South Suburban Citizen 8-7-2019

Citizen COMMENTARY: Black Women Taking on the Fight Against Diabetes — Page 3 Week of Aug. 7, 2019

| Vol. 38 | No. 37 | www.thechicagocitizen.com

SOUTH SUBURBAN

SEVERAL SOUTH SUBURBAN GIRLS PARTICIPATE IN SIXTH ANNUAL ICE BOX DERBY

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For the sixth year in a row, ComEd hosted its Icebox Derby which allows 30 young women, ages 13 to 18, to learn science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills by working collaboratively to transform recycled refrigerators into electric and solar-powered derby cars.

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BUSINESS

Half Of Americans Would Take A Job With No Paid Time Off For A Higher Salary PAGE 4

NEWS

3 Reasons Preschoolers Should Play with Building Blocks PAGE 6

IceBox Derby participants were broken up into teams and tasked with converting a recycled refrigerator into an electric and solar-powered derby car. Photo Credit: Katherine Newman

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NEWS briefly EDUCATION

UNIONS REPRESENTING 32 MILLION EDUCATORS STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH WOMEN REPRESENTATIVES Education International, the global body representing the world’s teachers, recently voted unanimously to condemn U.S. President Donald Trump’s attack on four women members of the U.S. Congress including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.)

By telling the Congresswomen to “go back,” the organization further added in a press release that, “Trump enshrined his status as a clear and present danger to the ideals of democracy and universal human rights upon which EI was founded.”

“With his latest attack on U.S. Congresswomen of color, the very future of democracy is at stake. That’s why unions representing 32 million educators took the lead to condemn him before his virulence further stains the international community. President Trump’s actions and words stand in direct opposition to our shared values of decency, democracy, and human and civil rights.

And today, the world’s teachers let him know we won’t stand idly by while our common humanity is trashed,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten.

HEALTH

OFFICIALS TEAM UP TO HIGHLIGHT THE DANGERS OF CHILDREN DYING IN HOT CARS In light of recent tragedies locally and nationally, and as part of an effort to raise awareness for National Heatstroke Prevention Day which was recognized on July 31, government representatives, first responders, health professionals, safety advocates and other partners joined together recently at the Edgewood Fire Station to raise awareness and discuss ways to prevent child deaths and injuries in hot vehicles. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky recently introduced the HOT CARS Act, H.R. 3593, along with Congressmen Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Peter King (R-NY). The bill would require new vehicles to be equipped with an alarm system to alert the driver if a child or a pet might be in the backseat. For more information on preventing child heatstroke deaths, please visit noheatstroke. org and www.safekids.org/heatstroke.

LAW & POLITICS

ABA HOUSE AGENDA INCLUDES MEASURES ON MARIJUANA, COLLEGE FREE SPEECH AND IMMIGRATION The American Bar Association House of Delegates, which determines association-wide policy, will consider proposals at the upcoming ABA Annual Meeting that urge free speech on college campuses, leadership in resolving the “current stalemate” between federal and state marijuana laws, and a host of recommendations related to immigration laws.

The House — made up of 594 delegates from state, local and other bar associations and legal groups from across the country — will meet at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis Aug. 12-13 to close the 2019 ABA Annual Meeting, which begins Aug. 8. Altogether, nearly five dozen proposals are on the House’s agenda.

All proposed and filed resolutions and reports can be found at https://www.americanbar.org/ news/reporter_resources/annual-meeting-2019/ house-of-delegates-resolutions/

Several South Suburban Girls Participate In Sixth Annual Ice Box Derby Continued from page 1

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

For the sixth year in a row, ComEd hosted its Icebox Derby which allows 30 young women, ages 13 to 18, to learn science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills by working collaboratively to transform recycled refrigerators into electric and solar-powered derby cars.

The purpose of this event is to provide experiential STEM learning opportunities for high school-aged girls and open their minds to the potential STEM careers that are available to them.

“The lack of women in STEM careers continues to be a problem, and we need to do more than talk about it,” said Joe Dominguez, CEO of ComEd. “That’s why we created this program to encourage young women to step into their power and take ownership of the opportunities that exist in the STEM field. The world’s biggest challenges involve science, technology, engineering, and math and we will need women scientists and innovators to help solve them. The Icebox Derby is just one way we are creating positive change and exposing youth from our communities to STEM career possibilities.”

The 30 participants who were selected for the Icebox Derby summer program represent the diversity of Chicago and come from communities across the region, including several from Chicago’s South Suburbs.

The girls participated in four Build Days leading up to the Icebox Derby race in Daley Plaza. The students were broken up into six teams and each team was assigned female mentors from ComEd who led them through the concepts they needed to learn to be able to turn an old refrigerator into a derby car.

“I thought it was pretty cool to be able to work with solar panels and build a race car with a team. Just learning to build things and being able to connect with people is what I really wanted to get out of the experience,”

30 young women from across the Chicagoland area recently participated in the 6th Annual ComEd Icebox Derby. Photo Credit: Katherine Newman

said A’Mari Laktzian, Icebox Derby participant and recent graduate of Thornton Fractional North High School in Calumet City.

During her time in high school, Laktzian said that she did have STEM exposures and remembers making constellations with circuits in a physics class she took. She plans to go on to study biology in the fall at Texas Southern University and will use the concepts she learned at Icebox Derby to help her succeed in STEM. Many of the girls who participated in the

Icebox Derby indicated that their favorite part of the program was the teamwork, both with their mentors and their peers.

“My biggest take away is mostly the teamwork and the fact that we are all working together on the wires and building and constructing the car,” Denise Galan, junior at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School.

“Doing this made me more interested in STEM so I plan to keep the lessons they have taught me here in my mind.”

PNC Bank Expands ATM Access For Customers Nationwide At 7-Eleven® Stores PNC Bank, N.A. recently announced an agreement with ATM provider FCTI, Inc., to offer PNC customers access to withdraw cash surcharge-free at over 8,000 ATMs owned and operated by FCTI in participating 7-Eleven® convenience store locations nationwide. In addition, PNC customers may check balances on PNC checking and savings accounts on the ATMs at these locations.

This action supports PNC’s national expansion of retail banking launched in Octo-

ber 2018. PNC’s expansion strategy is led with an array of digital banking capabilities, including PNC Virtual Wallet® and the new PNC High Yield Savings account, which are available to new customers who reside beyond PNC’s traditional market of 19 states and Washington, D.C. PNC customers using the ATMs at 7-Eleven will be met with PNC branded screens and topper messaging. This unique custom messaging is delivered throughout the ATM trans-

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action using FCTI’s patented Marketing and Branding Application (MBA) software.

“Now PNC customers will have easier access to their cash wherever they live, work or travel throughout the United States,” says Karen Larrimer, head of PNC Retail Banking and chief customer officer.

“With the addition of the FCTI/7-Eleven ATMs, we have created easy and convenient options for customers across the country to access their cash without incurring an ATM

surcharge fee.”

FCTI, Inc. is a nationwide ATM solutions provider specializing in advanced ATM placements and operations for financial institutions and retailers. FCTI’s patented MBA technology, network partnerships, and leading software developments offer banks, credit unions, and businesses real marketing, distribution, and revenue-generating opportunities through the ATM channel. Find out more at www.FCTI.com.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Aug. 7, 2019

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NEWS

GSU Holds Second Annual Film Festival As Submissions Grow In Popularity Tickets are now on sale for the Second Annual Chicago Southland International Film Festival (CSIFF) at Governors State University September 6 through 8, 2019.

In celebration of the university’s 50th anniversary cultural season, CSIFF will feature a Short Film Competition, a Feature Film Showcase, director-led Q&As, and an awards ceremony at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts.

Following last year’s inaugural event, CSIFF organizers have announced that this year’s Short Film Competition has received four times the number of submissions as received last year.

Entries represent more than 18 countries and include films from high school, college, and professional filmmakers.

Additionally, the festival will include California-based director Roberta Grossman’s documentary “Who Will Write Our History” produced by Nancy Spielberg and GSU professor Sanghoon Lee’s directorial debut feature “Banana Season.”

Feature films will be screened on Sunday, September 8,

In celebration of the university’s 50th anniversary cultural season, CSIFF will feature a Short Film Competition, a Feature Film Showcase, director-led Q&As, and an awards ceremony at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts.

2019, along with Q&A sessions with directors Grossman and Lee. On Friday and Saturday, September 6 and 7, international short films will be screened.

Awards also will be given on Saturday.

For the full schedule of events, visit http://www.govst.edu/

CSIFF-schedule/ More information about the festival can be found on the Chicago Southland International Film Festival website or on the CSIFF Facebook page. Tickets can be purchased individually (per film block) or the entire weekend, the best value.

Living Organ Donors Are Protected from Workplace, Insurance Retaliation Under New Law Governor JB Pritzker signed a new recently that protects living organ donors from various types of retaliation based on their donor status.

“There’s no more generous or selfless act than donating an organ to a person in need, and we must ensure that living donors have basic protections to maintain stability in their own lives,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud that this legislation will allow people to make this deeply personal decision without risking discrimination from their employers

and health insurance companies.”

The new law prohibits employers from retaliating against an employee for requesting or obtaining a leave of absence to undergo an organ donation and prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage or increasing premiums or rates for living donors for disability, life and long-term care insurance. It also tasks the Secretary of State with creating and maintaining an opt-in organ and tissue donor registry.

House Bill 2847 takes effect January 1, 2020.

“I know first-hand that when someone decides to be a living donor, they aren’t just saving one life; they’re saving the lives of everyone who loves the person receiving the organ donation,” said Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park). “Now that HB 2878 is law, living donors won’t have to worry about whether they will be discriminated against in the workplace or whether their insurance premiums will go up. They can rest easy knowing they are protected, and they can focus on their recovery and the recovery of their loved

ones. With thousands of people waiting on organ donations in Illinois, this bill makes it easier for people to make the decision to be a living donor.”

“Across Illinois, thousands of residents are awaiting a kidney transplant. Sadly, less than a quarter of patients who were on the organ donation waiting list last year actually received an organ transplant,” said Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield). “We must do more to incentivize individuals willing to give so much of themselves for the health of another.”

COMMENTARY

Black Women Taking on the Fight Against Diabetes

BY LINDA GOLER BLOUNT MPH, President and CEO, Black Women’s Health Imperative

The cost of insulin is skyrocketing and people—especially Black women— are dying because they cannot afford or don’t have access to vital medication.

There is not enough being done to lower the prices of prescription medications that could mean life or death for so many African Americans that depend on it to live.

Over 30 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes—including nearly 13% of all non-Hispanic Black people. According to the Office of Minority Health at the Department of Health and Human Services, African Americans are 80% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and the

majority of them are women.

Many of those suffering from diabetes depend on insulin to regulate their blood sugar to remain healthy so that the food they eat does not threaten their lives. Instead of ensuring that people with diabetes can have access to this life-saving drug, some political leaders have put up road block after road block to make it harder for patients to receive care, despite bipartisan outrage by the excessively high cost of prescription drugs.

This isn’t just bad politics: this is a life or death issue for working families across the country, and African Americans are disproportionately paying the price.

Instead of focusing on lowering drug costs for all Americans, some lawmakers continue to attack the Affordable Care Act and its health care protections

for those that have pre-existing conditions. While they do this, as many as one in four people skips insulin doses or ration prescriptions because of the rising cost. Sadly, some of these people are dying as a result—and many black women are specifically at risk.

African Americans are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes and unfortunately suffer fatalities from type 2 diabetes at twice the rate of their white counterparts. Black people are overwhelmingly more likely to suffer from debilitating complications caused by diabetes such as amputations, blindness and kidney failure more than their white counterparts.

Due to lack of health resources in predominately African American communities, black people receive poorer quality care and get care later when the disease has progressed. www.thechicagocitizen.com

The risk for getting type 2 diabetes increases with age with the highest incidence occurring between 65-75.

This is precisely the point in life when income decreases. African American women are especially affected. They are likely to be care-givers and spend their hard-earned money on ensuring family members are healthy making access to insulin a greater challenge.

The health and wellness of Black women must be a top priority so we must take action.

Recently, a coalition of health care, social justice, and faith organizations launched “Affordable Insulin NOW,” a campaign demanding lower drug costs for those suffering from diabetes.

Together, we are raising our voices, amplifying each other’s stories, building on-the-ground teams, and demanding our policymakers and

pharmaceutical companies work together to provide access to high quality and affordable insulin.

We need affordable insulin now. Too many lives depend on it.

Linda Goler Blount, MPH, is President and CEO of the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI). Blount oversees BWHI’s strategic direction and is responsible for directing the organization toward achieving its mission of leading efforts to solve the most pressing health issues that affect Black women and girls in the United States. Before joining BWHI, Blount served as the vice president of programmatic impact for the United Way of Greater Atlanta, where she led the effort to eliminate inequalities in health, income, education and housing through place- and population‐based work.

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BUSINESS Half Of Americans Would Take A Job With No Paid Time Off For A Higher Salary

Americans Put a Price Tag on Vacation Days, source: Allianz Global Assistance

Half (49 percent) of working Americans would accept a job with no vacation time if they were paid more, according to the 11th annual Vacation Confidence Index* released by Allianz Global Assistance.

Millennials (63 percent, compared to 47 percent of Gen X’ers and 32 percent of Baby Boomers) and men (57 percent, versus 41 percent of women) are the most likely to sacrifice paid time off for higher salaries.

The average American who would give up paid vacation time for a salary increase would require a 48 percent raise to do so, though a sizable one in five were willing to give up their paid time off for an increase of 24 percent or less. One-third (29 percent) would need 25 – 49 percent more, 35 percent would need 50 – 99 percent more and 16 percent would need double their salary to take this offer.

On the flip side, the Vacation Confidence Index also explored the worth of unlimited vacation time, an increasingly popular workplace trend. One in three Americans (34 percent) would give up a portion of their paycheck for unlimited vacation, with Millennials (41 percent) even more likely to do so. Millennials are the most likely to both give up vacation time for salary, and give up salary for vacation time, highlighting how important professional success and personal flexibility are to this generation.

Pending Home Sales Climb 2.8% in June Pending home sales continued to ascend in June, marking two consecutive months of growth, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Each of the four major regions recorded a rise in contract activity, with the West experiencing the highest surge.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* www. nar.realtor/pending-home-sales, a forwardlooking indicator based on contract signings, moved up 2.8% to 108.3 in June, up from 105.4 in May. Year-over-year contract signings jumped 1.6%, snapping a 17-month streak of annual decreases.

Yun notes June’s contract signings indicate that buyers are both enthusiastic about the market and of the potential wealth gain, but he added that home builders need to increase inventory.

“Homes are selling at a breakneck pace, in less than a month, on average, for existing homes and three months for newly constructed homes,” he said.

“Furthermore, homeowners’ equity in real estate has doubled over the past six years to now nearly $16 trillion. But the number of potential buyers exceeds the number of homes available. We need to see sizable growth in inventory, particularly of entry-level homes, to assure wider access to homeownership.”

Pending Home Sales - June 2019

June Pending Home Sales Regional Breakdown All regional indices are up from May and from one year ago. The PHSI in the Northeast rose 2.7% to 94.5 in June and is now 0.9% higher than a year ago. In the Midwest, the index grew 3.3% to 103.6 in June, 1.7% greater than June 2018.

Pending home sales in the South increased 1.3% to an index of 125.7 in June, which is 1.4% higher than last June. The index in the West soared 5.4% in June to 96.8 and increased 2.5% above a year ago.

Hourly Earnings and Weekly Hours Worked Increase at Small Businesses in July The Paychex | IHS Markit Small Business Employment Watch for July shows a slight decline in job growth and a fourth consecutive month of accelerated wage growth.

The national jobs index stands at 98.18, down 0.15 percent from last month and 1.18 percent below its pace in July 2018. The deceleration in job growth follows a 0.45 percent decrease in June. Hourly earnings growth reached its strongest rate in more than a year at 2.70 percent in July, and weekly earnings growth improved to 2.57 percent.

Additionally, one-month annualized growth for weekly hours worked, up 1.19 percent, is the highest it’s been since 2017.

“The further decline of the jobs index to 98.18 in July validates the sharp fall in small business employment growth seen in June,” said James Diffley, chief regional economist at IHS Markit.

“It’s not surprising to see continued lower job growth and wage increases in this tight labor market,” said Martin Mucci, Paychex

president and CEO. “While finding good candidates continues to present hiring challenges for small employers, the data shows that employees are seeing steady increases in hourly earnings.”

Broken down further by geography and industry, the July report showed: l The South remains the top region for employment growth; the West leads regions in hourly earnings growth. l Texas maintains the lead among states in small business job growth; Illinois remains the top state for wage growth. l Dallas is again the top metro for job growth; San Diego maintains its lead among metros in wage growth. l Financial Activities was the only industry sector to increase the pace of job growth in July.

The complete results for July, including interactive charts detailing all data at a national, regional, state, metro, and industry level, are available at www.paychex.com/ employment-watch.

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CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Aug. 7, 2019

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FASHION

Squeaky Clean Skin Doesn’t Mean Healthy Skin Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild and Beverly Center to Host Emmy-Nominee Reception The Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild (MUAHS, IATSE Local 706) will celebrate this year’s Emmy®nominated make-up artists and hair stylists at a special reception hosted by Beverly Center at Cal Mare, on Sunday, August 11, 2019, with the Red Carpet starting at 3 p.m.

The livestream presentation of the “3rd Annual Q&A

with Emmy-Nominated Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists” from the event begins at 4:00 pm PT/ 7:00 pm ET, and can be seen on local706.org/emmy-nominees-livestream.

For more information, visit local706.org or get #MUAHSawards updates on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.

Hanesbrands Partners With Free The Girls to Support Women Rescued From Human Trafficking HanesBrands, a socially responsible global marketer of everyday basic apparel, has joined forces with the nonprofit group Free The Girls to help women rescued from human trafficking re-establish their lives.

The company’s more than 200 retail stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, which operate under the HaneBrands, Hanes, Maidenform and L’eggs-Hanes-Bali-Playtex nameplates, are accepting new and gently used bras to be donated to Free The Girls.

Prominently placed collection boxes make it easy for store patrons to drop off bra donations from home or leave a bra behind when purchasing a new one. Donated bras are used

by Free The Girls to help human trafficking survivors in Mozambique, El Salvador and Costa Rica establish secondhand apparel resale businesses to earn sustainable incomes.

“Partnering with Free The Girls is a natural fit for HanesBrands, a company known for producing a wide array of apparel designed to empower women,” said Missy Sage, the company’s vice president of retail store operations. “We are pleased to put the power of our retail operations behind this visionary organization to raise awareness of this important issue and provide an opportunity for the millions of people who visit our stores each year to take part in addressing the needs of survivors.”

Stores are already reporting a very positive reaction to the partnership, Sage notes. A consumer shopping in a Locust Grove, Georgia, HanesBrands store was so inspired by the program that she returned the next day with 50 bras she had collected for donation.

“We are so grateful HanesBrands chose to make a tangible difference

Free The Girls provides survivors with initial bra inventories at no cost, along with free financial planning, budgeting, inventory management and other critical support services to assist the women as they start their businesses.

in the lives of human trafficking survivors by partnering with Free The Girls,” said Courtney Skiera-Vaughn, executive director of the nonprofit.

“For nearly a decade, we have been working to help previously exploited women lead vibrant and successful lives – and we rely on influential brands and compassionate individuals to help make this vision a reality.”

Free The Girls provides survivors with initial bra inventories at no cost, along with free financial planning, budgeting, inventory management and other critical support services to assist the women as they start their businesses.

The organization also provides lowcost inventory replenishment once businesses are up and running.

“Why bras is typically everyone’s first question and the answer is very simple,” Skiera-Vaughn noted. “In many developing nations, bras are sought-after apparel that command top dollar. By selling bras, a survivor

is transformed into an entrepreneur, which provides a sense of direction and the economic freedom to support herself and her family.”

Participants in the Free The Girls program have used proceeds from their businesses to buy land, house their families, attend universities and expand their businesses – or start new ones. Skiera-Vaughn also reports that 100% of the women in the program have enrolled their children in school.

HanesBrands’ partnership with Free The Girls is part of the company’s award-winning Hanes for Goodcorporate social responsibility commitment that focuses on workplace quality, environmental stewardship, philanthropy and community building.

For more information on Hanes’ CSR initiatives, visit www. hanesforgood.com. Log on to www. freethegirls.org to learn more about the organization’s programs. www.thechicagocitizen.com

From beach vacations to family barbecues, summer is often filled with more time spent outdoors, which often leaves people wanting to wash their face at the end of the day. All that time in the humidity leaves people yearning to feel clean, yet according to recently released results from a CeraVe® survey conducted online by Harris Poll among 2,000 U.S. adults, people are confused about what “clean” actually means. While clean skin should feel hydrated, 37 percent of respondents think their skin should feel tight after cleansing. Another 33 percent associate dry skin with clean skin, which is not true. At a time of year when cleansing is even more essential to a skincare routine, CeraVe®, the dermatologistdeveloped skincare brand, shed light on what it means to have clean and healthy skin during Cleanse Your Skin Week, which took place from July 28th through August 3rd.

With 43 percent of respondents saying that how their skin should feel after cleansing causes confusion, it’s no wonder people are looking to feel “squeaky clean.” However, a feeling of tightness is actually a sign of stripped moisture from the skin and often means you should be adapting your routine with products that include gentler, moisturizing ingredients.

This feeling isn’t the only confusion being caused by this essential skincare step. In fact, more than half of respondents (53 percent) said they are confused about which type of cleanser to use; followed by how often to cleanse (47 percent).

“I always recommend my patients use gentle cleansers with hydrating ingredients as part of their daily regimen to not only provide a deep cleanse, but to avoid the tight feeling people often encounter after washing their faces, which is an indication of lost moisture,” said Dr. Marchbein.

“First remove makeup, oil and residue that’s built up during the day with a cleansing cloth, then use a fragrancefree cleanser like the CeraVe® Foaming Facial Cleanser, which features hyaluronic acid to attract hydration to the skin’s surface and ceramides to help lock in moisture.”

Despite confusion, a regular skincare routine is a necessity for healthy skin. Yet, nearly half of respondents (47 percent) admit to behaviors that are bad for their skin and one-third (35 percent) confessed to having poor skincare habits. When it comes to cleansing, 53 percent of respondents said they only use water when they wash their face, which board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein says is not an effective way to cleanse.

Moreover, people are willing to admit that there is more than confusion contributing to their skin sins: l The top three reasons respondents say they don’t cleanse are that they’re too tired (61 percent), they forget (47 percent) and they feel it is too much of a hassle and inconvenient (33 percent). l More than one-quarter of respondents (27 percent) say they have gone more than two weeks without washing their bed sheets and pillowcases, leaving skin susceptible to breakouts and irritation from sweat, oil and bacteria buildup. l While many people use washcloths for cleansing, 42 percent of respondents will use the same cloth up to four times without washing it and 16 percent will even use it up to seven times; thus, adding back accumulated grime and bacteria to freshly cleansed skin l Two-fifths of respondents (41 percent) admit that they use hot water when washing their face, which dermatologists say strips moisture from the skin and therefore, they advise using lukewarm water instead.

To help achieve a proper and effective cleansing routine, CeraVe® offers a complete range of cleansing products with three essential ceramides. Ceramides are found naturally in the skin as a key component of the skin barrier, helping skin seal in moisture and seal out impurities. The CeraVe® products leave skin cleansed and moisturized without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier.

“Cleansing is essential for healthy and hydrated skin, but it’s a step that tends to cause confusion,” said Derrick Booker, Vice President of Marketing. “As the #1 dermatologistrecommended skincare brand, CeraVe® knows that a proper skincare routine starts with cleansing and has created National Cleanse Your Skin Week to shed light on the importance of cleansers and how you don’t need to compromise your skin to achieve a clean, healthy look and feel.”

In addition to cleansers, CeraVe® offers a wide variety of therapeutic skincare products that are developed with dermatologists and contain ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II, which are essential to restoring and maintaining the skin’s natural barrier. For more information about CeraVe®, visit them on Facebook and Instagram.

6 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Aug. 7, 2019

NEWS

3 Reasons Preschoolers Should Play with Building Blocks StatePoint - Playtime is important to a child’s development. Offering many social and emotional benefits, it helps lay the foundation for children’s future success and prepares them for school. One classic toy -- building blocks -- should be incorporated into every child’s playtime.

Here are three reasons why: • Building blocks build skills: Playing with building blocks hones hand-eye coordination, while helping to strengthen hands and grip, skills that will be needed in the classroom, when playing sports and beyond. Additionally, building blocks encourage kids to be creative and to learn how to problem solve.

When working together with a friend or caregiver, they also offer opportunities for cooperation, which can foster language development and communication skills. Be sure to talk to your kids about what they are building!

• Building blocks are getting smarter: Like so many household items, building blocks are getting smarter and more innovative, and this means more opportunities for both fun and learning. In fact,

One classic toy -- building blocks -- should be incorporated into every child’s playtime.

LeapFrog’s first-ever line of smart building blocks -- LeapBuilders -- was just introduced. Combining technology and interactive, curriculum-based content, these playsets

feature an electronic Smart Star cube and double-sided learning blocks that respond with fun sounds and educational songs on topics such as colors, animals, numbers, letters and

more.

Among those in the new line-up is the ABC Smart House, an interactive 61-piece house-themed block set that enhances building play with learning

content for a unique, engaging experience. A fun way to familiarize kids with their ABCs, kids can also use the learning blocks from other sets in the interactive Smart Star to unlock additional responses. Recommended for ages 2 and up, LeapBuilders is available at major retailers. For more information, visit leapfrog.com/leapbuilders.

• Building blocks grow with a child: Unlike many toys that children outgrow, building blocks will grow with your child through various stages of development, and you will likely notice your children interact with building blocks differently as they acquire new skills and knowledge. For example, at a younger age, kids may use building blocks to test the concept of gravity. Later, they will use building blocks to create larger complicated structures.

Preparing a preschooler for school success can be fun, especially when you put an emphasis on playtime.

When seeking out toys that help children reach developmental milestones, be sure to include building blocks, especially those that take learning a step further.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Aug. 7, 2019

NEWS

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Four Seasons Announces 2021 Itineraries Aboard All-New Private Jet Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts recently announced four exclusive journeys available for guests jetting off in 2021 on its new custom-built aircraft.

Featuring two newly crafted itineraries, the Four Seasons Private Jet will touch down for the first time in Angkor Wat, Mexico City, Easter Island and Athens, among an enviable list of locales. Wherever the new state-of-theart private jet visits, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company’s exclusive network of local partners promises an end-to-end Four Seasons experience exploring new cultures, flavours, landscapes and perspectives delivered with singular care and comfort.

“Guests journeying with us in 2021 will be the first to travel aboard our brand new, industry-leading aircraft, featuring a modern, guest-centric design, including a spacious lounge area,” says Christian Clerc, president, Worldwide Hotel Operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “We have added new destinations including Jordan, Egypt, Eas-

ter Island and Angkor Wat, as well as stops at two new Four Seasons properties in Athens and Madrid.”

Clerc continues, “Combining unparalleled luxury air travel, exclusive access and legendary Four Seasons service into one seamless journey is why more than a third of our Private Jet travellers are returning guests. Through extensive research and first-hand feedback, we’ve created a truly unique experience across all touchpoints that will continue to evolve in years to come.”

Four Seasons Private Jet Itineraries begin at USD 163,000 per person based on double occupancy.

While visiting remote destinations including Easter Island, Great Barrier Reef and Rwanda, guests will stay at luxury accommodations selected by the Four Seasons team.

Travellers interested in booking the luxury adventure of a lifetime are invited to visit fourseasons.com/privatejet for a closer look at the exclusive journeys on offer in some of the world’s most captivating destinations.

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• Open an Easy Checking account by September 28, 2019 • Make 10 debit card transactions • Make deposits totaling $2,500 or more • Enroll in mobile banking and e-statements Visit a local branch or FirstMidwest.com/Easy250 YOU HAVE PLANS. WE HAVE IDEAS.

To receive the $250 bonus, the new personal checking client must: 1) Open a new Easy, Midwest or Diamond Checking account with $100 minimum deposit by close of business on 9/28/2019. 2) Make deposits totaling $2,500 or more within 60 days of account opening.

3) Make 10 debit card transactions within 60 days of account opening. 4) Enroll in mobile banking and e-statements within 60 days of account opening. Once all requirements have been met, $250 bonus will be issued as a credit to the account within 30 calendar days of the transactions being verified, following the 90 day period from opening. The account must be open with a positive balance to receive payout. Promotional credit may be subject to IRS 1099-INT form reporting and may be considered taxable as interest income to you.

Consult your tax advisor. Limit of one bonus per client, regardless of the number of accounts opened. Offer only available to residents of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin. Offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Offer is not available to existing First Midwest Personal checking clients, accounts that have been closed within 90 days or First Midwest colleagues.

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8 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Aug. 7, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

Documentary Series Drives Change for Global Issues Impacting Humanity National Geographic has announced that ACTIVATE: THE GLOBAL CITIZEN MOVEMENT, the six-part documentary series from National Geographic and Procter & Gamble, co-produced by Global Citizen and RadicalMedia, will premiere Sept. 5 at 9/8c in the U.S. and will air globally on National Geographic in 172 countries and 43 languages.

ACTIVATE is a multiplatform storytelling partnership and six-part documentary series — bolstered by custom content distributed across National Geographic’s social, digital, linear and print channels.

It will raise awareness about extreme poverty, inequality and sustainability issues to mobilize Global Citizens to drive meaningful and lasting change on the Global Citizen platform.

Each episode delves into a different issue connected to the root causes of extreme poverty, following a specific Global Citizen campaign and the organizers, amplifiers, grassroots activists, action takers and people whose lives are being changed. Episode topics include eradicating extreme poverty, ending cash bail, breaking down barriers to girls’ education, funding education for displaced children, ending plastic pollution and

ACTIVATE: THE GLOBAL CITIZEN MOVEMENT, the six-part documentary series from National Geographic and Procter & Gamble, co-produced by Global Citizen and RadicalMedia, will premiere Sept. 5 at 9/8c in the U.S. and will air globally on National Geographic in 172 countries and 43 languages.

helping solve the water crisis.

ACTIVATE will take audiences from the Global Citizen Festival stages to the front lines of change around the world while spotlighting real-time efforts to address issues related to extreme poverty. Through the eyes of activists including Hugh Jackman, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Becky G, Usher, Common, Rachel Brosnahan, Gayle King, Bonang Matheba, Pharrell Williams, Darren Criss and Uzo Aduba, and told through the iconic storytelling lens of National Geographic, viewers

will hear the stories, meet the people and witness firsthand the work that is being done to combat extreme poverty and inspire a global movement.

The series has been filmed internationally in Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines and South Africa, and across the United States in California, New York, Tennessee and Washington, D.C. The ACTIVATE partnership is the result of a shared commitment National Geographic, P&G and Global Citizen have made to leverage

their collective influence, audience and scale to both raise awareness and inspire a global community to take action.

For more than 10 years, Global Citizen has been working to defeat extreme poverty through advocacy and citizen engagement, motivating businesses, organizations and governments to make financial commitments and policy changes to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and eradicate extreme poverty by 2030.

The multiplatform ACTIVATE

John Wick Chapter 3 - Parabellum Is Back On Digital August 23 And 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray And DVD September 10 From Lionsgate John Wick reloads for another worldwide smash hit when John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum arrives on Digital August 23 and on 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital), DVD, and On Demand September 10 from global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B). The highly anticipated third film in the blockbuster John Wick franchise is an action-packed, international thrill ride that is now Rotten Tomatoes Certified Fresh™.

The film stars Keanu Reeves (The Matrix, Speed, Point Break), Oscar® winner Halle Berry (2001, Best Actress, Monster’s Ball), Oscar® nominee Laurence Fishburne (1993, Best Actor, What’s Love Got to Do with It), Marc Dacascos (TV’s “Hawaii Five-O,” Brotherhood of the Wolf, Only the Strong), Asia Kate Dillon (TV’s “Orange is the New Black,” “Billions,” “Younger”), Lance Reddick (White House

Down, Jonah Hex, TV’s “American Horror Story”), with Oscar® winner Anjelica Huston (1985, Best Supporting Actress, Prizzi’s Honor), and Golden Globe® winner Ian McShane (2005, Best Television Actor – Drama Series, TV’s “Deadwood”).

Super assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) has a $14 million price tag on his head after killing a member of the High Table, the shadowy international assassins’ guild. Now excommunicado, and with an army of the world’s most ruthless hit men and women on his trail, John must find a way to survive in this third chapter of the adrenalinefueled action series.

Erik Davis from Fandago raved, “[it’s] hands down, one of the year’s best action movies.”

The John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $42.99, $39.99, and $29.95, respectively. www.thechicagocitizen.com

John Wick – Parabellum DVD

storytelling partnership will expand beyond the documentary series to include a 10-page custom print section for ACTIVATE in the September issue of National Geographic magazine as well as custom story stretches aligned to each episode, custom digital articles and social media moments highlighting various issues within ACTIVATE. The partnership will also include digital hubs on NatGeo.com and GlobalCitizen.org for viewers who would like to dive deeper into the six critical issues highlighted in the series. Viewers will be able to take action on Global Citizen campaigns, earn rewards and learn more about P&G’s brand impact efforts led by Tide, Always, Head & Shoulders, Charmin and more. The ACTIVATE series will illustrate experimentation with new content and distribution models, and new ways to mobilize viewers across the world.

For the latest news and information about P&G and its brands, visit http://www.pg.com For more information about National Geographic, visit natgeotv. com or nationalgeographic.com, or find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Aug. 7, 2019

Mayor Of Matteson Holds Annual Golf Outing & Fundraiser Photos by Greg Gist Photography

www.thechicagocitizen.com

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10 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Aug. 7, 2019

Highlights From Rich Townships Summer Luau Photos by Kimberly Mitchell

Fun, Food, Music and Dancing Was Had By All at The RTDO Annual Summer Picnic www.thechicagocitizen.com

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Aug. 7, 2019

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE Blueberries - Certified Organic - Seasonal U-Pick and Pre-Picked, Year-round frozen Clean fields, easy picking, Northwest Indiana, easy access off 80/90. Check us out at www.BlueberryRanch.com __________________________________ LEGAL SERVICES NEED LEGAL HELP? Get a FREE referral to an attorney! Call the Illinois State Bar Association Illinois Lawyer Finder The advice you need 877-270-3855 or https://www.isba.org/public/ illinoislawyerfinder __________________________________ SPORTING GOODS BADGER MILITARY COLLECTIBLE & MILITARY FIREARMS SHOW: August 2&3, Waukesha Expo Forum, 1000 Northview Rd., Waukesha, WI. Fri 3pm8pm, Sat 9am-4pm. $8. 608-752-6677 www.bobandrocco.com __________________________________

SERVICE

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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.

At 3:30 PM, Evening Worship - Bishop Troy Garner, Speaker, Universal Baptist Church, Harvey, IL. Anniversary climax on Sunday, August 18, 11:00 AM, Morning Worship, Bishop Vesta L. Dixon, Speaker.

COME CELEBRATE WITH US! __________________________________

EMPLOYMENT - DRIVERS

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REAL ESTATE AC8-7-2019 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DITECH FINANCIAL LLC Plaintiff, -v.ARTHUR F TAYLOR Defendants 19 CH 01665 12608 S ADA ST CALUMET PARK, IL 60827 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 17, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 18, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 12608 S ADA ST, CALUMET PARK, IL 60827 Property Index No. 25-29-325-045-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $85,556.56. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff's attorney: HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719 Please refer to file number LS489. If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid.

The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee's attorney. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 111 East Main Street DECATUR, IL 62523 (217) 422-1719 Fax #: (217) 422-1754 CookPleadings@hsbattys.com Attorney File No. LS489 Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 19 CH 01665 TJSC#: 39-3789 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

I3124223 ________________________________________

Advertising In The Classified Section Can Be Easy As 123.

Here’s where you can sell your professional services, your home, used auto, gently used appearel, rent a apartment or sell your used house hold goods. You can place your ad for a reasonable price. Call for a quote today:

(773) 783-1251

Darrell Garth

President /Publisher

Janice Garth

Sales Manager General Manager

Editorial

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

Advertising

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

Classified Advertising call us at

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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., (CNGI), 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.

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12 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Aug. 7, 2019