South Suburban Citizen 8-28-2019

Citizen COMMENTARY: Why Lady Liberty Weeps — Page 3 Week of Aug. 28, 2019

| Vol. 38 | No. 40 | www.thechicagocitizen.com

SOUTH SUBURBAN

For a fourth year, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and ComEd have come together to help fund public safety projects in several suburban communities including the Village of University Park who will use the grant to buy a backup generator of their fire station.

SOUTH SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES RECEIVE PUBLIC SAFETY GRANTS FROM LOCAL ENTRY SUPPLIER

The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus recently partnered with ComEd to award public safety grants to 25 communities in Northern Illinois including the Villages of Dolton, Hazel Crest, Lansing, and University Park and the City of Calumet City. The grants are meant to help enhance public safety through various projects and improve the quality of life for residents. PAGE 2

BUSINESS

ENTERTAINMENT

FASHION

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Survey: 96% Of Managers Say Their Staff Are Experiencing Some Degree Of Burnout

Multi-Grammy® Nominated R&B Crooner Johnny Gill To Release Highly-Anticipated Game Changer II Album Set For September 6

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Lafe’s Natural BodyCare: New CBD Roll On Deodorant

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NEWS briefly EDUCATION

CODEVERSE PARTNERS WITH GIRL SCOUTS TO LAUNCH ALL-GIRLS CODING PROGRAM Codeverse is officially one step closer to their mission to “teach a billion kids to code.” The world’s first fully interactive school and educational tech platform recently announced that the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana’s out-of-school-time program, GirlSpace, has granted them a $45,000 scholarship to give Girl Scouts in low-income neighborhoods the chance to learn coding this fall at the Codeverse Lincoln Park location (819 W. Eastman St., Chicago).

GirlSpace is a year-round out-of-school-time program offered by the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, which provides girls a safe, structured and supportive learning environment that empowers them with essential skills for success in school and life – thus, a natural pairing for Codeverse.

HEALTH

SURPRISE MEDICAL BILLS: CONSUMERS RARELY GET UP-FRONT ESTIMATES OF MEDICAL COSTS, ACCORDING TO EHEALTH SURVEY eHealth has released results from a survey showing that most consumers are rarely or never advised of their projected costs when receiving medical care. It also found that few consumers can afford to pay their annual deductible. The survey of consumers who purchased Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage at eHealth was conducted on a voluntary basis in July 2019. A total of 801 responses were collected.

Highlights of the survey report that consumers do not get an up-front estimate of costs: A majority (58%) said they are “rarely” or “never” given an up-front estimate of costs before receiving medical care and most have to ask for cost estimates. Of those who received estimates, 70% had to ask their medical care provider for the estimate; 30% were offered an estimate without asking. Forty-four percent of those given an up-front cost estimate said their final costs exceeded that estimate, according to the survey.

LAW & POLITICS

ILLINOIS COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (ILLINOIS CASA) RECEIVES STATE FUNDING FOR THE FIRST TIME Illinois CASA has been awarded a $2,885,000.00 in State funding. This is the first time in Illinois CASA’s 26 years of operation that they have received any state funding. CASA stands for court appointed special advocate. A CASA is a trained, community volunteer who advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children who are involved with the child welfare system. This funding will be split between thirty-one local programs across Illinois to expand their programing so more kids who have experienced child abuse or neglect can have a specially trained Court Appointed Special Advocate assigned to their case. In addition, there will be money to go into some counties to open new CASA programs to help serve the over 2,000 survivors who do not currently have access to a CASA program.

Executive Director Mari Christopherson stated, “This funding means that more children across Illinois do not have to go through the court process alone. We applaud the Governor in supporting a program that works.”

South Suburban Communities Receive Public Safety Grants From Local Entry Supplier Continued from page 1

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus recently partnered with ComEd to award public safety grants to 25 communities in Northern Illinois including the Villages of Dolton, Hazel Crest, Lansing, and University Park and the City of Calumet City. The grants are meant to help enhance public safety through various projects and improve the quality of life for residents.

The grants, of up to $10,000, were made possible through ComEd’s Powering Safe Communities Program and will fund projects that address critical safety needs in the communities ComEd serves. For this grant program, ComEd provides the funding while the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus identifies the grant recipients. After receiving the award, grant recipients will match ComEd’s contribution to complete their project.

“ComEd has made it a mission for its employees, as well as all the customers that we serve, to try to keep our communities safe.

We pride ourselves on powering lives and so we do like to keep the lights on and make sure that people are cool in the summer and warm in the winter but we also like to be a great community partner or great corporate citizen,” said Bonita Parker, external affairs manager at ComEd. The Village of Dolton has received a grant that will support the purchase of portable, programmable, and energy-efficient speed display signs for multiple locations throughout the village, as well as portable traffic-calming devices to enhance safety in school zones and residential locations. The signs will be used in conjunction with bright LED blinkers to increase motorists’ awareness of their speed in these critical areas, according to information provided by ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.

The Village of University Park will use their grant to purchase a standby generator for the village’s Fire Station 1. The generator will allow the fire department to continue safety services and protection for residents and business owners during power out-

ages, according to information provided

by ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.

“Through the Powering Safe Communities program, ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayor’s Caucus are able to promote a culture of safety and wellness in the communities that we serve,” said Parker.

This is the fourth year that ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus have awarded Powering Safe Communities grants and through this partnership, they have awarded $670,000 to fund public safety projects throughout northern Illinois, according to information provided by ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.

“For the past four years, we have been able to leverage over $1.8 million for 95 local public safety projects,” said Joseph Tamburino, mayor of Hillside and chairman of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. “Our partnership with ComEd has put our shared public safety commitment into action and increased community resiliency. We are grateful for ComEd’s generosity.”

Employers no longer can ask for past salary information Governor JB Pritzker has signed into law an amendment to the Illinois Equal Pay Act that bans employers and employment agencies from asking about applicants’ past wage and compensation histories or using such information to screen candidates for a job. The new law takes effect on September 29, 2019.

The Illinois Department of Labor’s Conciliation and Mediation Division is tasked with enforcing the new law. The idea behind the new prohibition is to help break a cycle where predominantly female and minority workers have received lower pay for performing the same or similar work as male and non-minority workers. Employers are more likely to perpetuate this situation if they base the new employees’ pay on what they had previously earned.

Employers can be penalized for asking the applicant or the applicant’s current or former employers for wage or salary history. “While the statute does

A new law bans employers and employment agencies from asking about applicants’ past wage and compensation histories or using such information to screen candidates for a job.

stipulate penalties for violating the law, it is our hope to gain compliance through educating employers,” said IDOL Director Michael Kleinik. “The Department of Labor will be doing various types of outreach and working with employer organizations throughout the state to explain the new law’s impact.”

The prohibition does not apply if a job applicant’s salary history is a matter of public record or if the applicant is a

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current employee applying with the same employer.

If an applicant voluntarily provides wage or salary history, the employer has not violated the law and would not be penalized. This information, however, is not to be used to make a hiring decision or to determine the applicant’s salary. Likewise, the new law does not prohibit an employer from asking an applicant what they desire to make at the new position.

Kleinik added that if they have not yet done so, employers should review their employment applications to make sure they do not ask for salary and wage history. They should also train those involved in hiring on the new law. Department of Labor staff also are available to answer questions from both employers and employees on the new law and can be reached on DOL’s Equal Pay Act Hotline: 866-372-4365.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Aug. 28, 2019

Preliminary Estimates: Motor Vehicle Deaths Projected to Dip Below 40,000 for First Time Since 2015 Preliminary estimates from the National Safety Council indicate the four-year upward trend in motor vehicle deaths that began in 2015 is ebbing, with the number of fatalities in the first six months of 2019 dropping 3 percent compared to the same six-month period in 2018. An estimated 18,580 people died on U.S. roadways between January and June of this year, compared to the Council’s revised estimate of 19,060 during the same period last year. An additional 2.1 million people are estimated to have sustained serious crash-related injuries during the first six months of 2018 – a 1 percent drop from 2018 six-month projections. NSC defines “serious” injuries as those requiring medical attention.

The estimate caps a three-year period in which roadway deaths topped 40,000 each year for the first time since the mid2000s. A total of 118,315 people died on the roadways between 2015 and 2017, and an estimated 40,000 additional people perished last year.

The National Safety Council uses data from the National Center for Health Statistics – an arm of the CDC – when calculating its estimates, because these data are the most com-

prehensive and inclusive numbers available.

However, drivers still face the same fatality risk this year as they did when fatalities were eclipsing 40,000 annually, because the estimated annual rate of deaths per miles driven has remained stable – NSC estimates 1.2 deaths per every million vehicle miles traveled, unchanged from 2018 rates.

“While the numbers indicate a slight improvement, the rate of deaths remains stagnant, and 18,580 deaths so far this year is unacceptable,” said Lorraine M. Martin, president and chief executive officer of the National Safety Council. “We cannot accept death as the price of mobility. We urge all drivers to slow down, buckle up, pay attention and drive defensively.”

The Council’s early estimates indicate significant progress in some states. In the first half of this year, several states have experienced at least a 10 percent drop in motor vehicle deaths, including Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma and Utah. A sample of states with increases through the first six months include Kentucky (6 percent), Hawaii (20 percent), Oregon (6 percent) and New Mexico (15 percent).

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NEWS Social Security Accelerates Decisions for People with Serious Disabilities Andrew Saul, commissioner of Social Security, recently announced four new Compassionate Allowances conditions: CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder, Pitt Hopkins Syndrome, Primary Peritoneal Cancer, and Richter Syndrome.

Compassionate Allowances is a program to quickly identify severe diseases and medical conditions that meet Social Security’s standards for disability benefits.

“Social Security’s highest priority is to serve the public and we are committed to ensuring Americans with disabilities receive the benefits they are eligible for,” said Commissioner Saul. “For over a decade, our Compassionate Allowances program has helped us accelerate the disability process for people who are likely to get approved for benefits due to the severity of their condition.”

The Compassionate Allowances program identifies claims where the applicant’s condition or disease clearly meets Social Security’s statutory standard for disability.

Due to the severe nature of many of these conditions, these claims are often allowed based on medical confirmation of the diagnosis alone. The list has grown to a total of 237 conditions, including certain cancers, adult brain disorders, and a number of

rare disorders that affect children. To date, more than 600,000 people with severe disabilities have been approved through this fast-track policy-compliant disability process.

The agency incorporates leading technology to identify potential Compassionate Allowances and make quick decisions. When a person applies for disability benefits, Social Security must obtain medical records in order to make an accurate determination. Social Security’s Health IT brings the speed and efficiency of electronic medical records to the disability determination process.

With electronic records transmission, Social Security is able to quickly obtain a claimant’s medical information, review it, and make a determination faster than ever before.

For more information about the program, including a list of all Compassionate Allowances conditions, please visit www. socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.

To learn more about Social Security’s Health IT program, please visit www. socialsecurity.gov/hit.

People may apply online for disability benefits by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov.

COMMENTARY

Why Lady Liberty Weeps

BY OSCAR H. BLAYTON

There is a sickening stench about Ken Cuccinelli.

Ken Cuccinelli is Donald Trump’s newly appointed acting director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and his type of stench is not one that assaults the nose, rather it is a noxious affront that assaults one’s dignity.

Cuccinelli’s main function in his new position is to act as Donald Trump’s gatekeeper to bar America’s doors to people of color. His job description requires a belief in the notion that America is a land for white prosperity and any non-white presence – if not of service to white supremacy – is a trespass.

The Trump Administration recently came under fire when Cuccinelli announced that it would implement its “public-charge rule,” declaring that anyone seeking immigration to the United States would be deemed undesirable if they could not satisfactorily prove their self-sufficiency – the effect being to bar poor people.

Some commentators have described this rule as Draconian and point out that it would have barred Cuccinelli’s poor ancestors from

entering America as well. And one reporter reminded him that the Statue of Liberty welcomes “your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Oblivious to the meaning of the words of the poem inscribed on the plaque at the base of the great statue, Cuccinelli insisted that their intent was “Give me your tired and your poor who can stand on their own two feet, and who will not become a public charge.”

When asked to explain his revised version of the famous poem, Cuccinelli said, in essence, the poem was meant for white people. In his words: “That poem was referring back to people coming from Europe…”

Cuccinelli’s remark gives proof to the fact that white supremacy can only flourish when fertilized with the manure of bigoted ignorance.

The Statue of Liberty was conceived by Édouard René de Laboulaye of France to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. The original concept was to have Lady Liberty holding a broken shackle and chain in her left hand. But due to powerful Americans objecting to this reference to slavery, the final version of the statue replaced the chains with a tablet inscribed with

“July IV MDCCLXXVI,” the date of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and placed the broken chains beneath her feet.

By the time the statue was installed in New York Harbor in 1886, Reconstruction in the South was over, and America had turned its back on the plight of African Americans suffering from injustice and oppression. Little, if any, reference was made at that time to the antislavery message of the statue. By then, America had moved so far away from being concerned about the welfare of African Americans that one African American newspaper expressed derision at the notion of American liberty. In November 1886, The Cleveland Gazette stated in its editorial: “Shove the Bartholdi statue, torch and all, into the ocean until the same ‘liberty’ of this country is such as to make it possible for an industrious and inoffensive colored man in the south to earn a respectable living for himself and family, without being ku-kluxed, perhaps murdered, his daughter and wife outraged, and his property destroyed. The idea of the ‘liberty’ of this country enlightening the world, or even Patagonia, is ridiculous in the extreme.” www.thechicagocitizen.com

Despite Cuccinelli’s assertions, Ellis Island did not officially open as an immigration station until Jan. 1, 1892.

And the words of Emma Lazarus’ famous poem were not placed on the base of the statue until 1903 – 17 years after the Statue of Liberty was unveiled.

Given the history of this country, it is not difficult to understand why Cuccinelli believes America is reserved for white people and the Statue of Liberty was meant only for them.

But we must always keep in mind that people like Ken Cuccinelli drag this nation further into the mire of despotism as they seek the “blessings of liberty” only for themselves and those who look like them.

Cuccinelli’s political path includes election to the Virginia state senate beginning in 2002 and as Virginia attorney general in 2009. During his career, he tried to eliminate birthright citizenship, proposed making it a firing offense to speak Spanish on the job and distributed lapel pins to his staff at the Attorney General’s Office that were decorated with a state seal adopted by Virginia and used on Confederate battle flags after the state seceded from the Union in 1861.

The stench of bigotry enveloping

Oscar H. Blayton

Ken Cuccinelli is so strong that, according to reports, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell advised Donald Trump not to nominate him for any post that requires Senate confirmation. To this day, Cuccinelli remains acting director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, holding that office without Senate confirmation.

I have been exposed to the stench of racism and bigotry all my life, and as a Virginian, I have endured Ken Cuccinelli’s stench for almost two decades. Now, thanks to Donald Trump, all America is experiencing that stench as well.

Oscar H. Blayton is a former Marine Corps combat pilot and human rights activist who practices law in Virginia.

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BUSINESS

Survey: 96% Of Managers Say Their Staff Are Experiencing Some Degree Of Burnout The country is nearly at full employment, but U.S. workers may also be approaching full burnout. On the heels of the World Health Organization defining it as a syndrome resulting from workplace stress, a recent survey from staffing firm Accountemps found that nearly all senior managers (96%) believe their team members are experiencing some degree of burnout. In a separate survey, 91% of workers said they are at least somewhat burned out.

Senior managers were asked to report the level of burnout among employees on a scale of 1 (not at all burned out) to 10 (completely burned out), and the average was 5.6. One in 5 respondents rated their team’s burnout level 8 or higher. Workers also cited an average burnout level of 5.6, with more than a quarter of respondents (28%) falling within the 8 to 10 range.

Workers and managers alike seem to agree burnout is an issue, but they don’t see eye to eye on the main reason. When given a list of factors that may be contributing to employee burnout, workers ranked constant interruptions first, while senior managers believed unmanageable workloads were the biggest issue for their teams.

“Employees are often OK with working hard if they know that their efforts will not go

unnoticed by their employers and it helps them advance their careers,” said Michael Steinitz, senior executive director of Accountemps, a division of Robert Half. “However, maintaining high productivity cannot come at the expense of staff members’ well-being and engagement.”

Steinitz offered advice for organizations facing staffing challenges: “Managers need to identify responsibilities that can be reassigned or put on hold. They can also bring in temporary professionals to alleviate heavy workloads, support day-to-day needs and assist with projects requiring specialized skills. Companies that don’t take steps to prevent employee burnout could drive top performers away and find themselves in a bigger pinch.”

Tips and strategies to help staff are featured in the Robert Half blog article 4 Ways to Prevent Work Burnout at Your Company.

About the Research: The online surveys were developed by Accountemps and conducted by independent research firms.

They include responses from more than 2,800 senior managers at companies with 20 or more employees and more than 2,800 workers 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments in the United States.

About Accountemps: Accountemps, a

Robert Half company, is the world’s first and largest specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. The staffing firm

has more than 300 locations worldwide. More resources, including job search services and the company’s blog, can be found at roberthalf. com/accountemps.

Sal Tiano Releases “Structural Alpha” with ForbesBooks Top Wealth Advisor Pens Strategies to Build Elite Wealth Management Practice Sal Tiano, co-head of Tiano, Armour & Smyth Wealth Managers at J.P. Morgan Securities, recently announced the publication of Structural Alpha: Building and Maintaining an Elite Wealth Management Practice (available now). The book is published with ForbesBooks, the exclusive business book publishing imprint of Forbes.

In Structural Alpha, Sal Tiano provides readers with a system he’s developed over his 30 years of experience as a wealth manager, acquiring and maintaining high-net-worth clients to grow their businesses. It’s a system built on specific activities and processes that connect advisors with their clients and their families to generate the trust needed to provide the type of high-level service they need and deserve. This practice is known as Structural Alpha.

Tiano explains, “This is not a theoretical book written by a consultant.

It’s a practical book written by someone who was once a newcomer starting with nothing who has grown a successful decades-long wealth management practice—and is still in the trenches, growing his business today.”

In Structural Alpha, Sal Tiano provides readers with a system he’s developed over his 30 years of experience as a wealth manager, acquiring and maintaining highnet-worth clients to grow their businesses.

Outside his career achievements, Sal Tiano has a strong tradition of charitable giving. In keeping with that, all the profits from this book will be donated to highly-rated charities that help underprivileged children.

Structural Alpha: Building and Maintaining an Elite Wealth Management Practice is now available for purchase on Amazon.com.

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CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Aug. 28, 2019

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NEWS

What Money Tips Would You Tell Your Younger Self?

StatePoint - As we age, we sometimes regret those life lessons that might have served us better when we were younger. If you could roll back the years, what would you tell your younger self about money?

Hill Harper, star of ABC’s “The Good Doctor,” is on a mission to help consumers of all ages take charge of their credit scores and financial futures. Author of The New York Times Best Seller, “The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in its Place,” he is dedicated to teaching financial inclusion and literacy. He’s also a spokesperson for Experian Boost, a free, innovative financial tool that empowers consumers to add positive utility and mobile phone bill payment history to their Experian credit files, potentially improving their credit scores instantly.

Knowing what he knows now, Harper is revealing the top financial lessons he would teach his younger self.

• Create a Blueprint for Wealth: If you have enough money to meet your basic needs -- ask yourself, “what else do I need to be happy?”

Prioritize and plan.

“You need to be the architect of your life and create a blueprint for true wealth,” he adds.

• Understand the Importance of Credit Scores: Many people don’t understand money’s impact on their future, for example, a high

Hill Harper, star of ABC’s “The Good Doctor,” is on a mission to help consumers of all ages take charge of their credit scores and financial futures.

score can mean access to better financial loan products and the best rates on those loans, while a low score can cost you money with higher interest rates, or limit your ability to secure loans, sign leases or even land jobs.

“People often overlook the impact credit has

on their opportunities. I’m aiming to encourage people to proactively manage their credit, and use it to manifest their destinies,” says Harper.

• Take Small Steps: You can increase your credit score by taking several steps, such as establishing a track record of paying bills on

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time, paying down debt and using financial tools that can possibly impact your score immediately, like Experian Boost. Also, Harper stresses you should keep your usage of credit low, and only make purchases you can afford.

“Everyone deserves a fair shot at achieving their financial dreams, and access to capital is a part of that, but it should be done wisely,” says Harper. “Understanding how your credit score is calculated and what you can do to maintain it will position you for financial success.”

• Be Truly Wealthy: Harper believes that money is simply a resource that helps people build the lives and communities they want, and that true “wealth” means being healthy, happy and having a positive relationship with money.

“Some of the most important financial concepts for young people to understand are the power of savings, the time value of money, and compounded interest. If you start saving just a little bit early on, compound interest will work on your behalf. It can transform your life and the financial well-being of your family,” says Harper.

To learn more about Harper and Experian Boost, visit Experian.com/BoostAmerica.

Wisdom can be a game changer when it comes to finances. Consider the financial lessons those in-the-know would tell themselves if they could turn back the clock.

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Highlights From Matteson Mayor Chalmers-Currin Sip, Savor & Jazz Back Yard Celebration Photos by CREDD

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CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Aug. 28, 2019

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SATURDAY, SEPT 14, 2019 SOLDIER F I E L D @ChicagoFootballClassic

@Chiftblclass

@Chifootballclassic

The Chicago Football Classic Scholarship Fund, Inc. is a 501c3 not for proďŹ t organization.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Multi-Grammy® Nominated R&B Crooner Johnny Gill To Release Highly-Anticipated Game Changer II Album Set For September 6 J Skillz Records/Kalvary recording artist, multi-GRAMMY ® nominated and Multi-Platinum R&B producer, writer and singer Johnny Gill, has unveiled details of his highly-anticipated eighth studio album, GAME CHANGER II. The 11-track album is available for preorder now and will be available everywhere on September 6.

In addition, Gill has released his powerful second single “Perfect” which features New Edition band mate Ralph Tresvant. “Perfect” is available on Spotify / Apple “I’ve always been aware of how powerful women are. From my Mom, to the women I have worked with during my career,” says Gill. “Their power deserves our respect, which is why I always make it a priority to honor women through my music.”

On the heels of his #1 hit “Soul of a Woman,” Gill delivers an ode to the quintessential woman in the form of natural beauty, strength and intellect with “Perfect” and enlists Ralph Tresvant, who delivers an effortless hook. Together, they complete the sultry ballad which is currently climbing the charts and sets up a timely release of Game Changer II. Gill delivers his eighth solo studio album entitled Game Changer II, which serves as the sequel to the highly successful 2014 Game Changer release.

The first single from Game Changer II

finds Johnny setting things off with a solid traditional R&B message song “Soul of a Woman.” The poignant song opens a rare window into Johnny’s personal life as it was primarily inspired by his mother, Annie Mae. “I held on to this song, produced by Pagani since the last album,” Johnny shares, “listening to the demo for my own personal pleasure. It’s not your everyday song,” which is exactly why Gill enlisted comedic Emmy Award-winning actress Tiffany Haddish to co-star with him in the video for the single.

From there, Game Changer II explodes with a generous variety of unique instant classics including the Latin energy of “Fiesta” featuring GRAMMY ® Awardwinning guitarist Carlos Santana and GRAMMY ® nominated percussionist queen Sheila E. Additional tracks include the Reggae-tinged love song “Only One” as well as “Favorite Girl” – all produced by GRAMMY ® Award-winning producer/ musician/songwriter Blac Elvis out of Atlanta.

Another surefire standout is “That’s My Baby,” a sumptuous and harmonically sophisticated tribute to one of Johnny’s greatest musical heroes, Luther Vandross, produced by Ralph Stacy.

Follow Johnny Gill: Website: www.JohnnyGill.com Instagram: @therealjohnnygill22 Facebook: Johnny GillTwitter: @JohnnyGill

Game Changer II

Princess Cruises Announces Finalists for 8th Annual Entertainer of the Year Competition Princess Cruises will soon announce the top guest entertainer during the international premium cruise line’s eighth annual Entertainer of the Year competition. Four talented finalists have been chosen from the more than 2,000 onboard performers who entertain more than 2 million guests each year — from a talent pool of vocalists, comedians, magicians, tribute bands and other specialty acts.

Guests onboard the September 22, 2019 Star Princess seven-day cruise to the Northern California Coast will be invited to cast their vote for their favorite performer after viewing several live performances from each act during their cruise vacation, ultimately selecting Princess Cruises Entertainer of the Year and awarding the top talent $5,000.

The four nominees for the title of Entertainer of the Year are: Phillip Browne - From London, Browne has starred in several West End shows and performed with Sir Elton John and Barry Manilow in some of the most prestigious venues in London, including Kensington Palace and the Royal Albert Hall.

Doug Funk - From Cambridge, Ontario www.thechicagocitizen.com

Canada, award winning and two-time nominated comedian Funk is a seasoned performer with a fresh and contagious style, whose entertainment background has molded him into one of the most funny, thoughtprovoking and versatile comics in the country.

Kieran Powell - From Cirencester, Gloucestershire United Kingdom, comical singing ventriloquist Powell is without a doubt one of the UK’s finest variety acts and one of the world’s top ventriloquists.

Mike Wilson - From Redondo Beach, Calif., often called the world’s funniest comicimpressionist, Wilson overwhelms his audience with his dead-on impressions of the world’s most famous celebrities. His marquee characters include the entire cast of Seinfeld, Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Christian Slater, Lou Costello, Garth Brooks, Louie Armstrong, Minnie Ripperton, Joe Cocker, the Bee Gees, and hundreds more.

More information about the live entertainment on Princess Cruises and other onboard activities is available at princess.com/ entertainment.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Aug. 28, 2019

Staying Digitally And Socially

Connected To Us Can’t Get Any Easier. .

If you miss us in print, you can find us here:

www.thechicagocitizen.com Publisher Of The: * Chatham-Southeast Citizen * Hyde Park Citizen

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Let Us Help You Tell Your Story. . .

If You Have A News Story Idea That You Would Like To See In The Citizen Let Us Hear About It. Email Us At: editiorial@thechicagocitizen.com.

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FASHION

New From KISS: The Rouge Cordless Flat Iron KISS has introduced its newest, travel-friendly, onthe-go hair styling tool. The beauty giant has expanded their line with the new Rouge Cordless Flat Iron.

Now women can have great looking hair anywhere, anytime. The launch of the new product is another step in KISS’ mission to offer best in class, but also affordable hair styling tools. The Rouge Cordless Flat Iron is just as functional as it is stylish and fits perfectly inside almost any bag, from clutch to carry-on.

The new, cordless iron works on a Lithium Ion battery with USB-charging capabilities, allowing for perfect styling on-the-go.

The aesthetically pleasing flat iron is shaped like a classic red lipstick tube.

Once you are finished with the iron, simply place the red cap back on top and you can safely put it back in your bag.

“KISS Products plans to change the hair game by providing the most advanced hair tools. Our new Rouge Cordless Flat Iron is the ultimate hair tool that every woman will want. It delivers not only great looking hair but meets the lifestyle needs of today’s on-the-go consumer,” says, Annette Goldstein, senior vice president global marketing at KISS USA. This small, powerful and convenient flat iron heats up quickly, lasts 50 minutes per charge, offers dual voltage for international use and is currently the longest lasting single charge cordless flat iron on the market, according to a press release.

From handbag, to work tote to gym bag, clutch, backpack and beyond, there is no limit to where the Rouge Cordless Flat Iron can be a hair style saver. For more information, visit KISSUSA.com.

Lafe’s Natural BodyCare: New CBD Roll On Deodorant Lafe’s Natural BodyCare has announced immediate availability of their new CBD Roll-On Deodorant with 50mg of FullSpectrum CBD Oil. According to a press release, it’s one of the first CBD Roll On Deodorants containing 50mg of Full-Spectrum CBD Oil and made with natural/organic ingredients and essential oils, clinically proven by a 3rd party for 24 hours of protection, cruelty free, gluten free, nonGMO, vegan, and contains no toxins. The new Lafe’s CBD Roll On Deodorant is consistent with Lafe’s current line of clean deodorants - roll-ons, sticks, crystals and sprays. It’s available on www.lafes.com in Unscented, Matcha Tea, Chamomile Tea, Lavender & White Tea, & Natural Mint.

“We created a CBD Roll On Deodorant for our customers who were seeking a safe, non-toxic deodorant with the added benefits of Full-Spectrum, whole-plant CBD Oil,” founder and owner Lafe Larson said.

CBD Oil in a deodorant is ingenious because it contains natural antibacterial elements to fight odor and can easily absorb under your arm where it won’t rub off easily.

Other whole-body benefits of CBD Oil are anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, increased skin moisture, & reduced skin irritation.

“We decided to use Full-Spectrum CBD Oil because we wanted consumers to experience the full benefits of the cannabinoids working together,” said Lafe.

About Lafe’s Natural BodyCare Lafe grew up in the rural Midwest, raised by a mother who was a forward thinker. He never forgot her advice: “Read the label and if you can’t pronounce it, avoid it.”

Lafe’s Natural Bodycare believes that people should not settle for artificial, that is why their products are made from the purest ingredients with the highest standards - natural/organic ingredients, no toxins, vegan, gluten free, cruelty free, & non-GMO. Lafe’s began creating their formulations in 1994 and now offers a full line of personal care products – organic baby care, lip balms, & insect repellents, hair care, & bar soaps.

Lafe’s Natural BodyCare is committed to creating genuine and authentic natural personal care products that promote sustainable living and support a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Lafe’s believes in using business as a force for good and donates 1% of profits to breast cancer prevention & environmental awareness. For more information and to save 25% using code LAFES25, please visit www.lafes.com.

Clarisonic Unveils Mia Men

KISS recently released the Rouge Cordless Flat Iron - the first of its kind.

Clarisonic® secured its spot as the #1 athome beauty device in the United States when it invented the sonic cleansing category over a decade ago with its patented devices. And now, according to a press release, Clarisonic introduces Mia Men, the one and only face cleansing device engineered specifically for men’s thicker skin and designed to address their skincare needs effectively and effortlessly.

Powered by Clarisonic’s patented sonic technology, Mia Men features one 60-second Men’s Mode with two optimized intensities to clean better than hands alone and prep for a smoother, closer shave. The first, a 40-second Daily Cleanse, offers a deep cleansing of the skin and beard to

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clean away oil, sweat, and grime. This is followed by a 20-second Power Cleanse, which clears buildup on the skin and softens the beard to reduce nicks and razor bumps while preparing facial hair for a smoother, closer shave. Mia Men features a waterproof design for use in the shower or sink.

Like all Clarisonic devices, Mia Men is safe for use on all skin types, including sensitive.

Mia Men is paired with Clarisonic’s new Charcoal Brush Head to gently massage the skin to draw out impurities from pores, washing away excess sebum and pollution particles for cleaner, clearer looking skin. The Charcoal Brush Head is infused with black charcoal, allowing it to go deep into pores to eliminate excess oil

and cleanse away PM 2.5 pollutants better than manual cleansing.

“Millions of our consumers (vast majority are female) have written us to share that their spouses steal their devices,” says Jia Zhu, Clarisonic brand director. “This gave way to the development of our Mia Men’s device, with a specific mode for Men’s thicker skin to ensure they too, are getting the best out of our technology and can now have their very own under $100.”

The Clarisonic Mia Men face cleansing device is available now at Clarisonic.com, Amazon, Sephora.com, and Ulta. com and will retail for $99. The Charcoal Brush Head, which is suitable for both men and women and is compatible with all Clarisonic devices, retails for $29.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Aug. 28, 2019

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 EMail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-10171 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2017 CH 09711 TJSC#: 39-4991 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2017 CH 09711 I3128750 ________________________________________

EDUCATION Back-to-School Must-Haves

Darrell Garth

President /Publisher

Janice Garth

Sales Manager General Manager

Editorial

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

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(StatePoint) You don’t have to pick between form and function when gearing up for the new school year. Make the grade with these stylish back-toschool must-haves: • Going green: One easy way for students to accessorize while going green as a family, is to pack lunch with reusable containers and wrapping.

These days, it’s easy to find cool designs made from eco-friendly, healthy materials, such as silicone, stainless steel, cloth and even rice paddy fiber.

• Keeping time: With a stylish timepiece, you’ll never be late. Those from Casio’s Vintage collection match a variety of styles, so they’ll look good no matter what you’re wearing. Water-resistant and equipped with an auto calendar, daily alarm and 1/100th second stopwatch, they feature an LED light and a battery life up to seven years.

• Tune time: A great set of headphones can add flair to any outfit. Looking ahead to the colder months ahead, check out headphones designed for all ages that double function as fleece headbands. The options from Cozy Phones, for example, include fun animal designs like pandas, unicorns and frogs.

• Smooth operator: An intuitively designed calculator can support a student through middle school and high school and into college. The fx-CG50 PRIZM, a next-generation graphing calculator has advanced features like brand-new three-dimensional graph drawing and improved catalog function, allowing for greater engagement and real-life application in the mathematics classroom. What’s more, its natural textbook display and intuitive icon-based menu are designed for both style and ease of use.

• Protect tech: Protecting tech gear to extend the life of your pricey purchases and personalize your style. Now, anyone can design their own cases for tablets, phones and laptops by using online services, such as My Custom Case and CASETiFY. With back-to-school gear that looks as great as it works, you can get set for a great school year. ________________________________________

MISCELLANEOUS HOME IMPROVEMENTS Leafguard is the only one piece gutter system guaranteed to never clog, get a jump on Fall and Save 75% on installation and receive $500 for your old ladder! Call 1-800-216-0539 _______________________________________ TRAINING/EDUCATION AIRLINE CAREERS FOR NEW YEAR BECOME AN AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECH. FAA APPROVED TRAINING. FINANCIAL AID IF QUALIFIED - JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE. CALL AIM 800-481-8312 ________________________________________

REAL ESTATE AC 8-15-2019 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION PNC BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; Plaintiff, vs. PATRICIA LAWSON; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 17 CH 3090 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 29-06-111-021-0000 (new); 29-06-111-0150000 (old). Commonly known as 13839 Seeley Avenue, Blue Island, Illinois 60406. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family

residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff's Attorney, Anselmo Lindberg & Associates, LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 605631890. (630) 453-6960. F17020255 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3128406 ________________________________________ IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, NA Plaintiff, -v.DESAREA PUGH, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBANDEVELOPMENT Defendants 2017 CH 09711 2208 123RD STREET BLUE ISLAND, IL 60406 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 25, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 12, 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 2208 123RD STREET, BLUE ISLAND, IL 60406 Property Index No. 25-30-133021-0000; 25-30-133-026-0000 The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation.

No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose

prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2019 FELLOWS ON COMPLETING THEIR JOURNEY.

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