Scholarship America, a non-profit organization whose core services include designing and managing custom scholarship and student support programs. Since its founding in 1958, Scholarship America has distributed over $4.5 billion to more than 2.8 million students. The organization works with partners to lower barriers to a college education and give students the support

needed to succeed.

The deadline to apply for the We Stand Together College Scholarship is May 18, 2021 at 3:00 PM CT. For more information on eligibility and application instructions, visit https:// learnmore.scholarsapply.org/stridewestandtogether/.

More information on Stride’s commitments to education equity can be found at https://www. stridelearning.com/responsibility-inclusion.

To learn more about Scholarship America, visit scholarshipamerica.org.

OP-ED

Mascot hunting season in Springfield: Bill would change school consolidation process

BY ROGER EDDY

Spring break has come and gone for the 2021 spring session of the Illinois General Assembly. As the march toward adjournment heats up, this is a great time for you to get involved. Nothing stirs emotion and interest like a proposal to potentially reorganize or in some way consolidate school districts in Illinois. HB7 is just such a bill. It was filed on Jan. 13, 2021, and carries the title of “School District Efficiency Commission.” This measure passed out of a House Committee prior to the spring break, and recently a couple of amendments were filed to change the original version of the bill.

This is not the first time there has been a push for some type of consideration of consolidation of the 852 school districts in Illinois. Myriad task forces and commissions have studied the topic for years. The latest wellknown effort was called the Classrooms First Commission. It was “led” by then Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon in 2012,

and I served on that commission.

Its final report can be found online with a simple search. Recommendations dealt with removing barriers to consolidation and streamlining the process. There was no effort to force local districts into any type of consolidation or reorganization.

State law provides for several types of school district reorganization.

These methods allow for local input and decision making.

Consolidation of school districts requires that a majority of voters approve the merger in each of the districts involved in the proposed consolidation. The process begins when a committee, called the “committee of 10,” is formed, consisting of 10 individuals from the districts involved. Open meetings are held, and key decisions must be made in order for the group to serve the regional superintendent with a valid ballot proposal. In 2002, I was part of a local committee of 10 that worked to prepare a consolidation proposal between two rural unit districts in

southeastern Illinois. Ultimately, that proposal failed, passing in one district and losing in the other, proving it is difficult to take down a school mascot. Overall, the important thing was that people were provided the opportunity to determine if the merger was a good idea.

HB7 would shift away from the committee of 10 process to another type of committee, the “school efficiency committee.” It would ultimately be able to forward a proposed consolidation petition to the regional superintendent for voter consideration without specific local representation on the efficiency committee. The planned efficiency committee structure is much larger than the current committee of 10 and includes government officials, elected officials, union appointees, statewide management association appointees and parents from various regions of the state. In all, there are 25 proposed members of this efficiency committee.

The efficiency committee’s responsibility is to identify a certain number www.citizennewspapergroup.com

of school districts, based on certain criteria, to be the subject of a local consolidation referendum. There are many more details in the proposal, including a clear focus on establishing unit districts (K-12) by merging existing dual high school districts with K-8 elementary districts.

If this concerns you, this is the time to be heard. Go to www.ilga. gov, and type HB7 into the searchby-number box, then click on “Full Text.” At that point you can read through the proposal and amendments being offered to get a better idea of what this might mean to your local community You can even file a witness slip online and make comments about the legislation you are interested in. Simply go back the General Assembly home page (www.ilga.gov) and click on the “GA Dashboard” link. That link is highlighted in red. Click the appropriate House or Senate committee hearing based on what you learned about where the proposal is in the process. Posted

bills are listed, along with a link to file a witness slip. Fill the slip out and add your thoughts and your voice.

Of course, you could contact your representative or senator directly by using the Senate or House member directory on the General Assembly home page. Just click on the name of your elected official. Office locations in Springfield and in-district phone numbers are located on this page, and you could call to make an appointment to discuss your concerns or leave a message regarding your support or opposition.

Roger Eddy is a retired member of the Illinois House and served on the Special Investigative Committee on the impeachment of Rod Blagojevich. He served the 109th District as a Republican from 2003 to 2012. Recently, he authored a book highlighting the impeachment of Blagojevich. The book, “A Front Row Seat - The Impeachment of Rod Blagojevich,” is available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

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BUSINESS

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DuPont Announces $20 Million Investment in LISC’s Black Economic Development Fund DuPont (NYSE: DD) recently announced it has committed to invest $20 million in the Black Economic Development Fund (BEDF), managed by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).

The BEDF will provide financing to support Black-led financial institutions, anchor institutions, and businesses through improved access to capital to incentivize economic activity and wealth building opportunities in Black communities.

“For too long, systemic racism has prevented Black-led business owners and entrepreneurs from participating fairly and fully in our economy,” said Ed Breen, DuPont executive chairman and chief executive officer. “Improving access to capital for Black-led businesses can have an outsized impact—creating an economic multiplier and advancing racial equity. At DuPont, inclusivity is vital for delivering innovation and growth, and we’re proud to invest in the Black Economic Development Fund and support communities with the resources to thrive in a more equitable and inclusive economy and society.”

“DuPont is making a high-impact investment that will help

tackle racial injustice and support broad-based growth as well,” said Lisa Glover, interim chief executive officer of LISC. “It’s gratifying to see some of the country’s most dynamic corporations align their treasury strategies with their values in order to expand access to capital in Black and Brown communities, bridge racial wealth and income gaps, and help our economy work better for everyone.”

The investment builds on DuPont’s 2030 Sustainability Goals to improve lives and empower people by supporting education initiatives, workforce development, mentoring and recruitment programs, and partnering with community organizations to advance racial justice, and eliminate bias and barriers to equality.

Additionally, the company has signed on to the Catalyst CEO Champions for Change, pledging to advance more women, particularly women of color, into senior leadership positions and onto the Board of Directors, and the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge, which commits DuPont leaders to take measurable action in advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Breen also serves as a founding Guardian on the Council for Inclusive Capitalism.

Corporate Spending On Diverse Suppliers Rose An Average Of 54% In Recent Years The wave of national protests against systemic racism in 2020 prompted leadership teams across the country to increase their engagement with businesses owned by Black people, women and other underrepresented groups.

Now, close to one year after the wave of protests began, a growing number of executives are confirming that not only is diversifying their supplier base a good move for society, it is a good move for improving business performance as well.

A new report from Bain & Company, with data provided by Coupa, a provider of Business Spend Management solutions and capabilities, analyzes procurement spend of more than 350 companies across global industries. The analysis shows that spending on diverse suppliers rose an average of 54% between 2017 and 2020.

Additionally, companies that are in the top quartile of spending on diverse suppliers see an average of 0.7 percentage points more savings off total procurement expenditures, compared to their peer group.

“This data confirms our long-held hypothesis about the business value of diverse supply chains,” said David Schannon, who co-leads Bain’s Procurement practice in the Americas. “When companies stop thinking of diversifying their supply base as a standalone initiative and start to recognize the benefits of investing in underrepresented groups, we see meaningful business improvements.”

UPS, Target, Pacific Gas and Electric, and other leaders have been building more diverse supplier pools for decades, a move that benefits their bottom lines.

The report points to some tangible advantages of diverse supply chains, including a higher annual retention rate— to a tune of 20+ percentage points.

Additionally, leaders in supplier diversity tend to have more efficient procurement processes overall. The top quartile of companies engaging with diverse suppliers have higher rates of preapproved spending (+10%), greater use of electronic purchase orders (+52%), faster requisition to order processing times (+18%) and faster invoice approvals (+46%) than their peers.

“It’s high time we put to bed the myth that diversifying a company’s supply chain means sacrificing business results,” said Radhika Batra, an expert partner in Bain’s Performance Improvement practice. “The data conveys quite the opposite. A well-managed ecosystem of diverse suppliers, including businesses owned by women and people of color, can be a strategic differentiator for companies, generating meaningful returns.”

Bain’s report identifies four key obstacles that companies need to overcome in order to boost spend with diverse suppliers and retain competitive advantage.

Stop thinking of diversity as a standalone initiative. Many leadership teams eager to embrace supplier diversity limit their efforts to a series of short-term strategic sourcing events. This approach won’t address the long-term engagement required to develop a sustainable pipeline of diverse suppliers. For example, it typically takes 12-to-18 months to fully qualify a new supplier.

Make sure the organization is aligned

from the board to the business unit.

Boards make strong commitments to increasing supplier diversity but may overlook vital changes in the day-to-day decisions that are critical to implementation. Business units need a mandate to channel procurement spending to a new set of unknown suppliers—and a clear sense of how diversity goals stack up against other competing priorities.

Don’t assume success will happen without resources. One of the key reasons supplier diversity initiatives flounder is that organizations underinvest in the capabilities required to support new or developing suppliers, including onboarding, risk mitigation and mentoring.

Expand goals beyond Tier 1 spending and suppliers. A narrow focus on Tier 1 spending restricts the ability to grow a diverse supplier ecosystem and may render company targets unsustainable. It also reduces the full potential benefits of working with a diverse supplier group, including collaboration and innovation as well as access to new markets, customers and services.

“In the past, decisions related to diversity, equity and inclusion were happening in silos, making it difficult for organizations to realize their full impact,” said Donna Wilczek, senior vice president of product strategy and innovation at Coupa. “The data in this report reinforces just how important it is for companies to embed supply base diversification practices right within the spend process in order to maximize business and societal impact in concert.”

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50/50 Women on Boards Reveals Gender Diversity Index Key Findings 50/50 Women on Boards (50/50WOB), the leading global education and advocacy campaign driving the movement toward gender balance and diversity on corporate boards, recently announced that as of Dec 31, 2020, women hold 23.7% of the board seats among the largest publicly-traded companies on the Russell 3000 Index, a 1.1 percentage point increase from June 30, 2020.

Using data provided by Equilar, 50/50 Women on Boards Gender Diversity Index™ Key Findings also reveal that for the first time, the 25 states, with 20 or more headquartered companies, now have 20% or more women directors on their boards. Energy continues to be the only sector below 20% at 19.6%. Conversely, 71% of Utilities companies have three or more women, and Consumer Cyclical has more gender-balanced boards than any other sector.

Other Key Findings, as of Dec 31, 2020: In the last six months, 425 companies added 469 women to their boards.

77% of those companies did so by expanding their boards.

173 (6%) companies have gender-balanced boards, compared to 154 (5%) companies reported in June.

879 (30%) companies have 3+ women on boards, excluding gender-balanced (GB) boards.

917 (31%) companies only have one or no women on their boards.

In the 25 states less than 10% of companies have gender-balanced boards, except with 12%.

No state yet has a majority of companies with 3+ women on their boards.

Of the 1,021 women who joined a board in 2020, 23% identified as a Woman of Color, 2% identified as White/Caucasian, and 75% are not identified at all.

“The sustained increase and progress for women is positive, but there is work to be done to achieve gender balance and diversity on corporate boards,” said Stephanie Sonnabend, co-founder

and chair of 50/50 Women on Boards. “After more than a decade of collaborating with corporations and action groups committed to advancing women to corporate boards, we know that what gets measured gets done. Thereby, we are furthering our commitment to diversity. In addition to women holding 50% of all the corporate board seats, we call for women of color to hold at least 20% of ALL the corporate board seats.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2019, the demographics for women in the U.S. were approximately 60% White and 40% women of color. Given the statistics, women of color should represent at least 20% of all corporate board seats.

“Achieving diverse and gender-balanced boards will take deliberate actions by corporations and institutional investors.” said Betsy Berkhemer-Credaire, CEO of 50/50 Women on Boards.

“We continue to educate women, including women of color, about how to pursue and position themselves for board service, while we advocate and collaborate with our robust network of allies.

Our 50/50WOB Diversity Advisory Council, our Board of Directors and our Alliance Partners provide powerful influence for change at the highest corporate levels so women of all racial and ethnic backgrounds can advance.”

In addition to its annual research report, 50/50WOB, will release quarterly research and insight, beginning with the fourth calendar quarter of 2020. As data is made available by race and ethnicity, or if disclosure is required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 50/50WOB is committed to disaggregating the data. Learn more about the commitment 50/50WOB is making to women of color holding corporate board positions and steps to achieve this goal at https://5050wob. com/our-values.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of May 12, 2021

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NEWS

If You Have Diabetes, Know These Signs of a Stroke (NewsUSA) - People living with diabetes are at higher risk of stroke, so it’s especially important for them to talk to their doctor and manage their risk factors.

Know Diabetes by Heart, a joint initiative of the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association, offers several tips for people with diabetes to reduce their risk of a stroke: - Take control. Managing your diabetes is a key step to staying healthy. Make a plan with your doctor to establish or maintain control of your condition.

- Take your medicine. Be sure to take all medicine prescribed by your doctor, and if you have concerns about your medications, ask your doctor.

Don’t just stop taking them.

- Take care of yourself.

Continue or develop healthy lifestyle habits, and if you smoke, quit.

- Take stock of your numbers. Keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure at healthy levels, as well as managing your blood glucose and A1C, can make a difference in reducing your risk of a stroke.

“Diabetes is a complicated health condition, so it’s important to be proactive and work with your health care team to learn all you

Experts offer tips for people with diabetes to reduce their risk of a stroke.

can about how to manage it,” according to Robert Eckel, M.D., immediate past president of medicine and science for the American Diabetes Association and past president of the American Heart Association.

For example, Karen Dawson, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in her 40s, was managing the condition well with a combination of medication and a healthy lifestyle, but she lost her health insurance and was unable to afford her medication. With her diabetes and high blood pressure unmanaged, Dawson’s health was more vulnerable, and she suffered a stroke.

Having had a stroke puts her at high risk for another one, but with her health

insurance back in place, she now takes her medication as prescribed, maintains a healthy diet, and stays fit by swimming in her local pool.

And she serves as an ambassador for Know Diabetes

by Heart to encourage those living with type 2 diabetes to stay healthy and maintain a positive attitude.

If you or someone you know is living with type 2 diabetes, make sure you know the warning signs of a stroke.

The acronym FAST makes it easy to remember and recognize the common symptoms of a stroke. If you experience sudden Face drooping, Arm weakness, or Speech difficulty, it’s Time to call 911.

For more information, visit KnowDiabetesbyHeart.org.

100 Black Men of America, Inc. Announce Virtual 35th Anniversary Conference 100 Black Men of America, Inc., the global leader in mentoring minority youth, has launched registration for the 35th Annual Conference. This virtual event will focus on the urgent need to act in transformative ways to help youth and communities adapt to meet the challenges of COVID-19 and triumph in the next normal.

The 2021 conference will take place June 17-19, and attendees from the 100’s global community will feature thought leaders from across corporations, government, foundations, nonprofits, and the health industry.

As COVID-19 continues to profoundly affect communities of color, the 100 will utilize their conference to harness their collective resources and address the needs of vulnerable populations.

Members from across the 100’s network, along with their community partners, invite the public to attend this annual think tank that celebrates black achievement, spotlights youth, awards mentoring leadership, and recognizes excellence across many industries.

Sessions are designed to address the systemic problems facing the black community. Due to the global pandemic, many organizations and elected officials are discussing long-standing socio-economic issues for the first time. 100 members have created programs and dedicated resources, while advocating for youth, families and the communities, since the inception of 100 Black Men. As others pivoted, 100 chapters continued the existing work of the 100. The knowledge learned and the success realized will be shared, action steps for immediate activation in communities

Chicago History Museum Awarded Grant from National Endowment for the Humanities The Chicago History Museum this month received a $376,503 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in the public humanities category to support the upcoming exhibition, City on Fire: Chicago 1871.

The family friendly exhibition commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire and will guide guests through the crucial events and conditions before, during, and after the fire – many of which draw striking comparisons to today’s social climate. City on Fire: Chicago 1871 opens to the public on October 8, 2021.

“The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 is part of the fabric of Chicago, shaping the city’s strength and resilience that defines us today,” said Donald Lassere, president and CEO of the Chicago History Museum. “We are grateful to NEH for allowing us to further our mission

to share Chicago stories by making this pivotal history available for visitors of all ages and interests.”

The Chicago History Museum is one of 225 organizations that received grants from NEH, all directly supporting the preservation of historic collections, humanities exhibitions and documentaries, scholarly research, and curriculum projects. NEH grants totaled $24 million across the country. This grant will also support public programs and educational opportunities related to City on Fire: Chicago 1871.

Created in 1965, NEH is an independent federal agency and one of the largest funders of humanities programs in the United States. NEH awards grants to top-rated proposals examined by panels of independent, external reviewers.

For more information on City on Fire: Chicago 1871, please visit: https://www.chicago1871.org/ www.citizennewspapergroup.com

will be outlined, and youth who benefitted from virtual mentoring will be on display.

The public is invited to this free event.

To learn more about the 100 Black Men of America, Inc.’s cause, programs, partners, and to view all events taking place during the 35th Annual Conference, visit www.100blackmen. org. For more details, including the agenda, webinar details, entertainment, and speaker’s bios visit 100blackmen.org.

Who: 100 Black Men of America, Inc. What: 100 Black Men Virtual Conference When: Thursday, June 17, 2021 – Saturday, June 19, 2021 Where: 100 Website – 100blackmen.org About 100 Black Men of America, Inc. 100 Black Men was founded as an organization in New York City in 1963. The national organization, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. began with nine chapters in 1986 as a national alliance of leading African American men of business, public affairs and government with a mission to improve the quality of life for African Americans, particularly African American youth. These visionaries included businessmen and industry leaders such as David Dinkins, Robert Mangum, Dr. William Hayling, Nathaniel Goldston III, Livingston Wingate Andrew Hatcher, and Jackie Robinson. Since inception, the vision emerged and grew to over 10,000 members impacting over 125,000 underserved, underrepresented minority youth annually. Visit www.100blackmen.org for more information on the programs and initiatives of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and their global network of chapters.

6 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of May 12, 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

On the Road Less Traveled: An Unlikely Journey from Orphanage to the Boardroom (NewsUSA)- A bend in the road,” says Ed Hajim, “is not the end of the road.”

He should know. At the age of three, Hajim was kidnapped by his father, driven cross-country, and told that his mother was dead. He pressed his face against the car window, watched the miles pass and wondered where life would take him. It took him on a journey from one dire situation to the next, from one crowded orphanage to an unfamiliar foster home, from having one semi-present parent to having none.

It was a daily struggle to survive. Yet somehow, not only

Ed Hajim

does Hajim make it through, but using his own grit and determination, he flourishes.

His life comes full circle and he

lives the American dream as an accomplished Wall Street executive and model family man with great moral fiber and the means to give back to a world that early on seemed intent on rejecting him.

Hajim’s vivid memoir, On the Road Less Traveled: An Unlikely Journey from the Orphanage to the Boardroom, is several storylines in one: the improbable tale of how the author overcame the heavy odds against him as a child; the incredible ride up the corporate ladder to a stellar professional career; and a study in the drive, principles, philosophy and character of a

man seeking his dream.

Hajim served as a senior investment executive at such firms as E.F. Hutton, Lehman Brothers and other financial institutions, regularly transforming fledgling operations into generating solid growth.

He made contributions to the University of Rochester, eventually as chairman of its board. His life accomplishments were rightfully acknowledged in 2015 with the prestigious Horatio Alger Award.

Hajim took every experience as a learning opportunity. The Navy, for example, “trained me to become de-

liberate in everything I do. It showed me that every mission needs well-defined rules. And it showed me that no mission can be accomplished without a well-motivated team.”

Throughout his career, Hajim was guided by his instincts to know when a situation had run its course and it was time to move on. “Sometimes it’s better to sever ties and leave on your own, even if the next step is unknown,” he writes.

“That’s often the road less traveled, but it’s so worth the journey.”

Says Renee Fleming, “On the Road Less Traveled is a moving, personal history that

demonstrates the importance of being faithful to one’s core values -- a road map for a life well lived.”

BookBites is a continuing series bringing readers information and ideas for their next read. For more reading ideas, visit BookTrib.com and subscribe to their weekly newsletter.

Woman Receives Cicero Speechwriting Award Norfolk native, Shereese Floyd-Thompson, founder and chief storytelling officer for the Witness My Life Movement, has won a 2021 Cicero Speechwriting Award from Vital Speeches of the Day. Floyd-Thompson’s speech “The Secret to Healing the World” won in the 2021 TED/TEDx category. This talk was originally performed on November 7, 2020 at TEDxOcala and ended in a rousing standing ovation.

It launched on YouTube a month later and since surged to 45,000+ views during the George Floyd murder trial.

Floyd-Thompson, a black woman, shares her story of living across the cul-de-sac from a white neighbor who displays a Confederate flag. She details how they were able to bridge the divide over a carton of eggs. She notes stories on race, socioeconomics and injustice to drive home her point -- Can we live in peace with those who share different political and ideological views?

In this 13-minute talk, she tackles

Shereese Floyd-Thompson, Founder, Chief Storytelling Officer for the Witness My Life Movement and Winner of a 2021 Cicero Speechwriting Award from Vital Speeches of the Day

the current health and heart crises and asserts that in order to heal the world, we must go beyond the

surface and make things personal to shift perspective. At a time where people seem to pick their

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sides and relate to each other from those boundaries, she challenges the audience to see beyond labels, titles

and notions and ask of each other a simple and vulnerable question: Will you be a witness to my life?

Winners will be recognized at the 2021 World Conference of the Professional Speechwriters Association Oct. 18–22.

To watch the talk, visit, watchmytedx.com Floyd-Thompson is the founder of the Witness My Life Movement.

As a storytelling advisor, she teaches on how to use storytelling to have difficult conversations, unite around a cause, influence behaviors and move people to action. She believes story is the one thing that truly brings the world together. For more information, visit WitnessMyLifeMovement.com Presented by Vital Speeches of the Day, the prestigious monthly collection of speeches, the Cicero Speechwriting Awards recognize the work that makes the speeches that help leaders lead – in every sector of business, politics and society.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of May 12, 2021

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NEWS

RV Rental Bookings are up 846% in April with a Promising Summer Season Ahead The world’s first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace, RVshare, reveals that bookings are surging ahead of the summer travel season. April reservations are up 846% from this time last year. At the onset of COVID-19, all travel came to a halt until National Parks reopened. Then, RVshare saw a huge influx of bookings as people yearned to get outside and connect with nature. Now a year later, RVshare predicts another summer of record-setting bookings, cementing RV travel as a category that is here to stay.

According to a Phocuswright Consumer Travel Survey in partnership with RVshare, more than a quarter (28%) of travelers have rented an RV for leisure travel and the majority want to do it again. In fact, 84% of travelers who rented an RV last year are interested in renting again in the next 12 months, and 81% are interested in renting an RV even after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“RVshare will have another successful summer as bookings are already flooding in by the thousands,” said RVshare’s CEO Jon Gray. “We are bullish about our future and these survey results help paint the picture. RV travel has captured the interest of millions and with post-trip satisfaction being high it is a recipe for success.”

The continued interest of RV travel will be fueled by the desire to get outdoors, which is predicted to thrive past its pandemic-induced popularity. Sixty-one percent of millennials, the largest population of travelers, agree that outdoor travel is more appealing now than ever.

With more than half of RV trips taken by families in 2020, younger travelers (Gen Z and Millennials) and travelers with children are most likely to rent RVs in 2021 and beyond.

Campgrounds are a popular RV destination, but past renters

agree that they are interested in exploring destinations beyond traditional campgrounds. The appetite for renting a RV for a musical festival or sporting event will grow post-pandemic.

For more information about RVshare and the Phocuswright Consumer Travel Survey, visit RVshare.com/press or email rvshare@berlinrosen.com.

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According to a Phocuswright Consumer Travel Survey in partnership with RVshare, more than a quarter (28%) of travelers have rented an RV for leisure travel, and the majority want to do it again. In fact, 84% of travelers who rented an RV last year are interested in renting again in the next 12 months, and 81% are interested in renting an RV even after the COVID-19 pandemic.

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8 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of May 12, 2021

Lifestyles & Living The Best Warm Weather Shoe Styles for Maximum Comfort

(StatePoint) As comfort continues to reign supreme for clothing and accessories, it’s easier than ever to incorporate ontrend pieces into stylish yet casual outfits. Even though we may not be dressing up as much, there are still plenty of ways to ensure your unique style preference shines through - and footwear can be a great place to start when updating the wardrobe!

From comfortable sandals and casual sneakers to slip-ons, these shoe pairings are ideal whether walking around the neighborhood, enjoying a socially distanced event, or leading a Zoom meeting.

To complement soft, loose-fitting garments. With different colors, patterns, and profiles to choose from, Vans lace-up or slip-on styles can complete any casual-inspired outfit. Use the slim-silhouetted shoe to complement loose-fitting garments like tailored chinos, maxi dresses, or skirts with elastic waists.

For joggers and casual dresses. Finding a sandal that works equally well with joggers and flowy dresses is no easy feat, but Teva’s original universal outdoor sandal for women checks all the boxes. It has a cushioned footbed, and the bottom includes a rubber sole for traction. The multi-colored straps work with an array of hues, but it also comes in several other color options to match casual attire.

To pair with jeans, a t-shirt, and an oversized cardigan. With the air conditioner on overload, it can be easy

to long for that fuzzy slipper feeling. When the home or office starts to get chilly, Crocs has the perfect shoe to try. The brand offers a classic women’s clog that features a soft, fuzzy liner for feet. Additionally, a plethora of colors are available to coordinate with a jeans and t-shirt look. Xappeal also offers a slide option adorned with fur-like material for the ultimate in cozy comfort.

For all your family's comfort footwear needs,

visit rackroomshoes.com for online shopping or curbside pickup options.

“Though many of us are still spending the majority of the day working, exercising, and taking classes online from home, clothing and accessories still afford us the opportunity to enjoy current fashion trends that are easy on our feet,” says Alyson Stanley, buyer for national retailer, Rack Room Shoes. “These outfit and shoe pairings can maximize comfort while embracing the current fashion trends.”

Digital Spring-Cleaning Tips for a New Normal Life (StatePoint) Last year, when the pandemic suddenly shut down our everyday lives and for many of us, pushed them into tiny, isolated spaces, we had to adapt.

Fast forward one year later, and a lot has changed. Now, as the world slowly starts to open back up, it’s time to get a jump start on a new normal routine. Here are some spring-cleaning tips fueled by your smartphone and the latest apps to help you smoothly shift into in-person life.

Make a Fresh Start at the (Home) Office: Research shows that your remote office space may be dirtier and more disruptive to your overall health than work offices. Spring cleaning your workspace and home can be easily done with apps like Spotless and Clean My House. The apps, which offer tools to help schedule chores, create cleaning checklists and organize spaces in your home, are guaranteed to increase productivity and make clutter a distant memory.

If your temporary work-from-home status is now permanent, it may be the perfect time to re-evaluate your remote connectivity needs. Wireless provider T-Mobile provides home internet service that makes use of the same great 5G network your smartphone runs on to help you thrive in a remote environment.

Tackle the COVID-19 Weight Gain: Recent research has shown that most Americans experienced weight gain during the pandemic. According to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Americans gained an average of 7.08 pounds between February and June 2020.

Luckily, your smartphone can help you prioritize your fitness goals. Apps like Nike Training Club, SWEAT, Happy Scale and MyFitnessPal will motivate you to re-enter the world with confidence.

Clean out Your Quarantine Closet: Quarantine life may have left your closets full of comfortable loungewear – or perhaps an excessive amount of unworn professional clothing. Donating your unwanted clothing with apps like Lugg allows you to schedule donation pick-ups from the convenience of your home. And apps like reGAIN offer incentives to clear your closets – providing exclusive discount coupons for donating unwanted clothing items to charity.

Prepare Your Pets: Whether you’re heading back to the office, resuming your weekly happy hour book club, or finally taking that rescheduled vacation,

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) PeopleImages / Getty Images your pets are going to be spending more time alone compared to early pandemic days. Apps like Dog Monitor and PetCam can help you monitor your best friend and ensure they are safe and happy.

As you return to a new normal life, implement any of these spring-cleaning tips to help set yourself up for success.

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of May 12, 2021

CITIZEN On The Move

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Congresswoman Robin Kelly Recently Hosted A Unity Breakfast In Southland Photos by CREDD Photo on the left Pictured left to right is: 2nd Congressional District Congresswoman Robin Kelly and Illinois State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr.

Photo above: Rep. Debbie Martin-Meyers, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, CCBP, Toni Preckwinkle, Commissioner Donna Miller and Il. Sec. of State Candidate Chicago 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell

Pictured left to right are: Calvin Jordan, Rich Township Supervisor, Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President and Vernard Alsberry jr. , Mayor of Hazel Crest.

Southanland Mayor's Strong all came out to support Congresswoman Kelly Unity Breakfast. Also, In attendance were other political leader from Chicago and across the State. Pictured also is: State Rep. Debbie Marin-Meyers, Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle, Chicago Alderman Pat Dowell.

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10 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of May 12, 2021

HOME

Going green: 5 tips to create an eco-friendly home (BPT) - With sustainable practices top of mind and a revived shift toward conscious consumption, Americans everywhere are seeking ways to lead a more sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle. From saving water to reducing energy usage, these are the top five ways to go green for the environment and your wallet.

What does it mean to go green? 2021 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Bosch home appliances defines this as the commitment to empowering consumers with more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible products.

Leading an eco-friendly lifestyle starts within the home. What products and appliances are you utilizing in key home spaces to achieve a low carbon footprint and lower energy bills? Check out the below key features and practices that make sustainable living easy.

1) Reduce your energy usage.

By using less energy, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and save on your household bills.

If you're purchasing a new refrigerator, laundry pair or dishwasher, look for the ENERGY STAR label to find the most efficient appliances. For example, Bosch compact laundry pairs feature dryers with heat pump drying technology, a ventless, sustainable drying solution that was awarded Most Efficient of ENERGY STAR in 2021.

For further energy savings, some refrigerators have high-efficiency compressors to generate less heat when they are running for a lower energy output, as well as an Eco Mode that automatically adjusts the appliance's temperatures to run in an energy-saving setting. A simple eco-conscious practice is letting your leftovers cool postmealtime before storing them in the refrigerator, avoiding the increased energy it takes for the refrigerator to cool down its interior.

2) Shop smartly.

You can reduce your carbon footprint when you buy locally sourced fruits and vegetables in season, which don't need to be transported for long distances. Shop at your local farmer's market, and don't be afraid to ask questions, like "Where is this produce from?" and "When was it picked?"

Pro tip: Fruits like cantaloupe, apricots, raspberries, honeydew and white cherries are in season for spring.

Another green way to shop is bringing your own reusable grocery totes to avoid the plastic bags provided at the store.

Consider using a cotton or other reusable produce bag as well when picking fruits and vegetables, further cutting down on plastic waste.

3) Limit food waste.

To best limit food waste, focus on appliances that keep your food fresher longer and organize your refrigerator to keep items in view. A recent study found that Americans toss 103 pounds of spoiled food per year - that's roughly $3,000 wasted annually. The latest refrigerators on the market can do much more than just cool food - look for one with innovative technologies that help limit food waste, such as Bosch French door bottom mount refrigerators that feature a four-point FarmFresh System with pre-programmed freshness settings and odor control.

Another way to combat food waste is saving leftover ingredients for meals you can prep ahead and stretch across multiple days. Consider making a leftover vegetable soup using veggies you have remaining from other prepared dishes throughout the week - you'll make a tasty dinner, reduce food waste and save money when buying produce.

4) Use eco-friendly cleaning products.

Some household cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Make your own allpurpose cleaner with natural ingredients for an eco-friendly approach to spring cleaning. For example, let orange peels sit in a jar with white vinegar for 7-10 days, drain the liquid into a spray bottle and you're left with a great smelling, homemade, all-purpose cleaner.

5) Be water wise.

There is a widespread myth that dishwashers use more water than hand-washing, when in fact, far less water is consumed when you run a dishwasher designed with water efficiency. On average, hand-washing uses about 27 gallons per load compared to the dishwasher which uses around three.

A recent study found that 94% of consumers hand-wash glassware, plastics and more, when these items can be washed in the dishwasher. Many Americans also have a preconceived notion of needing to fully wash their dishes before loading the dishwasher, but the truth is you simply need to scrape off leftover food and let the machine do its job.

Saving water outside the kitchen is just as important; choose a laundry pair with a washer designed to reduce water consumption. Many washers on the market have connected features that offer consumption forecasts for each laundry program so you can stay on top of your usage. A good rule of thumb when doing laundry is "less is more" - avoid adding too much detergent to the washer, as the machine will take longer to rinse and will use more water. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of May 12, 2021

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

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LEGAL NOTICE

3+ Bedroom HOMES FOR SALE SELLER FINANCING Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ____________________________________

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: Y21006079 on FEBRUARY 24, 2021. Under the Assumed Business Name of MAURESHPRECISECUTS ENTERPRISES with the business located at: 7143 EAST END, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60649. The true and real full names (s) and residence address of the owner (s) / partners (s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name Complete Address OMAR AKHIR BEY 7143 S. EAST END, CHICAGO, IL 60649, USA ________________________________________

HELP WANTED DRIVERS New Starting Base Pay - .60cpm w/ option to make .70cpm for Class A CDL Flatbed Drivers, Excellent Benefits, Home Weekends, Call 800648-9915 or www.boydandsons.com _______________________________________

NOW LOOKING FOR TEAM PLAYERS!

Are you intersted in joining our Distribution Team Part-Time? We are now accepting application for independent contractor distribution members.

Applicants will be responsible for delivering free newspapers weekly to various locations. You must be a self starter and depedable. You must have own reliable insured vehicle. Contact Jeron at (773) 877.1638 or send email to: CNGdistribution@yahoo.com _______________________________________

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE Chicago Transit Authority Disadvantaged

THERE IS NO NEED TO KEEP THE UNWANTED POUNDS GAINED DURING COVID-19?

TRY A PERSONAL TRAINER. . .

CALL JOHNNY BARNES @ 773-875-0536 * ONE -ON-ONE * MEAL PLANS * WEIGHT TRAINING

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Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Proposed Three-Year Overall Goal & Methodology For Federal Fiscal Years 2022-2024 This announcement will serve as notice of the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) proposed Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) overall goal of 26% for United States Department of Transportation (USDOT)–assisted contracts for a three-year period for Federal Fiscal Years (FFYs) 2022-2024.

The overall goal is expressed as a percentage of federal funds CTA projects to expend each year during FFYs 2022-2024. The annual goal methodology used is in accordance with USDOT regulations entitled “Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in Department of Transportation Financial Assistance Programs,” 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 26. The annual goal is established to achieve a “level playing field” for DBEs to participate in CTA’s federally–assisted contracting opportunities.

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Pandemic Disrupts Critical Early Childhood Education

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Chatham, Avalon Park, Park Manor, Greater Grand Crossing, Burnside, Chesterfield, West Chersterfield, South Shore,and Calumet Heitghts.

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CTA’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) overall DBE goal and methodology report for FFYs 2022-2024 will be made available on the CTA’s website (transitchicago.com/dbe) for 30 days from May 3, 2021 – June 2, 2021. The public may review and provide comments on the overall DBE goal for 30 days. Public comments will be accepted at the email address listed below starting on May 3, 2021 and ending on June 2, 2021.

Chicago Transit Authority Diversity Department Attn: DBE Liaison Officer Diversty@transitchicago.com _____________________________________

REAL ESTATE

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: Y21006857on May 6, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of MRA TUTORING with the business located at: 5846 KATHRYN LANE, MATTESON, IL 60443.

The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name Complete Address: KIMBERLY SUZETTE PETERZ-DENT 5846 KATHRYN LANE MATTESON, IL 60443, USA ________________________________________

SOUTH SUBURBAN Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island, South Holland, and Dolton. Shopping- their favorite pastime!

HYDE PARK

(StatePoint) While young children have been less vulnerable to COVID-19 health dangers, a new study finds that they’ve been tremendously impacted by the disruption to preschool activities triggered by the pandemic.

The National Institute for Early Education Research study finds that pre-K participation has tumbled during the pandemic.

What’s more it finds that children are spending less time outdoors and on certain key learning activities at home with parents and caregivers, and more time in front of screens.

Education experts say early learning opportunities are critical for young children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development, as well as their mental health. New resources can help fill the preschool void and make this an enriching time for young children. To learn more, visit www.pncgrowupgreat.com.

While the pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for families with young children, building a love of learning early on can help pave the way for a great future. PHOTO SOURCE: (c) kevajefimija / iStock via Getty Images Plus ________________________________________

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12 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of May 12, 2021