South Suburban Citizen 6-16-2021

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 June 16, 2021

| Vol. 40 | No. 30 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SOUTH SUBURBAN

COOK COUNTY CLERK TALKS ABOUT YEARS OF SERVICE Karen Yarbrough oversees one of the largest consolidated clerk’s offices in the United States as the Cook County Clerk. She is the first African American woman to serve in this position.

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Karen Yarbrough is the Cook County Clerk. She is the first African-American woman to hold the position. Previously she was the Recorder of Deeds and an Illinois State Representative. Photo provided by Sally Daly

Black Women’s Health Imperative Launches Covid-19 Vaccine Campaign

EEOC Provides Additional Information On Vaccinations

The Cook County Assessor’s Office Re-Opens for In-Person Appointments

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Serving The Black Community For Decades |

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2 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 16, 2021

NEWS briefly EDUCATION CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY MOTHER AND DAUGHTER GRADUATE IN SAME DAY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES Clark Atlanta University doctoral student Dr. Lorri Saddler and her daughter Jaelyn Rice graduated on the same day at the university’s 2020-21 dual commencement ceremony on May 15. Dr. Saddler earned her doctoral degree in education and had the privilege of watching her daughter Jaelyn Rice, a 2020 cum laude graduate, receive her bachelor’s degree in sociology.

After postponing the 2020 commencement ceremony due to COVID-19, Clark Atlanta University kept its promise to the CAU Class of 2020 and held its commencement ceremony on the same day as the Class of 2021. This was the first time that two commencement ceremonies were held on the same day in the university’s history. Dr. Saddler, who also works as the university’s Vice President of Undergraduate Admissions and in the university president’s cabinet, served as an administrator during the morning ceremony when her daughter graduated. She then walked across the stage as a student herself during the afternoon ceremony.

HEALTH

BLACK WOMEN’S HEALTH IMPERATIVE LAUNCHES COVID-19 VACCINE CAMPAIGN TO REACH BLACK WOMEN AND COMMUNITIES OF COLOR WITH A $400,000 GRANT FROM THE ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) recently announced that it has received a $400,000 grant from The Rockefeller Foundation to improve vaccination rates among Black women and communities of color. The grant is part of The Rockefeller Foundation’s $20 million Equity-First Vaccination Initiative, which supports hyper-local, communityled programs to improve vaccine access and support educational outreach in five cities. Learnings from the initiative will help inform strategies across the country to increase access to Covid-19 vaccinations in communities of color, contributing to a collective, national north star goal of ensuring at least 70 million people of color will be fully vaccinated by July 2021.

Cook County Clerk talks about years of service Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Karen Yarbrough oversees one of the largest consolidated clerk’s offices in the United States as the Cook County Clerk. She is the first African American woman to serve in this position.

Cook County Clerk is responsible for managing elections for more than 125 suburban towns and villages, as well as administering and maintaining Vital Records – births, marriages, civil unions and deaths.

Prior to serving as Cook County Clerk, Yarbrough was Recorder of Deeds and also served as an Illinois State Representative for 12 years.

Yarbrough has been a realtor and insurance agent and found a symbiotic relationship between the two. It also connected her to community, which began her foray into local government and politics.

In December 2020, Recorder of Deeds duties were included in the Cook County Clerk’s Office. Yarbrough said

the whole idea was to save the taxpayers money. She said the office had to figure out how to do it.

Yarbrough said the Cook County Clerk’s office plays a small but a large role in property taxes. It is the job of the Clerk’s office to bring all the documents of the levies from the taxing bodies together, then it gets sent to the Treasurer’s Office. “It is [an] important role, that we serve. We have a CPA who’s over that area and an attorney. It’s important that we get those numbers right,” she said, adding that taxpayers want to ensure taxes are fair. “People have real concerns about how we’re being taxed in Cook County.”

Yarbrough said she thinks taxing districts in Cook County can be consolidated and added, “everybody wants to save money.”

Yarbrough first ran for Illinois State Representative in 1997. She had been successful in business and found that government has a huge role in our lives.

“Why not be at the table, at the real table where decisions are being made,

LAW & POLITICS

PROMINENT BLACK ATTORNEY WINS MULTIPLE AWARDS FOR HIS DIGITAL CHILDREN’S SERIES AND PODCAST ADDRESSING POLICE BRUTALITY AND SYSTEMIC INJUSTICE Attorney Zulu Ali has been recognized with six Communicator Awards through the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA).

The Communicator Awards is the leading international creative awards program honoring creative excellence for communication professionals for work that transcends craft, make a lasting impact, and is sanctioned and judged by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts.

The winners of the 27th Annual Communicator Awards have officially been announced with over 5,000 entries received from across the US and around the world, Attorney Ali received six communicator awards for his podcast, video, and children’s animated film addressing injustice and police brutality.

Attorney Ali received two awards for distinction in educational and social issues in Film for writing, directing, and producing the children’s animated short film Izem Meets Officer Joe: Izem Learns How to Deal with Police Encounters https://vimeo.com/ondemand/izemmeetsofficerjoe; an award for distinction in political issues in video for producing The Cost of Being A Black Lawyer Fighting for Justice https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=M5C4lqkO4_Q&t=340s; and three awards for distinction for political, awareness, and feature in podcasts for hosting and producing Justice Watch with Attorney Zulu Ali, a podcast and syndicated radio talk show https://www.justicewatchradio.com/. Attorney Zulu Ali is a trial attorney, social commentator, social entrepreneur, and activist. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

about the what, when, where, why and who,” she said, adding that she thought it would be a good time to transition from business to government.

Yarbrough ran the first time and lost, the second time she ran, she won. She said the plan was to only stay for 10 years to understand how state government works. She said during those 12 years, she passed some great legislation.

Yarbrough passed the bill to abolish the death penalty in Illinois, to regulate smoking in public places. “I passed a lot of legislation around housing because I really care about that whole issue,” she said. “Housing is foundational. What I have seen over that 12 years while I was there is housing policy has continued to evolve.”

Yarbrough said what has happened with housing with Black people moving from the South and coming to the South and West sides of Chicago, they weren’t treated fairly and government played a role in that.

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CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 16, 2021

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NEWS

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces New Effort to Reduce Violent Crime Attorney General Merrick B. Garland recently announced a new Department of Justice effort to help protect communities from the recent increase in major violent crimes.

“Today, we renew our commitment to reducing violent crime and building strong communities where all Americans are safe,” said Attorney General Garland. “The Deputy Attorney General is issuing a comprehensive strategy to deploy our federal resources in the most effective way, disrupting the most dangerous threats and supporting the ground-level efforts of local law enforcement. In this endeavor, we will engage our communities as critical partners. And through our grant-making, we will support programming at all stages – from the earliest violence interruption strategies to post-conviction reentry services.”

“Violent crime is irrefutably linked to the transnational criminal organizations flooding our communities with illicit drugs,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator D. Christopher Evans. “Leveraging our strong partnerships with state, local, and Tribal law enforcement, DEA will concentrate our efforts on the most serious offenders in areas with the highest crime rates.”

The recently announced strategy is three-pronged. First, it establishes a set of four fundamental principles to be applied Department-wide to guide violent crime reduction including: building trust and earning legitimacy within communities, investing in prevention and intervention programs, targeting enforcement efforts and priorities and measuring results.

The whole-of-Department approach means that these four fundamental principles will guide not only the Department’s 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices, but also its law enforcement components (the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Admin-

istration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the United States Marshals Service (USMS)), its grant-making components (the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), and the Office of Victims of Crime (OVC)), and litigating divisions, such as the Criminal Division.

Second, the strategy enhances the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program by directing all U.S. Attorneys across the country to update their PSN programs to be aligned with the Department’s guiding principles to improve community engagement, support proven community-violence intervention programs, develop strategic enforcement plans in coordination with state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners as well as community groups, and measure the effectiveness of these collective efforts to reduce violence.

By drawing on lessons learned from research and experience over the past two decades, the Department will help ensure that PSN remains the leading initiative bringing together law enforcement partners at all levels and a broad array of community stakeholders to develop comprehensive solutions to the more pressing violent crime problems in communities.

Third, the strategy directs each U.S. Attorney’s Office to work with its state, local, federal, Tribal, and community partners to establish an immediate plan to address spikes in violent crime that are typically seen during the summer.

The Department recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and that the needs of each jurisdiction will vary based on the nature of violent crimes and the ability of local criminal justice systems to respond. Thus, the Department has committed to providing the following additional support where it is needed and appropriate: The FBI will make available cutting-edge analytical resources to sup-

port state and local law enforcement efforts to identify the most violent offenders and most dangerous criminal organizations in communities. The FBI will then deploy agents to assist with enforcement operations targeting these entities.

Where feasible, the ATF will embed with local homicide units and expand the availability of its NIBIN Correlation Center, which matches ballistics from crime scenes to other ballistic evidence nationwide.

The DEA will focus its efforts, in coordination with state, local and Tribal law enforcement, to disrupt the activities of the most violent drug trafficking gangs and egregious drug-trafficking organizations operating in the highest-crime areas.

The United States Marshals Service, in coordination with state and local authorities, will conduct fugitive sweeps throughout the country focused on individuals subject to state or local warrants for homicide, aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated robbery, robbery with a firearm, rape or aggravated sexual assault.

The Department’s grant-making components will highlight funding opportunities for community programs focused on reducing gun violence and other violent crime, share information about effective community-violence intervention programs, and provide training and technical assistance to support the violent crime reduction work of state, local, tribal and community partners.

To learn more, see the Deputy Attorney General’s detailed guidance to federal prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and other components across the Department of Justice. A Fact Sheet on 2021 Grant Opportunities and Other Resources to Support Violent Crime Reduction can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/file/1397931/ download?utm_medium=email&utm_ source=govdelivery

Cook County Clerk talks about years of service Continued from page 2 Yarbrough said she made the leap to the county because “you do what you can while you can.” In the Recorder of Deeds Office, Yarbrough confronted property fraud and advocated for property owners. The Cook County Clerk’s Office established a property fraud department and did outreach on the West and South sides of Chicago.

“What we found is, through our

advocacy and education, we were able to help people to understand that when you are at the closing table, you get your deed,” she said, adding that you can get a copy of the deed from the recorder’s office for $10.

Yarbrough said the property fraud was something that was happening on the South and West sides to people of color. She said she had to confront property fraud very boldly, educating

cashiers and clerks on how to spot frauds. The fraud department also was told what to spot. That work is being continued by the fraud department even now.

Yarbrough said she is proud of the work that she did in that office. “I love opening up the ears and eyes of the people so they can help themselves,” she said. “I think I’m the right person to do this job at this time.”

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POLITICAL Affairs Rep. Kelly Advocates for Increased Gun Violence Prevention Funding at Appropriations Hearing Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), Vice Chair of the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, recently appeared before the U.S. House Appropriations Committee to advocate for increased gun violence prevention funding.

“Many communities require increased support for gun violence intervention and prevention programs focused on interrupting cycles of violence, and increased funding for direct services, including mentorship to individuals at high risk of engaging in gun violence,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “Research shows that sustained funding for evidence-based programs, which are tailored for specific local contexts, and working in partnership with the affected communities can achieve significant and long-lasting reductions in gun violence.”

Earlier this year, Congresswoman Kelly led 39 of her colleagues in an appropriations funding request letter calling for an investment in community violence intervention programs. The letter requests: • • •

$100 million for the Office of Justice Programs $100 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) $10 million to establish a resource center under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

The recent Appropriations Committee hearing follows the release of President Biden’s fiscal year 2022 discretionary funding request, which included significant investments in working families, including a double digit increase for education and health programs. The Appropriations Committee is now using that blueprint and Member requests to formulate spending bills for the upcoming fiscal year.

PAPPAS UNVEILS NEW ONLINE TOOL TO WEIGH GOVERNMENT DEBT BURDEN ON INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY OWNERS Cook County – Property owners for the first time can find out what portion of local government debt falls on them, thanks to a new, groundbreaking online tool created by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.

“Most reports identify government debt as an amount per person,” Pappas said. “My latest study takes a more targeted approach by showing debt in relation to each property in Cook County.”

The new, unique tool reveals that Willis Tower carries local government debt of nearly $289 million, equal to 41.5% of the iconic skyscraper’s $697 million value. A Riverdale house carries $31,800 in local debt, equal to 48% of its $67,000 value. And the debt on a house on Hodgkins has $127,400 in debt, equal to 25.7% of its $496,000 value.

By contrast, the debt on properties in more affluent, lower-tax areas, like Barrington Hills and Winnetka, falls below 10% of the value of the properties in those locations.

These new calculations are available at cookcountytreasurer.com, where property owners can click the purple box on the homepage and search their address to see their local debt burden compared to the value of their home in both dollar and percentage amounts.

The new methodology also allowed Pappas to better compare the overall debt burdens borne by residents of any Cook County city or village. That exercise revealed the burden of local government debt varies greatly throughout the county, with generally heavier burdens in less-affluent suburbs where the populations are more than 50% Black or Latino. The taxes tend to be much higher in many of those minorityy areas, an indication that more debt leads to higher property taxes.

“Property purchases in Cook County come with a hidden credit card balance, in the form of local government debt,” Pappas said.

“Property owners end up paying down that debt, on top of also covering their mortgage, utility and maintenance costs.”

4 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 16, 2021

BUSINESS

Target Names Samara Tuchband Senior Vice President of its Home Merchandising Division Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) recently named Samara Tuchband senior vice president of merchandising, home. Tuchband will oversee the retailer’s merchandising and omnichannel business for the home category, inclusive of decorative home, stationery, home textiles, kitchen, storage and seasonal.

In this role, she will help execute and advance Target’s home strategy, which is centered on defining a differentiated guest experience through a curated assortment of quality owned brand and national brand products at competitive prices.

Tuchband joined the company on May 3, 2021 and reports to Jill Sando, Target’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer.

“Samara brings a deep understanding and strong reputation for driving digital and merchandising success within the home category,” says Sando. “At a time when home is more important than ever to our guests, Samara’s passion for creating memorable consumer experiences will strengthen our home business and enhance our commitment to bringing joy to our guests’ everyday lives.”

“I have been a Target guest for decades and have long admired the brand’s commitment to the democratization of design,” says Tuchband.

“I am thrilled to join an inspiring team of leaders and am looking forward to continuing to offer guests incredible design, style inspiration and new omnichannel shopping experiences every day.”

Tuchband joins Target with nearly two decades of merchandising and marketing experience in the home and lifestyle categories, having recently served as vice president of merchandising and head of diversity and inclusion at Crate and Barrel Holdings, Inc. In this role, Tuchband led the overall strategy and execution of product assortment and pricing for the brand across in-store and online channels.

Under her leadership, kitchen and entertaining delivered double-digit growth and she led the creation and implementation of new tools and resources for improved diversity and inclusion efforts across the company.

Previously, Tuchband served as general manager, digital home for The Home Depot, where she drove strong growth focused on digital expansion into the home décor market.

Small Business-Banking Relationships Are Challenged by Rising Expectations, New CI&T Report Finds CI&T, a leader in driving digital transformation for global brands, recently published (Re)open for Business, a new report examining how banks can better serve small businesses in a post-pandemic world.

The research revealed that while the pandemic caused accelerated digital change in financial services, small businesses still want, and need, banking relationships.

“Small businesses are considered the lifeblood of the American economy, and banking relationships are the lifeblood of small businesses,” said Robin Borelli, business director, financial services at CI&T. “The post-pandemic rebirth of small businesses in the U.S. will create enormous opportunities for the banking industry. The primary research that formed the foundation of this study revealed significant insights into the possibilities – and risks – for small business-banking relationships of the future.”

This report analyzed survey responses, focus groups and interviews from 500+ U.S. based small and medium-sized businesses with an annual revenue up to $25M. Two key themes emerged from the research for small business-banking relationships in the future, including: Redefining value: * 84% of small businesses reported having “very much” or some degree of trust in their bank, but focus groups and interviews revealed that while there is trust in banks, expectations are rising along with frustration and confusion over complex and opaque fee structures. * Banks are uniquely positioned as the

key partner for small businesses seeking efficient, day-to-day operations management such as payroll services, expense management, and tax advice. Banks may not want to provide these as direct offerings, but being a connector can create a deeper customer relationship.

The winners will be those banks that can help the needs of these small businesses beyond that of the traditional deposit and credit model.

Digital as the primary way of doing business: * Small business customers understand the convenience and cost-saving benefits of automation, but still want personal interaction and relationships due to the complexity of their work. * Small businesses have options when it comes to technology and platforms designed to make their lives easier. This presents an excellent opportunity for trusted, reliable partners like banks to help with the technical and operational demands of making these systems work cohesively.

According to a 2020 report from the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 44% of economic activity in the United States, employ 60.6 million people, which equates to over 47% of the private workforce.

The impact of the pandemic was hard on small businesses, but as the country begins recovering, CI&T’s research shows the rebirth of small businesses presents an opportunity for banks to reform those partnerships.

EEOC Provides Additional Information On Vaccinations The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently posted updated and expanded technical assistance related to the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing questions arising under the federal equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws.

The EEOC also posted a new resource for job applicants and employees, explaining how federal employment discrimination laws protect workers during the pandemic.

These publications are provided to help employees and employers understand their rights and responsibilities at work during the pandemic.

The expanded technical assistance provides new information about how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) apply when an employer offers incentives for employees to provide documentation or other confirmation of vaccination when an employee gets a vaccine in the community or from

the employer or its agent. The technical assistance answers COVID-19 questions only from the perspective of the EEO laws. Other federal, state, and local laws come into play regarding the COVID-19 pandemic for employers and employees.

The updated technical assistance recently released addresses frequently asked questions concerning vaccinations in the employment context,” said EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows. “The EEOC will continue to clarify and update our COVID-19 technical assistance to ensure that we are providing the public with clear, easy to understand, and helpful information. We will continue to address the issues that were raised at the Commission’s recent hearing on the civil rights impact of COVID-19.”

The key updates to the technical assistance are summarized below: Federal EEO laws do not prevent an employer from requiring all employees physically entering the work-

place to be vaccinated for COVID-19, so long as employers comply with the reasonable accommodation provisions of the ADA and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other EEO considerations. Other laws, not in EEOC’s jurisdiction, may place additional restrictions on employers.

From an EEO perspective, employers should keep in mind that because some individuals or demographic groups may face greater barriers to receiving a COVID-19 vaccination than others, some employees may be more likely to be negatively impacted by a vaccination requirement.

Federal EEO laws do not prevent or limit employers from offering incentives to employees to voluntarily provide documentation or other confirmation of vaccination obtained from a third party (not the employer) in the community, such as a pharmacy, personal health care provider, or public clinic. If employers choose to obtain vaccination information from www.citizennewspapergroup.com

their employees, employers must keep vaccination information confidential pursuant to the ADA. Employers that are administering vaccines to their employees may offer incentives for employees to be vaccinated, as long as the incentives are not coercive.

Because vaccinations require employees to answer pre-vaccination disability-related screening questions, a very large incentive could make employees feel pressured to disclose protected medical information.

Employers may provide employees and their family members with information to educate them about COVID-19 vaccines and raise awareness about the benefits of vaccination.

The technical assistance highlights federal government resources available to those seeking more information about how to get vaccinated.

The new resource for job applicants and employees provides basic information about how federal employment

discrimination laws help workers who are being harassed; who need extra protection against getting sick; who are not being allowed to work; or who need a modification of their employer’s COVID-19 safety requirements.

These two publications follow an EEOC hearing on April 28 on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on civil rights in the workplace at which the EEOC heard from a wide range of experts. They were prepared prior to the CDC’s new guidance for fully vaccinated individuals issued on May 13, 2021, and do not specifically address that new guidance. As new developments occur, the EEOC will consider any impact they may have on EEOC’s COVID-19 technical assistance and will provide additional updates and assistance to the public as needed.

The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employ­ment discrimination. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 16, 2021

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NEWS

5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Money Family Features - Working toward financial stability can be a daunting task, but developing healthy spending habits and practicing smart saving can make it easier to plan for the future and take control of your finances.

Improve your financial stability and security with these tips from the experts at Credit One Bank, a data-driven financial services company that is also one of the largest and fastest-growing credit card issuers in the United States.

Create a Spending Plan and Budget By building a budget and examining your spending habits, you’re able to see exactly how much money you have coming in and where – or on what – you’re spending it.

This is often the first step toward meeting short- and long-term financial goals, whether those involve taking a vacation, paying off debt, buying a new house or saving for retirement.

Add up your household income, including paychecks and other income, such as investments or rental property, then figure your monthly expenses starting with recurring bills like rent or mortgage, car payments, insurance, utilities and subscriptions.

Also, account for variable expenses like gas, groceries and entertainment.

Once you have your income and expenses calculated, look for places you may be able to cut back to help meet your financial goals. Don’t forget to be flexible; your budget and spending will change along with your needs and situation.

Earn Rewards on Everyday Purchases You can stretch your budget further by taking advantage of rewards offered by your bank or credit card company. For example, some credit cards provide cash back rewards for specific everyday purchases. An option like the Credit One Bank Platinum Rewards Visa is one such credit card. Customers can earn 5% cash back for the first $5,000 of eligible purchases per year on things like gas, groceries, internet, cable, satellite TV and mobile phone services, plus 1% cash back rewards on all other purchases.

“Make sure your rewards are working for you – and not just as a gimmicky signup bonus,” said David Herpers, head of product at Credit One Bank. “Find a credit card that continues to give you more for your everyday spending habits.”

Compare Interest Rates When Opening a Savings Account When selecting a savings account, look for the highest yield

but also consider the minimum balance requirement, any introductory rates that may expire after a set period of time and the ease with which you’re able to access your money and account information. Often, digital banks can offer higher rates than traditional brick-and-mortar branches due to their lower overhead costs.

Ensure any bank you consider is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) so you can earn a fair rate and protect your money.

Build an Emergency Fund Emergency funds create a financial buffer that can keep you afloat in times of need without having to rely on high-interest loans or maxing out a line of credit.

These funds can be used to pay for large, unexpected expenses such as medical bills, the loss of a job, car repairs or home appliance repair or replacement.

To build your emergency fund, set a monthly savings goal – even an amount as small as $50 per paycheck can make an impact over time – and set up a way for the funds to be automatically transferred to the account each time you get paid to make the task less daunting. Check on the account periodically and adjust if necessary or if your budget allows. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 3-6 months of living expenses.

Keep Track of Your Credit Your credit score provides lenders and other parties a quick way to get an idea of your financial history and your ability to pay. Having a good credit score typically provides better interest rates and makes it easier to get approval on loans, rent an apartment, take out a mortgage or finance large purchases. Poor credit can saddle you with higher rates and lead to potential loan requests being denied.

To help you understand how different actions affect your credit score, many sites offer free credit reports and tools that allow you to stay up-to-date and track your score over time. Be sure to check reviews and verify the site’s legitimacy before entering your information. Additionally, many credit card companies, including Credit One Bank, provide free access to online credit reports on a regular basis to give customers an easier way to stay on top of their finances.

have grown in popularity due to their convenience in comparison to cash, but technology has evolved even further to allow for a rise in contactless payment. Consider these capabilities many cards now offer: Chip (EMV) cards utilize smart technology to store data on the microchip embedded in the card, allowing for an extra level of security with a one-time code generated as

part of each transaction to keep payment information more secure than swiping the magnetic strip.

Contactless cards are equipped with near-field communication technology that allows payments to be made at a terminal without swiping or inserting. The card member’s name, billing information and security code are never transmitted when cards bearing the contactless indicator are tapped on

an equipped terminal.

Smart device payments can be made by adding your credit or debit card to the wallet app on your smartphone or tablet. Apps can also be added to some smartwatches to make contactless payments at participating merchants even easier.

Find more ways to make your money work for you at CreditOneBank.com/articles.

SOURCE: Credit One Bank

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6 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 16, 2021

GOOD EATING

Active and energized: Registered dietitian shares how eating right in the morning fuels energy throughout the day (BPT) - With health and wellness top of mind for many Americans, fitness has become a top priority. Whether you're extremely active or just starting on a wellness journey, incorporating wholesome, nutritious foods into your diet plan can help give your body the fuel it needs to thrive.

"Studies suggest that eating a healthy breakfast before a workout improves your performance both inside the gym and out," says Marissa Meshulam, registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of MPM Nutrition. "By filling up on vitamins and nutrients first thing in the morning, you set yourself up for success throughout the day."

Meshulam shares tips for creating a filling and fueling breakfast that supports an active lifestyle, helps you maximize your workout potential and extends your energy throu ghout the day: Start with hydration Your body craves hydration after sleeping all night, so start your day by drinking a tall glass of water. Consider making it a habit to drink water while you wait for your morning cup of coffee to brew. while coffee and other beverages such as fruit juice can help you hydrate, it's important to be mindful of

their sugar content, as that can cause blood glucose levels to spike, causing a short-lived feeling of energy before a mid-morning crash.

Choose nutrient-dense foods Give your body a wellness boost by making breakfasts that include ingredients loaded with essential vitamins and minerals.

Many berries, for example, are full of vitamins and antioxidants and pair well with a breakfast dish. As a base, choose nutrient-packed eggs to act as the star of the plate. Keep in mind, not all eggs are created equal. Eggland's Best eggs are the only eggs that provide superior taste, freshness and nutrition compared to ordinary eggs, such as more than double the Vitamin B12 and Omega-3s, 10 times more Vitamin E and six times more Vitamin D. These vitamins perfectly compliment an active lifestyle, as they can help boost energy and aid in muscle recovery after a strenuous workout.

Add in healthy carbs Healthy carbs are also important to keep in mind for a fueling breakfast, especially if the day calls for a more intense workout. Carbs help you sustain energy for longer so the body and mind can focus and excel.

Some healthy carbs to try adding to your breakfast include whole grain cereal or bread, bananas and sweet potatoes. Grains like quinoa, oats and buckwheat are also good options. Overnight oats, protein pancakes and egg bakes are all popular breakfast options that fuel an active lifestyle by helping you stay satisfied throughout the day.

Looking for recipe inspiration? Try this nutrient-filled breakfast that will fuel your body and help you maximize your day: Farmer's Hash Ingredients: 2 Eggland's Best Eggs, large 1 parsnip, cubed (1 cup) 2 cups of brussels sprouts, halved 1 sweet potato, diced 2 tablespoons of olive oil Fresh thyme, chopped (2 tbsp.)

Salt/pepper to taste Cooking spray Directions: Preheat oven to 400 F. On a large baking sheet, toss the vegetables

(parsnips, brussels sprouts and sweet potato) with 2 tbsp. of olive oil and the fresh thyme.

Add a little bit of salt and pepper. Mix well.

Place in the oven for ~30-35 minutes or until crispy. Toss the veggies halfway through the cooking process.

While the veggies finish cooking, make sunny-side-up eggs in a skillet using cooking spray.

Once the veggies are done, scoop into two bowls and top each bowl with 1 egg each. Top with fresh scallions and enjoy!

Recipe notes: You can cook the eggs however you prefer (poached, scrambled, over easy).

Nutrition and fitness go hand-in-hand, which is why Eggland's Best has teamed up with digital fitness platform Daily Burn to continue its mission of empowering families www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Give your body a wellness boost by making breakfasts that include ingredients loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. Many berries, for example, are full of vitamins and antioxidants and pair well with a breakfast dish. to choose an active, healthier lifestyle. From now through June 25, fitness fanatics and families can visit www.dailyburn.com/sweepstakes and enter for a chance to win a variety of fitness-themed prizes such as workout swag, EB coupons and free Daily Burn memberships! Plus, Eggland's Best and Daily Burn are offering free, easy-to-follow workouts led by Daily Burn fitness experts and delicious recipes using EB eggs!

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 16, 2021

NEWS The Cook County Assessor’s Office Re-Opens for In-Person Appointments Online services are also available for property owners The Cook County Assessor’s Office announces the resumption of in-person visits by the public to its downtown and branch offices, in accordance with Cook County’s reopening plan on Monday, June 14, 2021. All inperson visits are by appointment only and will require a mask, physical distancing, and a health screening. These requirements apply to the downtown location as well as the Markham and Skokie branch offices. Bridgeview is currently closed due to construction.

“With reductions to Chicago’s COVID numbers, we’re able to resume in-person access to our office while keeping both staff and the public safe, said Assessor Fritz Kaegi. “During the entirety of the pandemic our office has continued to function remotely and offer exemplary customer service virtually and over the phone. Property

owners should know they can continue to apply for many of our services online.”

Please see the various ways to interact with our office below.

Schedule an appointment: www. cookcountyassessor.com/appt Call: 312-443-7550 Send a message: www.cookcountyassessor.com/contact Attend a workshop: www.cookcountyassessor.com/event-list Although the office is open to the public, taxpayers are still encouraged to explore the many online services offered. Homeowners can apply for missing exemptions and file assessment appeals entirely online.

For other property tax related topics such as questions about ownership of property, foreclosures, or liens contact the Cook County Clerk’s Office at www.cookcountyclerkil.gov. For information on how to pay your property tax bill, obtain a copy of your tax bill, or duplicate or overpayment contact the Cook County Treasurer’s Office at www. cookcountytreasurer.com.

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“For the church, it has been a tremendous blessing for us.

It allowed us to do things that we were not going to do.”

Pastor Mark claimed nearly $40K! The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office connects people with their unclaimed money and property through the I-Cash program.

ADULTS DISCOVER PROPERTY TO CLAIM WHEN THEY SEARCH

ILLINOISTREASURER.GOV/ICASH

unclaimedproperty@illinoistreasurer.gov or 877-581-3689

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CITIZEN On The Move

Congresswoman Robin Kelly Annual Golf Outing Highlights Photos by CREDD

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 16, 2021

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The COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and there’s no cost to you.

I got mine.

BE NEXT MEDICARE.GOV

CC_Chatham_BeNext_10x13.indd 1

5/4/21 11:18 AM

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10 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 16, 2021

FASHION

Ninacloak Offers Discounts on Women’s Dresses

Speakman recently introduced Exhilaration Spray Technology in a collection of multi-function shower heads and hand showers.

Speakman’s Exhilaration Technology Offers A Fully Immersive Shower Experience Speakman, a manufacturer of premier plumbing products, recently introduced Exhilaration Spray Technology in a collection of multi-function shower heads and hand showers.

The Exhilaration sprays offer 344 individual spray outlets to accommodate four distinct sprays including: Rain; Reaction; Massage and Satin.

“Showering is not merely an act of cleansing” says Adam Horwitz, Speakman’s chief marketing officer. “It’s one of the few times a day we focus solely

on ourselves and our well-being. That’s why we believe it deserves to be the best possible experience – and Exhilaration provides just that.”

Exhilaration Spray Technology is now available in the Neo, Kubos, and Rainier collections as shower heads as well as hand showers.

According to a press release, Neo offers a design with a round spray face that adapts to any bathroom décor, while Kubos and Rainier feature a square spray face with modern or traditional design details.

Ninacloak, an online store for women’s clothing will be offering discounts up to 70% on many of its products.

They are offering an additional discount of 5% on any new purchase. The offer is going on now until the end of July. The store, which is known for its trendy women’s tops, aims to acquire new customers and retain their loyal ones this summer.

Though they are known for their collection of women’s dresses, Ninacloak also deals in other different types of fashion accessories. According to Niki Smith, the marketing manager of Ninacloak, shoppers can find designer shoes, jewelry, bags, scarfs and other accessories.

“At our store, there are different types of women’s casual dresses which are available. We have a huge collection of these dresses. In fact, we have more than 700 different varieties of these dresses. They are available in different designs and colors. Some of the most fashionable dresses are shift dresses, maxi dresses, skater dresses, bodycon dresses and so on,” said Smith.

“The best thing about the upcoming summer sale is that buyers can find all the latest 2021 casual dresses at heavily discounted rates. Not only that, they can also explore markdowns on the end-of-season products. We are also offering free shipping and many more exciting offers that our customers will definitely love. In fact, we conducted a survey this past March to understand what kind of products our customers would be looking for this coming summer. After analyzing the market data, we decided to announce discounts on those products,” the marketing manager added.

All Exhilaration models are available in three finishes to coordinate with various bathroom color palettes: Polished Chrome, Brushed Nickel, and Matte Black.

Horwitz adds: “Speakman shower heads are the choice of thousands of high-end resorts and hotels around the globe. And the reason for that is that they provide the most satisfying shower experience in the industry. Now, consumers can get the same experience at home.”

For more information, visit speakman. com.

Ninacloak

Black Seed Oil Market to Hit $30 Million by 2027, Says Global Market Insights Inc. The black seed oil market value is expected to cross USD 30 million by 2027, according to a new research report by Global Market Insights Inc. The ease of processing and easy miscibility with different ingredients is likely to raise the demand for black seed oil from different applications over the forecast period.

Demand for black seed oil from the pharmaceutical sector is expected to witness lucrative growth over the

forecast period owing to increasing consumer demand for natural ingredients in drug formulations to minimize the side effects of its consumption on the human body.

Some major findings of the black seed oil market report include: The growing consumer awareness regarding the ill effects of drugs composed of chemical-based ingredients should raise product demand.

The growing health consciousness

among consumers and increased intake of dietary supplements to improve body immunity and metabolism should drive the demand for black seed oil in capsule form.

The industry of black seed oil in capsule form is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 6.5% between 2021 and 2027.

The ability of black seed oil to provide a cooling sensation and soothing effect on the scalp is likely www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Global Market Insights Inc.

to escalate product demand for manufacturing anti-dandruff products during the forecast time frame.

The black seed oil market from hair care application exceeded USD 2.5 Million in 2020.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 16, 2021

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

REAL ESTATE HUD/BANK FORECLOSURES CITY & SUBURBS Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ____________________________________ 3+ Bedroom HOMES FOR SALE SELLER FINANCING Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ____________________________________

GREEN LIVING 5 Surprising Ways Clean Technology is Improving Daily Life

HELP WANTED The Calumet City Board of Fire and Police Commission will be accepting applications for the position of Firefighter Immediate positions available pending academy start date Applications will be available for pickup at the Office of the City Clerk; 204 Pulaski Road, Calumet City, IL beginning Monday, June 21, 2021.

The Clerk's office hours are as follows: Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Application deadline July 2, 2021 Starting Firefighter Salary is $59,145.92 Salary after one year is $74,442.81

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

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

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773-416-7555 http://shaymarmedia.com shaymarmedia@gmail.com

Full benefit package includes: * Health, dental, vision and life insurance * 2 weeks paid vacation after one year * Illinois Fire Pension Fund * 20 mile residency radius You must meet the following minimum requirements by the application deadline: * $20 non-refundable application fee; * Must be a U.S. citizen; * Must be 21 years of age and under 35 years of age by July 24, 2021; unless otherwise exempt by statute; * No felony arrests; * Must be an Illinois State certified paramedic at time of hire; * Must have a current CPAT card valid within 12 months of test date; * Must have a valid driver's license; * Application must be returned with required information, postmarked 7/2/2021 Mandatory Orientation Saturday, July 17, 2021 - 9:00 a.m.

Test Date Saturday, July 24, 2021 - 9:00 a.m.

SERVICE JP PROPERTY SERVICES * Junk Removal * Gutter Cleaning * Demolition * Power Washing * Delivery * Snow Removal (312) 897-0113 _____________________________________ Do You Want To Improve Your Bad Credit Score?

Call Credit Restoration Service Today!

(218) 833-3769 9:00a.m. - 5:00 p.m. _____________________________________

LEGAL SERVICE INJURED? If you've been hurt in an accident in Illinois, call for a FREE CASE CONSULTATION. Calls Answered 24/7 by Staver Accident Injury Lawyers: 1-888-310-8322

__________________________________

By Order of the Calumet City Board of Fire and Police Commission William B. Galgan, Chairman Mary L. Cox, Commissioner Carmela J. Ziobro, Commissioner ____________________________________

You Can Make This Space Yours By Calling For a Quote Today: (773) 783-1251

(StatePoint) Climate-related crises like rising sea levels, severe weather events and longer drought seasons are challenging the global economy. They’re also driving the launch of new clean technologies.

Darrell Garth

President /Publisher

Here are five examples of how these new technologies are changing and improving daily life: 1. Making clean energy easier to access: With the renewable energy sector experiencing tremendous growth, solar energy is becoming a more affordable solution for Americans who were previously left out of the solar revolution. Projects like the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund are putting solar on homes and tribal buildings in rural parts of Indian Country to reduce energy costs and advance Energy Sovereignty.

Janice Garth

Sales Manager General Manager

Editorial

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

Advertising

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

2. Creating new jobs when they’re needed most. In addition to cleaner air and reducing carbon, the renewable energy sector is creating thousands of clean energy jobs in communities across the U.S.

Classified Advertising

3. Improving buildings like hospitals, schools and offices. With commercial buildings accounting for about 40% of all electricity use in the U.S., and heightened concern around safety and indoor air quality, the founders of startup 75F are using internet-of-things-powered building management systems and cloud-based software to improve heating and cooling efficiencies, maintain occupant comfort and improve air quality in commercial buildings.

(773) 783-1251

4. Helping farmers become more productive and resilient. Agriculture currently accounts for 70% of the world’s water usage and 14% of its energy usage.

Startup Pluton Biosciences is using microbes to help identify and address soil imbalances and diseases before they become a larger problem on particular parcels of land. This is helping farmers remain productive and efficient in the face of unpredictable weather patterns, pollution and crop infestations. The company CoverCress is working on a new cash crop for the Midwest that farmers can plant during winter months in between corn and soybean seasons. The crop sequesters carbon and can be harvested as a low-carbon feed for livestock.

5. Boosting affordable housing inventory so more people can find homes.

Construction technologies like Blokable’s pre-fabricated building system are addressing the housing affordability crisis by creating multi-family housing units that are highly efficient, drastically reducing the volume of construction waste.

Programs like the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator, which works with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, are investing in new clean energy startups, helping them bring game-changing climate solutions to market. Experts say that such investments will be critical in the years to come.

“Continued investment in startups and entrepreneurs focused on low-carbon solutions will help build a stronger global economy and more resilient communities, and help avoid the worst impacts of climate change,” says Ramsay Huntley, sustainable finance strategist at Wells Fargo.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) RossHelen / iStock via Getty Images Plus

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Coverage Areas: CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

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

SOUTH END

Washington Heights, Roseland, Rosemoor, Englewood, West Englewood, Auburn-Gresham, Morgan Park, Maple Park, Mt. Vernon, Fernwood, Bellevue, Beverly, Pullman, West Pullman, West Pullman, Riverdale, Jeffrey Manor and Hegewisch.

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

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Lake Meadows, Oakland, Prairie Shores, Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Kenwood, Woodland, South Shore and Hyde Park.

CHICAGO WEEKEND

Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY Bloom Township, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest, Sauk Village, South Chicago and Steger Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGII), Publisher of the Chatham-Southeast, South End, Chicago Weekend, South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually). Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send information for the calendar at least three weeks prior to the event. Send to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 783-1251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

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On the patio, online or streaming on-the-go, Xfinity celebrates the season with the music that unites us all.

Just say, “Black Experience,” into your Xfinity Voice Remote to enjoy a Black Music Month collection filled with your favorite groups, collabos, duets, TV shows, and more. Plus, with Xfinity Internet, your entertainment starts at FREE with a Flex 4K streaming box that puts all your apps in one place. Xfinity, the ultimate in Black storytelling and a way better way to watch.

Visit xfinity.com/blackexperience to learn more.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Access for Xfinity Internet customers via the Xfinity Stream app or Flex. Flex is not available in all areas or to current Xfinity Video customers. Requires post-paid subscription to Xfinity Internet, excluding Internet Essentials. Pricing subject to change. Taxes, fees and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change. Limited to 3 devices.

1 device included, additional devices $5/mo. per device. All devices must be returned when service ends. Separate subscriptions required for certain streaming services. Viewing uses your Internet service and will count against any Xfinity data plan. Streaming content limited to the U.S. ©2021 Comcast. All Rights Reserved.

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Amplify your summer.