SOUTH SUBURBAN CITIZEN 7-31-2019

Citizen Families want pediatric services at Ingalls maintained — Page 3 Week of July 31, 2019

| Vol. 38 | No. 36 | www.thechicagocitizen.com

SOUTH SUBURBAN

The Village of Dolton Board of Trustees recently voted to terminate their legislative counsel. Photo Credit: Provided by the Village of Dolton

SOUTH SUBURBAN VILLAGE VOTES TO FIRE LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL AT RECENT BOARD MEETING At a recent Regular Board Meeting, Village of Dolton Trustees voted to terminate their legislative counsel for financial reasons.

While the termination was approved unanimously, one trustee spoke out at the meeting to say that they believe the legislative counsel is an important resource for the Board of Trustees. PAGE 2

BUSINESS Bayer Earns Top Marks in 2019 Disability Equality Index PAGE 4

FASHION

ENTERTAINMENT

Gap Celebrates Back To School with the Launch of ‘Forward’ Campaign

Hanna Lee Communications Takes Books from Concept to Publishing, with Built-In Promotion

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advertising@thechicagocitizen.com thechicagocitizen@thechicagocitiz www.facebook.com/durrell.garth.9 www.thechicagocitizen.com

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NEWS briefly EDUCATION

78% OF RECENT GRADS: STUDENT LOANS LIMIT LIFE, LEADING SOME TO FEEL REGRET In order to see how big an impact student loan debt has, Student Loan Hero surveyed borrowers who graduated in the last five years. The survey found that nearly 8 of 10 recent college graduates report that their student loan debt has hindered their life in some significant way, leaving them stagnant.

For close to half of survey respondents, high student loan debt has led to regrets about how much they borrowed (46%) and what they studied in college (46%). More interesting, however, is that those who work in a field related to their college major were more confident about handling their monthly loan payment (55%) than those who do something else for a living (34%).

To view the full report, visit https://studentloanhero.com/featured/graduates-student-loan-debt-financial-milestones-survey/

HEALTH

EVERGREEN PARK HOSPITAL AND FACILITIES EXPECTED TO MERGE WITH OSF HEALTHCARE OSF HealthCare and Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers have entered into a period of exclusive negotiations, anticipating a full merger. The two organizations will spend the next several months finalizing agreements and seeking the necLittle Company of Mary essary regulatory and Hospital exterior. canonical approvals.

“As health care continues to evolve, we have the responsibility to ensure that we are planning for the future – both in terms of technology and innovation as well as preserving Catholic health care,” said John Hanlon, MD, MMM, president and CEO, Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers. “OSF HealthCare is a leader in transforming health care, and we believe our firm foundation of faith and collective sense of purpose and mission will allow for sustained quality, coordinated care and innovation.”

The merger is expected to take place in early 2020, according to a press release.

LAW & POLITICS

WORKING MOTHER RECOGNIZES SHOOK’S CULTURE AND RANKS FIRM AMONG BEST LAW FIRMS FOR WOMEN Working Mother magazine has selected Shook, Hardy & Bacon for its prestigious list of the 2019 “60 Best Law Firms for Women.” Led

by Chair Madeleine McDonough, this is the eighth time in the past dozen years Shook has earned the honor.

The magazine noted Shook’s inaugural “Diversity Sponsor Award” created by the firm’s Junior Women’s Management Council. The firm recognizes an attorney who mentors women and diverse attorneys by providing opportunities for growth, leadership, advancement and visibility. In 2019, Partner Adrienne Byard earned the accolade.

South Suburban Village Votes To Fire Legislative Counsel At Recent Board Meeting Continued from page 1

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

At a recent Regular Board Meeting, Village of Dolton Trustees voted to terminate their legislative counsel for financial reasons. While the termination was approved unanimously, one trustee spoke out at the meeting to say that they believe the legislative counsel is an important resource for the Board of Trustees.

“This was something we discussed at a Committee of the Whole Meeting in May. This is an item that I felt we would not continue to use so we put it up for discussion and I would like to motion that we terminate the legislative council for the Board of Trustees,” said Jason House, Village of Dolton trustee.

Legislative counsel, by definition, is a lawyer or group of lawyers employed to assist legislators in the procedures for enacting legislation, according to Miriam-Webster.

While the Village of Dolton Board of Trustees has voted to terminate their

legislative counsel and redistribute those funds elsewhere, they still have access to the Village Attorney, John Murphy, who was also present at the recent Regular Board Meeting.

“I’m going to vote to terminate because we do need the funds to go elsewhere but I do think that we need legislative council because the Village Attorney is biased that sits here on this board,” alleged Tiffany Henyard, Village of Dolton trustee.

Trustee Henyard further alleged that the Village Attorney was, “working for the mayor only and advocating only for the Mayor,” and not advocating for the legislative body as a whole.

“I vote to terminate this because the Village needs the money but I am not in favor of keeping John Murphy as the Village Attorney because he’s biased,” alleged Trustee Henyard at the most recent regular board meeting.

Village of Dolton Mayor Riley Rogers rebutted Trustee Henyard’s accusation by saying that Attorney Murphy is highly

trained in his profession and qualified to give legal advice.

“The Village Attorney is the Mayor’s appointment and secondly you always challenge the legal opinion of the attorney.

You ask him for an opinion and then you challenge it. He is the one that has been to law school and has a degree so as far as him being biased, I don’t think that’s true,” said Rogers.

The Village Attorney spoke during the meeting to clarify information that was shared with Trustee Henyard in previous conversations but did not address her claims of his bias.

The Mayor and Trustee Henyard went back and forth for bit continuing to discuss their opinions of the Village Attorney but ultimately still voted in favor of dismissing the legislative counsel for the Village of Dolton and relying solely on the legal advice of the Village Attorney.

Full recordings of the Village of Dolton’s Board Meetings are available on the village’s Youtube channel.

100-year old legendary African-American debate coach awarded 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from NSDA 100-year old legendary African-American debate coach Dr. Thomas Freeman has been awarded the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Speech & Debate Association.

Freeman’s 70-plus year resume includes teaching Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during his time at Morehouse, former U.S. Reps. Leland and Jordan, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, gospel superstar Yolanda Adams, and Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington, who sought out Freeman’s expertise to coach the cast of the Golden Globe-nominated film “The Great Debaters.”

Freeman was the Texas Southern University debate coach for six decades before his retirement in 2013. Freeman recently celebrated his 100th birthday on June 27, 2019.

“The National Speech & Debate Association is deeply honored to award Dr. Freeman with our 2019 lifetime achievement award,” said J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director of the National Speech & Debate Association.

“Our members, board members,

100-year old legendary African-American debate coach Dr. Thomas Freeman (pictured) has been awarded the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Speech & Debate Association

coaches, and students hold Dr. Freemen with such high esteem – he’s like a celebrity within our organization. Freeman is the epitome of who our members hope to become – someone who defies the odds and uses the power of words to propel change. His words of encouragement at our National Tournament in Dallas will always echo through our hearts.”

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About the National Speech & Debate Association The National Speech & Debate Association is the largest interscholastic speech and debate organization serving middle school, high school, and collegiate students in the United States. The Association provides competitive speech and debate activities, high-quality resources, comprehensive training,

scholarship opportunities, and advanced recognition to more than 150,000 students and coaches every year. For 90 years, the National Speech & Debate Association has empowered nearly two million members to become engaged citizens, skilled professionals, and honorable leaders in our society. For more information, visit www. speechanddebate.org.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of July 31, 2019

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NEWS

Families want pediatric services at Ingalls maintained

BY WENDELL HUTSON Contributing Writer

South suburban families are advocating for the University of Chicago Medicine to keep the 17-bed pediatric inpatient center at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey open as a convenience to them.

“I live down the street at 148th and Woods making it easy for me to bring my children,” said Brittany Flowers, a 23-year-old single mother of a 4-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter. “Plus, I don’t have a car and if the center closes, that forces me to go to the University of Chicago in the city to get the same quality care for my kids and that’s too far.”

The 485-bed community hospital became apart of the U of C in 2016 when the two health providers merged, marking the first, community hospital acquisition for the U of C. But now, hospital officials want to close the unit due to underutilization.

“This decision was not one made easily or quickly and follows a rigorous analysis of Ingalls’ occupancy and the needs of our community. Ingalls Pediatric Service is chronically underutilized, caring for only 4.4 percent of the local population, or an average of two to three patients per day,” Brian Sinotte, president of Ingalls Memorial Hospital, wrote in a July 15 filing with the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board. “The current volume and size of the Ingall’s pediatric unit would be insufficient to establish a new pediatric category of service under the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board’s standards and

Less than three years after the University of Chicago Medicine merged with Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, the health care provider wants to close Ingalls’ pediatric inpatient center due to underutilization. Photo credits: By Wendell Hutson

makes it impossible to sustain high-quality pediatric care that [the] Ingalls community deserves.”

Alternatively, Sinotte said parents could use Ingalls’ Emergency Room for pediatric care or at one of its Family Care Centers in Calumet City, Flossmoor and Tinley Park. And if patients require hospitalization, Sinotte wrote, “Comer Children’s Hospital [in Hyde Park] has committed to accepting the transfers or referrals without limitations or restrictions.”

A decision by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board as to if Ingalls can close its pediatric inpatient center is expected this fall.

Health experts contend that more and more hospitals are closing their inpatient pediatric centers because most procedures are now done on an outpatient basis, and patients with serious conditions have chosen to go elsewhere like La Rabida Children’s Hospital, Advocate Children’s Hospital and Lurie Children’s Hospital.

But for some families living in Harvey and in other nearby suburbs, a trip to Comer Children’s Hospital at the U of C is a huge

inconvenience.

“There’s a lot of shooting on the South Side where the University of Chicago is at and I don’t want to be traveling with my kids if shooting is going on there,” said Felicia Smyles, 34, a mother of an 11-year-old daughter, 10-year-old son and a newborn. “So what if the 17 beds are not filled up everyday? The fact that the unit is being utilized is reason enough to keep it open and not force parents to go to Chicago for quality treatment.”

Keith Foster, 69, said his 9-year-old granddaughter has been to the pediatric center at Ingalls before and “it was a life saver.”

He said his granddaughter was hospitalized in December for a car accident.

“They [Ingalls Hospital] took very good care of my little angel,” recalled Foster, who lives in nearby Markham. “When the university first bought Ingalls, I was all for it because I knew better services would follow. But now, I have second thoughts because it seems like the university wants to slowly close Ingalls and force everyone to come to their Hyde Park campus.”

Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey merged with the University of Chicago Medicine in 2016 and now seeks state permission to close its 17-bed pediatric inpatient unit due to underutilization. Photo credit: By Wendell Hutson

Breastfeeding Mother’s Experience Leads Illinois Department of Corrections To Change Policies Inmates and visitors at Logan Correctional Center now will be allowed to breastfeed their infants during family visits, after a recently-released mother raised concerns about a previous ban at the facility.

Emily French gave birth to her son in February 2019 while serving an approximately seven-month sentence at Logan Correctional Facility in Lincoln. Ms. French nursed her son during the short period of time she was able to spend with him

before the two were separated. After that, Ms. French regularly pumped breast milk, which family members arranged to collect and deliver to feed her infant son.

But when Ms. French’s aunt brought the baby to see his mother at Logan, the family was told that she would not be allowed to breastfeed her son during their visits.

“It was upsetting and painful.

Seeing and holding my son triggered a physical reaction and I pro-

duced breast milk. It was cruel that instead of being able to bond with my son, I was forced to go into a bathroom and express the milk into a sink. I was sad and depressed,” said Ms. French.

After Ms. French was released on parole in May 2019, lawyers at the ACLU of Illinois contacted the Illinois Department of Corrections to express concerns about the policy and its impact on breastfeeding parents like Ms. French. www.thechicagocitizen.com

The ACLU also voiced concerns that the ban violated the Illinois Right to Breastfeed Act, which guarantees that a parent who chooses to breastfeed has the right to nurse their infant in anylocation – public or private – where they are otherwise authorized to be. In June, IDOC agreed to revise its policies to allow parents to breastfeed their infants during visits to the facility. IDOC has now amended the visitation guidelines on its website

and the Logan Correctional Center policies to permit inmates and visitors to breastfeed their children during visits.

“It was great to be reunited with my son and I will never do anything in my life again to risk being separated from my child. But what happened to me should not happen to other mothers, no matter if they are in custody or not. I’m glad to see that the policy will change,” said Ms. French.

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BUSINESS

Bayer Earns Top Marks in 2019 Disability Equality Index For the first time, Bayer U.S. earned an 80 in the 2019 Disability Equality Index (DEI), and was recognized as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion. DEI is the most comprehensive disability inclusion assessment tool designed and embraced by both business leaders and disability advocates across the United States.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the best places to work for disability inclusion,” said Philip Blake, president of Bayer U.S. “Improving our policies and benefits for employees with disabilities is a major priority for us. Earning a top score from Disability:IN is proof of Bayer’s Members of the Bayer team accepted the honor of 2019 DEI Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion at commitment to bettering the lives of our a dinner gala in Chicago, IL on July 17. Pictured from employees and their families.” left to right: Daphanie Pointer, Lydia Pranke, Leela Bayer’s Employee Resource Groups are Dasari, Babette Simon and Leigh Ann Oravecz. an integral part of the company’s efforts to employment outcomes for and inclusion of people meet the needs of employees with diverse with disabilities, as employees, customers and backgrounds and needs. ENABLE is Bayer’s suppliers,” said Jill Houghton, president and CEO global community that is dedicated to the overall of Disability:IN. “When businesses include people wellness and development of employees and their with disabilities, everybody wins.” families with visible and non-obvious disabilities.

This year, 180 companies participated in the The 2019 DEI evaluates inclusion criteria DEI, of which 113 were Fortune 500 companies. for culture and leadership, enterprise-wide This represents a work force of more than 8.6 access, employment practices, such as benefits, million, with 3.7% of employees identifying employment education and accommodations, in as having a disability. In addition, 28 business addition to community engagement, and supplier sectors participated, including financial services, diversity. technology, insurance, and health care.

“The DEI is designed to promote and advance For more information on the 2019 Disability disability inclusion practices and policies Equality Index, visit https://disabilityin.org. within corporate America that lead to better

Illinois Payrolls Up 11,400 in June Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.3 Percent The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) recently announced that nonfarm payrolls increased +11,400 jobs overthe-month and the unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in June, down -0.1 percentage point from the prior month, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. The May jobs decline was revised from the preliminary report (from -2,400 to +2,300 jobs).

Illinois payroll employment has shown variability since the beginning of the year, as have National payrolls. Average payroll employment growth in Illinois during the April to June three-month period, which provides a more stable measure of payroll employment change, was +10,700 jobs, with the largest gains in Leisure and Hospitality (+3,800), Professional and Business Services (+3,000) and Government (+1,500).

“Job growth remains strong in Illinois, and this administration looks forward to continuing to build on that growth with policies aimed at lifting up working families,” said Deputy Governor Dan Hynes. “With a balanced budget, a bipartisan capital plan investing in horizontal and vertical infrastructure, and legislation to raise wages and support small businesses, we are confident we are laying the groundwork for long term economic growth across Illinois.”

Over-the-year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by +79,200 jobs with the largest gains in these industry sectors

in June: Professional and Business Services (+19,400), Leisure and Hospitality (+18,100) and Educational and Health Services (+15,200).

The industry sectors with over-theyear declines were: Information (-2,900), Construction (-300) and Mining (-200).

Illinois nonfarm payrolls were up +1.3 percent over-the-year as compared to the nation’s +1.5 percent over-the-year gain in June.

The state’s unemployment rate is +0.6 percentage points higher than the national unemployment rate reported for June 2019, which rose to 3.7 percent. The Illinois unemployment rate was unchanged from a year ago when it was 4.3 percent.

The number of unemployed workers decreased from the prior month, -2.7 percent to 277,400, and was up +0.5 percent over the same month for the prior year. The labor force was up +0.1 percentage point over-themonth and +0.4 percentage point over-theyear. The unemployment rate identifies those individuals who are out of work and are seeking employment.

An individual who exhausts or is ineligible for benefits is still reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.

To help connect jobseekers to employers who are hiring, IDES’ maintains the state’s largest job search engine, IllinoisJoblink.com (IJL), which recently showed 59,345 posted resumes with 93,110 jobs available.

BRIEFLY

Students traveled from across the country to participate in the 2019 National Black MBA Association® Leaders of Tomorrow® Leadership Summit at Georgetown University.

National Black MBA Association® Leaders of Tomorrow® Leadership Summit Held at Georgetown University More than 130 students from across the country traveled to participate in the 2019 National Black MBA Association® Leaders of Tomorrow® Leadership Summit at Georgetown University for leadership training and academic workshops from June 26th to June 30th. During the LOT® Summit, students participated in engaging breakout sessions with motivational speakers and inspiring business leaders and entrepreneurs, along with college and corporate campus tours including a visit to Google, Howard University School of Business, and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture. www.thechicagocitizen.com

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of July 31, 2019

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FASHION

Gap Celebrates Back To School with the Launch of ‘Forward’ Campaign Gap, the iconic American clothing brand, recently launched the GapKids ‘Forward’ Back To School campaign. In an effort to propel the next generation in the direction of their strengths, the ‘Forward’ campaign celebrates creative self-expression and kids who are breaking boundaries.

Set to an original version of Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” the ‘Forward’ hero campaign video encourages kids to push forward into a world of their own creation.

Featuring a cast of real kids who are pushing forward faster than we can keep up, the video captures the confident attitude of the next generation by celebrating a diverse range of kids who are bold by nature.

The cast includes: Salem Darling, Electric Guitarist – Don’t let this sweet girl fool you. @salem_darling can shred on her electric guitar with the best of them. And at 13 years old, she already knows “If you put a lot of work into what you love, then eventually you will get to wherever you want to go.”

Avett Ray, Pianist – 7-year-old @avettray may be blind, but this self-taught piano sensation has his sights on a big future. While he admits he can pretty much play any instrument he wants, he’s all about the piano because he can “rock it,” and one day it’s gonna make him a rockstar.

Lil Asmar, Bass – 12-year-old bass guitarist @lilasmar hopes to inspire other kids to keep moving forward.

“Whatever you want to do, just do it. No one can tell you to stop.”

‘The Twits’ (Recker Eans, Drummer & Camden Edie, Electric Guitar) – 11-year-old guitarist @camden.edie and 9-year-old drummer @recker are ready to rock the world together “because we know there is just stuff waiting out there for us.”

Emmanuel Hurd, Dancer – 11-year-old @manny. cross2 of @thehurdfamily wants to be the best dancer in the world. But he also knows “this is just the beginning.

I’m only just getting started.”

L.J. Wilson, Drummer, 5 - “When I play the drums, I

Let kids go! Let them show us their way FORWARD. #GapToSchool

am fearless.” - @babyboydrummer “Back to School is the first of many exciting moments as we mark the 50th year for Gap. This campaign is all about giving kids the confidence they need to take on amazing opportunities to grow and take big strides forward,” said Gap senior vice president and chief marketing officer Alegra O’Hare. “We were able to tap into the spirit of some very inspiring kids like Salem and Avett who are breaking boundaries every day and even had the chance to put their own spin on a legendary rock song. Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” is the perfect back to school anthem, celebrating creativity and confidence for a new generation of kids.”

The bold cast wear the Fall GapKids assortment of comfortable yet on-trend fall fashion that allows its kids to express their personality. From denim jeans, jackets and dresses in colorful and traditional hues, striped t-shirts with flippy sequin pockets, cozy puffer jackets in pop-colors and statement camo and animal print tops and bottoms, alongside pieces that are a subtle nod to Gap’s 50 year heritage such as namesake logo hoodies and sweatshirts. Playful wanderlust graphics and positive affirming messages are inscribed throughout the collection to make kids feel confident about every step they take out into a world they will one day lead.

11-year-old @manny.cross2 of @thehurdfamily wants to be the best dancer in the world. But he also knows “this is just the beginning. I’m only just getting started.” #GapToSchool

Hair Club® Celebrates Its 43rd Birthday by Giving Back

Hair Club is giving back to the community by donating school supplies to the Boys & Girls Club (B&GC).

Hair Club is celebrating 43 years as the leader in hair enhancement, treatment, and restoration. For nearly half a century, Hair Club has been providing solutions to improve hair health, thinning, and loss to more than 500,000 clients in over 120 locations across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

In celebration of another banner year, Hair Club is giving back to the community by donating school supplies to the Boys & Girls Club (B&GC).

Employees and clients from all centers as well as the corporate office will donate needed items at Hair Club centers throughout the United States and online www.thechicagocitizen.com

through YouGiveGoods. Donations will directly benefit the B&GC location nearest each Hair Club center. The centers will compete to give the most generous birthday gift to Hair Club through their contributions.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate another milestone on our journey to helping people regain hair they love. I am extremely proud when I reflect on what Hair Club has accomplished. I’m equally excited as I look toward the future of Hair Club,” commented Mike Nassar, Hair Club’s president and CEO. “Philanthropy is in Hair Club’s DNA; it’s at the core of our culture. I can’t think

of a better way to celebrate another year than to give back to the communities that support our centers. Hair Club is a proud supporter of education. We’re honored to partner with the Boys & Girls Club for this cause to help children in need.”

In 2018, Hair Club honored its birthday by hosting a FUNdraiser to benefit the victims of Hurricane Maria.

Employees were able to purchase perks such as wearing flip flops or hats to work. Hair Club matched the purchases and paid $1.00 for each “smile” posted to the Hair Club Yammer. Hair Club raised over $18,000 for the people of Puerto Rico.

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NEWS

5 Reasons Kids Should Play Outside More StatePoint - Whether it’s dance lessons, computer projects, art class or yoga, kids these days are busy bees. And while such activities are enriching and fun, experts say that many kids aren’t spending enough time doing something much simpler and every bit as important as structured programming: playing outdoors.

“Finding time for the kids to play outside can be such a challenge for parents,” says Keri Wilmot, a pediatric occupational therapist and an expert contributor to TheGeniusofPlay.org.

“As a parent, I worry about ‘stranger danger’ or whether my kids will be able to navigate social issues on their own. Without spontaneity, playtime has lost some of it’s fun.”

Outdoor play is necessary for healthy child development, according to The Genius of Play. The initiative, whose mission is to raise awareness about the importance of play and help parents make play a critical part of raising their kids, is sharing five benefits of unstructured outdoor playtime: • Physical Development: Research has shown that physically active kids tend to be leaner and healthier, while an inactive childhood can lead to a sedentary (and likely unhealthy) lifestyle in adulthood. Furthermore, physical play builds gross and fine motor skills necessary for success in school and beyond. Hanging from the monkey bars, for instance, helps kids develop

Playtime is essential for children. To promote health, happiness and confidence, be sure some of it is spent outdoors.

the hand muscles needed to grip a pencil.

• Risk-Taking: Through outdoor play, children are given the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and try new things. While taking risks won’t always lead to success on the first try,

moments like a first bike ride without training wheels, or the first trip down the big slide in the playground, are critical for building the confidence and resilience needed to pursue a future career, start a business, or handle life’s many challenges.

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• Social Skills: Childhood games played outdoors can help build social skills and teach kids to follow directions. From games as simple as tag, to those with more complicated rules, like “Kick the Can,” “Capture the Flag,” and sports like soccer and basketball, communication, teamwork and other important social skills are developed during outdoor play.

• Problem Solving: Children’s imaginations are often stimulated by the world around them.

Being outside widens their horizons and can encourage kids to tap into their creativity in order to come up with solutions to challenges, such as learning how to build a sandcastle or figuring out how to climb up a jungle gym.

• Reducing Stress: So much outdoor play involves physical activity, thrilling moments and a sense of freedom, all of which can boost endorphins, helping to lower stress levels and reduce anxiety and depression. Interestingly, simply touching dirt when creating mud pies or digging for worms can be beneficial. According to a Bristol University study, certain types of “friendly” bacteria in soil have been found to activate the group of neurons that produce serotonin, which contributes to a feeling of well-being and happiness. So, don’t be afraid to let your kids get a bit dirty out there!

For play ideas, expert advice and other play resources, visit TheGeniusOfPlay.org.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of July 31, 2019

SHE ROCKS OUT TO ALTERNATIVE. SHE BLASTS R&B. #WeCanAllAgreeOnTransit

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ENTERTAINMENT

Carole Simpson, Veteran Broadcast Journalist, Launches W.O.W. Website and Vlog Carole Simpson – best known as the anchor of the weekend editions of ABC’s World News Tonight for more than 15 years – announced recently that she has launched the W.O.W. (Wise Old Woman) website www.carolesimpson.com/something-to-say and vlog, Something.To.Say. Simpson is on a mission to speak up for the often voiceless and ignored women-over-65 set.

Simpson is a three-time Emmy awardwinning television journalist. She was the first African-American woman to anchor a major network newscast and to moderate the premiere town hall presidential debate, which included President George H. W. Bush, Governor Bill Clinton, and Ross Perot in 1992.

After retiring from ABC in 2006, she taught broadcast journalism at Emerson College

in Boston for 13 years. Now, at 78, her third career is heading off in a digital direction as she shares her journalistic expertise and reallife experiences on social media.

“Now that I’m not a working journalist, I am free to express my strong opinions publicly,” Simpson explains. “I want to both talk about the news of the day and the bedeviling issues of our times. Keeping silent is not my style.”

Simpson believes that women over the age of 65 have a unique perspective. Many are working well into their 70s. They continue to be active and vital even while society wants everyone to believe these women have lost their beauty and their brains. Simpson disagrees, “Older women keep all that and gain something more – WISDOM.” For over 40 years as a television journalist,

Simpson had to remain objective and couldn’t offer her opinions on the latest headlines or major issues of the day. Now that she’s retired, she’s free to speak her mind. As she looks around and sees what’s happening in America today, she is eager to discuss the hottest issues, including: l Racism l Sexism l Ageism l Politics l Women’s Rights l And last but not least, our Quirky Pop Culture Visit www.carolesimpson.com and follow Simpson on Facebook (@WOW Wise Old Woman - Carole Simpson) and Twitter (@ WOWCaroleS).

Hanna Lee Communications Takes Books from Concept to Publishing, with Built-In Promotion Throughout Hanna Lee Communications, Inc., an award-winning PR and marketing agency specializing in food, drinks and travel, recently announced Book Incubator Media, a new initiative that identifies authors and compelling subjects to bring new hospitalityfocused books to life.

Promotional efforts are built into every phase of the publishing process to create maximum visibility and ensure its success as a marketingforward, author-centric initiative, according to a press release.

Several books are already in the pipeline by authors from notable bars, restaurants and hotels.

Book Incubator Media is a subsidiary of Hanna Lee Communications, which is now celebrating its 15th anniversary.

It identifies top talent, including best-of-class authors, agents and photographers, to shape book projects and then work with established publishers. Book Incubator Media is an outgrowth of the agency’s “Meet the Inspiring Authors” series of book-signing events to support authors who bring erudition, deep thinking and insights to the global conversation.

“We love books, and over the years we have promoted more than two dozen authors and their work through our ‘Meet the Inspiring Authors’ series to give back to the community,” says Hanna Lee, president & founder, Hanna Lee Communications.

“We are taking this to the next level with our Book Incubator Media. Our goal is to work closely

PRNewsfoto/Hanna Lee Communications, Inc.

with our authors, publishers and collaborators to make each book stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace.”

PR and Social Media Incorporated Throughout the Process What sets Book Incubator Media apart is PR and social media are incorporated throughout the writing and publication process—before, during and after the book is published—to create maximum visibility in the press

with reinforcing digital buzz via the agency’s Digital Studio Division. This includes writing and distributing press releases, arranging interviews for authors with national media, hosting highprofile book signings and events, securing speaking opportunities for authors at top conferences and driving maximum awareness via social media.

Identifying and Rallying Partners to Leverage Resources In addition, the agency will

identify appropriate partners, such as representatives of relevant trade organizations, tourism bureaus and other brands that can become additional stakeholders in the books’ success.

For more information, follow Hanna Lee Communications, Inc. on Instagram and Twitter at @hannaleepr, “like” them on Facebook at www.facebook. com/HannaLeeCommunications and visit www. hannaleecommunications.com.

www.thechicagocitizen.com

African American author who secured 7-figure, six-book deal across two major publishers debuts this September On the heels of the success of Black Panther and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, there has been an uptick of mainstream interest in black/African stories and creators. One such rising star, Rena Barron, snagged two threebook deals with two prestigious publishers that totaled in the seven-figure range.

“Rena Barron has kicked off an adventure that puts the epic in epic fantasy,” writes Stephanie Stein at HarperCollins who acquired Kingdom of Souls in a joint deal with Vicky Leech from HarperCollins UK. “One with a richly textured world, starcrossed romance, and a story that’s fresh and twisty and fun, that makes you care so much about its sky-high stakes by making them deeply personal.”

While getting a contract in the ballpark of a million dollars in the world of publishing isn’t unheard of, it is exceptionally rare for a new African/black creator just entering the scene. HarperCollins who publishes New York Times bestselling author, Angie Thomas of The Hate U Give won the heated auction to acquire Barron’s first series. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, known for the award-winning The Crossover by Kwame Alexander, will publish her second series.

Barron signed the two deals within three months of each other. Her debut novel, Kingdom Of Souls, a young adult fantasy novel for ages thirteen to eighteen described as Black Panther meets Wonder Woman hits stores September 3 and has sold in several international territories. In this West Africaninspired fantasy, sixteen-year-old Arrah hails from a powerful family of witchdoctors, but she doesn’t have magic of her own. When the terrible Demon King threatens her kingdom, she must trade years of her life in return for the magic she needs to stop him. The book evokes folk magic, voodoo, and builds an intriguing world in which black nations have thrived without a history of oppression.

In Barron’s second series, focused on ages eight to twelve, she returns to her Chicago roots in the contemporary fantasy, Maya And The Rising Dark, which has been called Strange Things meets Percy Jackson. Set on the south side of Chicago, a twelve-year-old girl discovers her father is the keeper of the gateway between our world and The Dark, and when he goes missing she’ll need to unlock her own powers and fight a horde of spooky creatures set on starting a war. Maya And The Rising Dark hits stores on May 5, 2020.

“When I saw Black Panther I cried,” says Barron. “Growing up, I rarely saw stories about people who looked like me that weren’t centered on our suffering or oppression. Those are important stories, but we’re more than that. Our children deserve to see themselves centered in magical tales, go on fantastical adventures, or be the chosen one too.”

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of July 31, 2019

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Village Of Matteson Party With A Purpose An All White Fundraising Affair

Trustee Adam Shorter

The Event was hosted by Matteson Village Trustee Adam Shorter II and Yumeka Brown the Village Clerk.

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Photos by Mallory Greene

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1. The Shorter Family 2. Forever true to their Greek Pledges. (L-R) Carolyn Palmer, Judge Nichole Patton, Unidentified guests, The Village of Matteson Mayor, Sheila Chalmers-Currin and another party goer.

3. Bloom Township Democratic Committee Woman Lori Wilcox and Lanette Warbington 4. Yumeka Brown, Chenise Rias and Paris McFarland 5. Pictured Left to Right: Cliff Taylor, Early Walker, Marlon Rias, The Fundraiser host Matteson Trustee Adam Shorter and The Village of Robbins Mayor, Tyrone Ward.

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Matteson Village Clerk Yumeka Brown

Top to Bottom, Left to Right

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10 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of July 31, 2019

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CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of July 31, 2019

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potential for growth.

• Set the example: “Leaders set the example by which others follow, so be sure to treat your team and customers with respect and gratitude, and always lead from the front,” says Quinn. “Being proud of what you do can be infectious.”

• Build a team committed to excellence: Good leaders attract good talent and assist others in achieving their success. When benchmarks are met, give the team the credit -- you aren’t a leader without them.

• Make and work your plan: When facing challenges, make it your business to pull your team through it. Stay disciplined. If you have a deadline or have made a promise, always deliver on it.

“Don’t let your activity dictate your priorities; Your priorities need to dictate your activity,” says Quinn.

• Be valued: Consider specifically seeking out positions with employers who value the leadership, discipline and service record of military veterans, veterans with disabilities, National Guard members, and Reservists, and then take advantage of any resources offered by the company. The existence of a military affairs program, such as the one established by Wells Fargo in 2012, is a good sign that a given employer is committed to hiring and retaining veteran team members. In the case of Wells Fargo, the company offers such resources as apprenticeships, internships, transition services and leadership training in an effort to help veterans translate existing skills to a new position and grow professionally. Wells Fargo also offers employee resource groups, financial education, military leave benefits and other programming designed to help veterans be successful.

More information about making the transition from the military to the corporate world is available at wellsfargojobs.com/military.

By honing in on the skills acquired during military service and seeking out tailored professional growth opportunities, those in the veteran community can maximize their leadership potential and thrive in the corporate world. __________________________________

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CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENT 40 YEARS OF KINGDOM IMPACT! Evening Star M.B. Church, 2050 W. 59th St., Chicago, IL, Celebrates their Pastor, Bishop Vesta L. Dixon, 40th Anniversary, Sunday, August 11, 11:00 AM, Morning Worship - Elder Issac Blalock Sr., Speaker, Fellowship & Lunch after Morning Worship.

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How to Transfer Your Military Skills to the Corporate World (StatePoint) A military background brings with it an ability to collaborate, problemsolve and thrive under pressure, making veterans well-positioned to take on leadership roles in the corporate world.

Having worked in the banking industry for more than 25 years and in his 30th year with the U.S. Army, Jerry Quinn is an example of someone who has maximized his military leadership skills in the corporate world. As senior vice president, and head of Enterprise Military Talent External Recruiting at Wells Fargo, Quinn also serves as chairman of the Association of Military Banks of America.

To help make your transition from military service go smoothly, Quinn is offering the following tips and insights: • Know yourself: “Knowing yourself is a key leadership principle,” says Quinn. “By understanding what your values, capabilities, strengths and weaknesses are, you can step into a leadership role that will allow you and your team to thrive.”

• Know your organization: Understand the ins and outs of the organization you work for or want to work for, including its vision, mission and objectives, as well as the company’s current capabilities and

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