South Suburban Citizen 9-6-2020

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

Citizen The Citizen: Serving The Black Community For 55 Years Week of Sept. 9, 2020

| Vol. 39 | No. 42 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SOUTH SUBURBAN

Work, Reimagined: ManpowerGroup Research Reveals What Workers Want Post COVID-19 Page 4

Squaremouth Shares What Americans Need to Know Before Traveling Domestically

Kai Haynes wanted a way to brighten the lives of people during the COVID-19 pandemic, so she created lawn signs using bright colors. Photo courtesy

Page 7

American Academy of Periodontology Stresses the Importance of Periodontal Health During COVID-19 Page 8

of Kai Haynes

LAWN SIGNS BRIGHTEN PEOPLE’S LIVES

Faith, hope, peace, love and joy are words that you can find on lawn signs across the South Suburbs as well as on the Southeast side of Chicago. PAGE 2

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2 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Sept. 9, 2020

NEWS briefly EDUCATION NUTRITION FACTS LABEL TOOLS FOR EDUCATORS With the new school year, students and teachers are looking forward to learning new things together.

To support educators, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated many of its nutrition education resources on the new Nutrition Facts label. The new label, which is based on updated scientific information and new nutrition research, is the first major update to the label in over 20 years. The refreshed design and updated information make it easier for teachers to encourage students to make informed food choices that contribute to lifelong healthy eating habits.

For more information about the updated the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods and drinks, visit https://www.fda.gov/ food/nutrition

HEALTH

NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE LAKE FOREST HOSPITAL RECEIVES 3RD MAGNET® DESIGNATION HONORING NURSING EXCELLENCE Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital received its third Magnet® designation, an award given to nurses’ continued commitment to excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®.

This designation identifies superior quality in nursing care and is the highest international honor for the practice of nursing.

“Magnet Recognition is not merely an award or a badge of honor—it is steadfast proof of a hard-earned commitment to excellence in health care, with contented nurses at its heart,” said Denise Majeski, MSN, RN, ACM, NE-BC, Bernthal Family Chief Nurse Executive at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. “We are humbled to be re-designated, as this puts Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital in the 9% of hospitals in the U.S. that have achieved this status.” Currently, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is one of only 523 hospitals in the U.S. to have received Magnet Recognition.

LAW & POLITICS

ILLINOIS LAWYERS MAKES FREE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE FORM AVAILABLE TO STATE’S RESIDENTS Illinois Lawyers, a firm that has been providing legal guidance and attorney referrals since 2001, recently announced it is offering a free Illinois Power of Attorney for Health Care Form to any Illinois resident.

The COVID-19 pandemic has many Illinoisans stressed out, said Michael Helfand, the founder of Illinois Lawyers. He said the organization wants to help in any way it can, especially by helping individuals who have to risk their health by working in potentially unsafe environments. In a news release, Helfand said lawyers usually charge a few hundred dollars to prepare power of attorney forms for health care, but Illinois Lawyers wants to offer it to anyone, no matter their situation, for free.

Available at www.illinoislawyers.com, the Illinois Short Form Power of Attorney for Health Care Form can be downloaded, printed and filled out in minutes, according to a news release.

“We highly recommend that you give a copy of this form to your primary care physician as well as to the people that you choose as your power of attorney,” Helfand stated. “Hopefully, this document will not need to be used, but it’s a great idea to have one in place in case something unexpected happens. As always, individuals are welcome to call us with any questions or concerns.”

Illinois Lawyers was founded in 2001 with the goal of changing the way people find a lawyer. The firm’s goal is to find the right attorney for clients and to address the legal issues they have in the state of Illinois or to provide them with legal guidance and to answer any questions. Illinois Lawyers does this through a confidential, free consultation. Call Illinois Lawyers at 312-346-5320 or 800-517-1614 to speak with an attorney for free or you can fill out their online contact form and someone will contact you.

Lawn signs brighten people’s lives Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Faith, hope, peace, love and joy are words that you can find on lawn signs across the South Suburbs as well as on the Southeast side of Chicago.

The signs are the brainchild of Kai Haynes, a resident of Flossmoor. During the first weeks of the shutdown due to COVID-19, Haynes was looking out of her window and it was as she described it, “blah.”

“I need to look out my window and be able to smile,” she said. “I need to see some colors.”

Haynes said God gave her a vision in her dreams to decorate the trees outside her house and her neighbors’ houses with ribbons. So, Haynes and her husband bought different color ribbons and walked around and decorated the trees on the block with ribbons.

They also put a note in each neighbors’ mailbox with a description of what each color ribbon meant and let them know that they could get through these uncertain times.

A week later, Haynes said God gave her another vision, this time, of the words hope, peace, love, joy and faith.

The purpose of the signs she said, was to, “put them everywhere so that people could see them.” And this included people living beyond her block. She said the signs served as a way to give people “some hope” and to “make them lift their head up and give them some faith.”

Haynes designed the signs and came up with the colors that aligned with the words. Originally, there were 24 signs, just for Haynes’ block. Then, people started asking about the signs and the popularity of the signs grew. As of September 1, Haynes had distributed 800 signs.

“People would send me their address and I would go and put them in their

Kai Haynes started out with 24 signs for her block and has distributed 800 signs in the South Suburbs, on the Southeast side of Chicago and also on the North side of Chicago. Photo courtesy of Kai Haynes

yard. People started asking for sets of signs,” she said.

Haynes said the colors for the signs come from the bible. Hope aligns with the color yellow; faith with blue; joy with pink; love with red and peace aligns with the color green.

Haynes said she thinks it is awesome about how the concept has grown. People’s neighbors are getting to know each other and are striking up conversations because of the signs, she said. Moreover, people are getting cards from their neighbors thanking them for putting the signs out and for spreading positivity in the midst of the chaos.

“I think it’s a great thing. It’s filled its purpose. I always say, ‘live in your purpose.’ These signs are definitely doing what the purpose was. [And that is] to bring what each word means, to bring

hope to people, [to] bring faith [and to] bring joy to people,” she said.

Haynes said one man told her that he drives past a row of the signs on a busy street every morning and he looks forward to seeing the signs each day and they make him smile. She said it is confirmation that God gives her visions for a reason.

“I just felt like people ride their bikes, walking or driving past, if you can just give them one little glimmer of hope, I think that’s what it’s supposed to do.

I think it’s crucial that we give love to people, now more than ever. People are losing people, they can’t really celebrate their life,” she said.

Haynes added she’s just glad that people have embraced the idea. “God gave me the vision,” she said. “I just thank you for sharing in the vision.”

Commentary: Pandemic Economic Fall Out Leaving Little Hope

BY WILLIAM J. BOOKER

No matter what your political affiliation is we all can agree that these are unprecedented times. Working families are financially devastated. And while politicians continue to argue over the elusive stimulus package, the impact is being felt by people whose homes are on the verge of foreclosure, and their only means of transportation being repossessed by banks.

What this country needs during these hard economic times is more programs and policies that support socialism--not less. We need programs to help small business owners get back on their feet.

We need a national band on locking people up who have fallen behind on their child support payments. We need universal healthcare, and more money for SNAP benefit recipients.

Americans have had to wait far too long for Con-

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gress to agree on anything.

It’s time politicians put their political interest aside for Americans who have become financially and emotionally bankrupt. Parents are being forced to write bad checks just to put food on their table, or keep their lights on because it’s the only way their kids can participate in virtual learning.

Further, the increase in unemployment has affected the credit rating of millions of people. And although the

price of gas has gone down, most low-income Americans can’t afford to put a full tank of gas in their car, or even an oil change.

The Covid-19 pandemic has created a financial firestorm that is taking a toll on everyone. I just hope good people don’t result in doing bad things just to survive this global health crisis that is unfortunately leaving many hard working Americans few financial options.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Sept. 9, 2020

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NEWS

Hightower Named Executive Director of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (ILBCF), the civic/philanthropic arm of the ILBC, recently announced that Tiffany D. Hightower has been named Executive Director of the organization. Previously, Hightower served as the Interim Director.

“I am excited to assume this role of Executive Director for the Foundation,” said Hightower.

“The work that the foundation does is critical, especially in these extremely perilous times. The further promulgation of African Americans in the state of Illinois through advocacy, scholarship, policy analysis (economic and educational) will be at the forefront of our efforts.”

Established in 2002, the ILBCF has been at the forefront of addressing the needs of the state’s African American population.

The mission of the ILBCF is to provide a forum for non-partisan educational research, public policy development, and analysis of various issues of social and economic importance for African American communities and to provide students with scholarships and internship opportunities to advance their educational goals.

“Sending Congratulations to Tiffany Hightower for being named Executive Director of the ILBCF,” Congresswoman Robin Kelly said. “I know she will continue to make a positive impact.”

While working as a consultant, Hightower developed strategies to assist with statewide/ward outcomes for success, leveraged key relationships with stakeholders, organizations, and allies. Her clients included Kennedy for Illinois (Political Director) and Chicago Victory PAC (Regional

Tiffany D. Hightower (pictured) has been named Executive Director of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation.

Director) among other political candidates.

“We are happy to announce the hiring of Tiffany Hightower as the new Executive Director of the ILBC Foundation,” Paul Williams, chairman of the board of directors of ILBCF, added.

“Ms. Hightower brings a wealth of experience to the role having previously served as the political director for a gubernatorial race

and director of operations for the former treasurer of Chicago.

We appreciate her willingness to serve and we look forward to her taking us to the next level.”

Prior to joining ILBCF, Hightower was Director of Operations for Chicago City Treasurer Kurt A. Summers Jr. where she managed the department’s $4.3 million budget. She directed the planning, development, imple-

mentation, and administration of initiatives pertaining to human resources and operations. During her career, she also served as the Deputy Director of Community Assistance Programs and as the Executive Director of Developing Communities Project.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Tiffany Hightower over the course of the last few months,” Majority Leader/ILBC Joint Caucus Chair Kimberly A. Lightford commented. “She is a dynamic and driven leader whose ability to define and accomplish the objectives of the foundation are stellar. Her executive level skill set has brought the foundation several great gains. We are excited to have her and work in tandem to further progress the mission of this organization.”

Hightower earned a master of science degree in Organizational Leadership, with a concentration on Non-Profit Management and Integrated Business Leadership Theories, from Dominican University and a bachelor of arts degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

Hightower has numerous distinguished accolades and appointments. She is currently a Board Member for The Ideal Candidate, The Center for Advancing Domestic Peace, and Social Change. Hightower was appointed by the mayor to the Roseland Medical District Commission, where she serves as the secretary. Among her notable honors, she received Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s Visionary Award.

For more information about the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, please visit: https://www.ilbcf.org/

South Suburban College To Close On Election Day In accordance with the implementation of the new election day closure provisions of Public Act 101-0642, the South Suburban College Board of Trustees enacted the college’s recognition of November 3rd as 2020 General Election Day at its August 13th Board Meeting.

SSC’s Main Campus and Oak Forest Center will join all other Illinois community college campuses in closing for classes and to the public on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, for the benefit of community health.

Public Act 101-0642 states in part: Notwithstanding any other provision of

State law to the contrary, November 3, 2020 shall be a State holiday known as 2020 General Election Day and shall be observed throughout the State pursuant to this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly. All government offices, with the exception of election authorities, shall be closed unless authorized to be used as a location for election day services or as a polling place.

COVID-19 presents a severe public health emergency, and the World Health Organization, the United States government, the Governor of Illinois, and the General

Assembly therefore declared it necessary and appropriate to make modifications to the administration and conduct of the elections for the November 2020 General Election. The State holiday is for this year only and expires on January 1, 2021.

For information about serving as an election judge or other role in the 2020 General Election in Suburban Cook County, please email Elect.Judge@cookcountyil.gov or call (312) 603-0965.

Participants will be required to certify in writing to the election authority the political party the judge chooses to affiliate with.

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Sleep and diabetes study receives $3M grant Getting more sleep and establishing a regular sleep schedule is a common recommendation for maintaining and improving health, including for people with Type 1 diabetes.

Short sleep patterns may affect how the body uses insulin, and irregular sleep schedules can affect glucose through changes in one’s circadian rhythm or biological clock.

But, how best to improve sleep? And, how can you get quality sleep when you’re trying to manage your blood sugar along with life’s other demands?

Pamela Martyn-Nemeth, University of Illinois Chicago associate professor, has received a $3 million grant to help answer those questions.

Martyn-Nemeth, of UIC’s biobehavioral nursing science department, received the grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases for the study, “Sleep optimization to improve glycemic control in adults with Type 1 diabetes.”

The role of sleep in glycemic control is increasingly recognized in persons with Type 1 diabetes, or T1D. However, no specific recommendation has been given as to how to improve sleep. The study aims to determine if sleep optimization interventions can help those with T1D improve their sleep and glycemic control.

“One of the challenges with managing Type 1 diabetes is sleep. Many with T1D report not having normal sleep or a good night’s rest, sometimes for 10 years,” Martyn-Nemeth said.

“They are afraid they’re going to run low and their setting alarms to check blood sugar. Or, they’re afraid they may run high. And, because they are worried about having highs and lows, they are sleeping horribly.”

Martyn-Nemeth and her colleagues will conduct a 12-week randomized controlled trial in 120 adults with T1D. Subjects in the sleep-optimization group will receive a wearable sleep tracker that can be monitored through a smart app, as well as information about healthy sleep habits, and brief phone counseling sessions.

Participants will be tested before the study using a research-grade sleep watch and continuous glucose monitor that will measure sleep and glucose levels. They’ll be retested at two other times during the study, then 24 weeks after the study’s end to measure sustainability.

“Our goal is to be able to develop strategies to improve sleep to be integrated into clinical care,” Martyn-Nemeth said.

Participants will be recruited through UI Health and the diabetes community. Participants need to have short sleep or variable sleep, be between 18 and 65 years old, have had T1D for at least a year, and have a willingness to improve their sleep.

Working with Martyn-Nemeth on the team are Jennifer Duffecy, associate professor of clinical psychiatry; Lauretta T. Quinn, clinical professor, biobehavioral health science; Alana Steffen, visiting research assistant professor, health systems science, and Dr. Sirimon Reutrakul, associate professor, endocrinology/ diabetes and metabolism.

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BUSINESS

Work, Reimagined: ManpowerGroup Research Reveals What Workers Want Post COVID-19 Most workers believe the COVID-19 crisis marks the end of full-time work in the office and are looking for a hybrid model that blends work and home finds new research from ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN).

After health concerns for themselves and their family, workers are most worried about returning to an old way of working and losing the flexibility they have gained.

The Future for Workers, By Workers is the second in ManpowerGroup’s What Workers Want series.

The research points to employers needing to adopt a People First approach and to reimagine a future of work that works for organizations and individuals alike - prioritizing health, wellbeing, and caring responsibilities.

The survey of more than 8000 workers in eight countries* reveals workers everywhere have three key priorities for the Next Normal autonomy and their personalized version of a Hybrid Workplace with the opportunity to work remotely, yet not all the time; learning on demand - more opportunities to learn virtually and develop skills to stay employable; and finally One Life - a focus on blending work and family life for the long term.

“What started as a health crisis has evolved into an economic and social crisis. While thankfully a small proportion of the population will be infected by COVID-19, 100% of us will be impacted by it,” said Jonas Prising, ManpowerGroup chairman & CEO. “The data shows us how workers around the world are feeling about returning – concerned for their health and employment security, while seeking flexibility which allows them to better balance work and home.

Those organizations that prioritize emotional wellbeing and flexibility while demonstrating how they create social impact in challenging times will be best positioned to attract and retain the best talent and ensure workers are confident, healthy and productive.”

When economic outlooks are uncertain, employability matters most to workers, with 9 in 10 workers say simply keeping their job is

According to new research, men with children list spending time with their family as a top benefit to working remotely. Women feel more negatively about going back to work, increasing in concern the younger the child.

most important. Yet how workers feel about a return varies by gender and career stage: Gen-Z vs. Millennials: Gen Z’s most keen to return to the workplace to develop their careers and socialize, (51%), while millennials are least positive (38%).

Gen X vs. Boomers: Gen X value being in the workplace to concentrate and collaborate away from household responsibilities.

Boomers choose socializing and collaborating with colleagues (34%) as the top reason to return.

Gender Divide: Almost half of men (46%) feel positive about returning, only one-third of women (35%) feel the same. Women report

feeling more concerned or nervous about the return. Both men and women rank not having to commute and having flexibility to work when convenient in their top three benefits of working from home.

Working Parents: Men with children list spending time with their family as a top benefit to working remotely. Women feel more negatively about going back to work, increasing in concern the younger the child – 61% for children 0-5, 53% for children 6-17 and 50% for 18+.

To download the full report The Future for Workers, by Workers: Making the Next Normal Better for All, visit: https://go.manpowergroup.com/futureforworkers www.citizennewspapergroup.com

More Homes In U.S. Fall Into Vacant Zombie Foreclosure Realm In Third Quarter Of 2020 ATTOM Data Solutions, recently released its third-quarter 2020 Vacant Property and Zombie Foreclosure Report showing that 1.5 million (1,570,265) residential properties in the United States are vacant, representing 1.6 percent of all homes.

The report analyzes publicly recorded real estate data collected by ATTOM Data Solutions — including foreclosure status, equity, and owner-occupancy status — matched against monthly updated vacancy data.

The third quarter analysis shows that about 216,000 homes are in the process of foreclosure, with about 7,960, or 3.7 percent, sitting empty as so-called ‘zombie foreclosures.’

The count of properties in the process of foreclosure (215,886) in the third quarter of 2020 is down 16 percent from the second quarter of 2020 (258,024). But the percentage of those properties that have been abandoned as zombie foreclosures is up from 3 percent in the second quarter of 2020.

Despite the increase, the 7,961 zombie foreclosure properties continue to represent just a tiny portion - one of every 12,500 homes - of the nation’s stock of 99.4 million residential properties.

The third-quarter 2020 data shows a drop in the number of homes at some point in the foreclosure process, but an increase in the level sitting vacant at a time when the federal government is trying to shield the housing market from an economic slide stemming from the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic.

Among the government’s key measures was a temporary prohibition against lenders foreclosing on government-backed mortgages.

“Abandoned homes in foreclosure remain little more than a spot on the radar screen in most parts of the United States, posing few, if any, problems from neighborhood to neighborhood. But the latest numbers do throw a small potential red flag into the air, given the increase in the percentage of zombie foreclosures,” said Todd Teta, chief product officer with ATTOM Data Solutions.

Midwest and South have highest zombie foreclosures rates A total of 7,961 residential properties facing possible foreclosure have been vacated by their owners nationwide in the third quarter of 2020. That figure comprises 3.7 percent, or one in 27, of all properties in the foreclosure process. Those

numbers are up from 3 percent, or one in 34, in the second quarter of 2020, and 3.2 percent, or one in 32, in the third quarter of last year.

States where zombie-foreclosure rates exceeding the national percentage are clustered in the Midwest and South, including Kansas (15 percent, or one in seven, properties in the foreclosure process), Missouri (11.2 percent, or one in nine), Georgia (11 percent, or one in nine), Kentucky (10.7 percent, or one in nine) and Tennessee (10.3 percent, or one in 10).

States where the rates fall below the national level are mainly in the Northeast and West, including Utah (1.1 percent, or one in 87 properties in the foreclosure process), Idaho (1.2 percent, or one in 84), New Jersey (1.6 percent, or one in 62), Colorado (1.8 percent, or one in 56) and California (2 percent, or one in 50).

Zombie rates rise in all but one state Zombie-foreclosure rates rose from the second to the third quarter of 2020 in every state but Hawaii, while also decreasing in the District of Columbia. States with the largest increases included Kansas (up from 7.4 percent to 15 percent of all properties in the foreclosure process), Missouri (up from 4 percent to 11.2 percent), Georgia (up from 3.9 percent to 11 percent), Kentucky (up from 3.9 percent to 10.7 percent) and Nebraska (up from 4 percent to 10.3 percent).

“It appears that an increased number of vacant foreclosure properties may be an unintended consequence of the foreclosure moratoria put in place by federal, state, and local governments,” said Rick Sharga, executive vice president at RealtyTrac. “Vacant properties can contribute to neighborhood blight, and become safety hazards – especially during a pandemic. So the sooner these abandoned properties can be processed and sold to homebuyers or investors, the better it will be for communities and neighborhoods across the country.”

Highest numbers of zombie properties in northeastern and midwestern states New York continues to have the highest actual number of zombie properties (2,136), followed by Florida (1,028), Illinois (971), Ohio (887) and New Jersey (356). California leads in the west, with 265, while Oklahoma leads in the South, with 133.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Sept. 9, 2020

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All Photos by L.M. Warington

CITIZEN On The Move

Calumet City Clerk, Figgs Food Giveaway Highlights

Giving Back To The Community Is A Great Thing!

Thank You Is In Order For Calumet City Clerk Nyota T. Figgs, State Senator Elgie Sims, Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore and Illinois State Representative Nick Smith, Recently Teamed Up For A Much Needed Cause, Feeding The Residents of Cal City During COVID-19. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Sept. 9, 2020

NEWS Squaremouth Shares What Americans Need to Know Before Traveling Domestically International border closures and travel bans have led Americans to travel within the US. With domestic travel rising in popularity, travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth shares what travelers need to know before heading out of state.

Coverage for Contracting COVID-19 Available Domestic travelers concerned that contracting COVID-19 will impact their trip can find coverage from select travel insurance policies.

Despite high coronavirus cases in some states, travelers can still purchase a policy that includes cancellation coverage in the event they contract coronavirus before departure. Travelers can search for policies that may include cancellation or medical coverage for contracting coronavirus from 14 providers on Squaremouth.

Quarantine Requirements Not Covered Reason to Cancel Some travelers are surprised to learn their destination state requires a quarantine period upon arrival, some up to 14 days. However, these requirements do not trigger trip cancellation benefits.

Travelers who no longer wish to travel because they will have to quarantine

at their destination will not be covered to cancel under a standard policy.

COVID-19 Concerns Covered by Cancel for Any Reason The Cancel for Any Reason upgrade offers the most extensive cancellation coverage, making it the best option for travelers who have the most concerns related to COVID-19, including changing travel regulations, flight cancellations due to lack of passengers, or accommodations canceling reservations due to COVID-19.

With this upgrade, travelers can cancel their trips 2-3 days prior to departure and receive 75% reimbursement of their pre-paid, non-refundable trip cost.

KEY CURRENT RESOURCE: Squaremouth.com created the Coronavirus Pandemic Current Event Center which is updated daily with available travel insurance coverage and answers to FAQs as the pandemic evolves.

SQUAREMOUTH compares travel insurance policies from every major travel insurance provider in the United States. Using Squaremouth’s comparison engine and third-party customer reviews, travelers can research and compare travel insurance policies sideby-side. More information can be found at www.squaremouth.com.

Sundays 6 pm BEGINNING SEPT 13

Host Brandis Friedman

#BlackVoicesWTTW Support for CHICAGO TONIGHT: BLACK VOICES is provided by:

wttw.com/voices LEAD SPONSOR:

Gertrude Dyane & James H. Wooten, Jr. The Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation as of 8/11/20

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FASHION

WOC Beats Bias with C.B.D Formula Woman of color-owned CBD cosmetics firm Bliss Molecules has entered a joint venture with J&B Investments to scale globally amid a burgeoning “farm to face” beauty trend, despite systemic racism in male-dominated legal cannabis and CBD industries.

The partnership lets Bliss source its industrial hemp through a Northern California farm owned by real estate investment firm J&B rather than rely on outsourced cannabidiol. Eliminating the middleman allows Bliss to invest in R&D of new formulations, hone in on CBD genetics to harvest specific terpenes beneficial to skin and reach a wider global market, including in Asia.

“I’m proud to announce this during Black Business Month,” owner Bianca Prachyl said in a recent press release, “because I believe a rising tide lifts all boats and hope my experience can help others.”

While the CBD industry is growing rapidly, it’s also beset by a unique bias and stigma, the press release reported.

“Challenges in CBD are somewhat different than in the cannabis space, especially when it comes to those that women and POC face,” Prachyl says. She’s devised an equally unique solution to counter those roadblocks—one she calls her “C.B.D Formula” for success: Collaborate: “Shatter the glass ceiling by leaning on your sisters,” she says. “As more solution-oriented women enter this male-dominated industry, we’ll have the opportunity to overturn

our more braggadocious counterparts.”

Benchmark:. “As an industry, we need to create our own benchmarks working within the regulations stifling us,” she says. “There is no collective outside of the industry that knows our shortcomings and understands the pitfalls we face better than we do. We have standards and solutions that we are ready to implement.”

Debunk: “We can set myths and stereotypes about our products straight with transparency and education in order to legitimize the craft and build consumer trust,” she says. “The more people know about CBD, the more we can increase their health literacy, allowing them to exercise their own self-efficacy.”

According to a press release, Bliss Molecules has successfully formulated CBD into cosmeceuticals that aren’t overtly oil based to provide water-based products not traditionally found in

Woman of color-owned CBD cosmetics firm Bliss Molecules has entered a joint venture with J&B Investments to scale globally amid a burgeoning “farm to face” beauty trend.

CBD product lineups.

“We’re not here to get you high, but we will get your skincare routine lifted,” says Prachyl.

Products include CBD tinctures and oils, facial and body moisturizers, cleansing sprays and Hyaluronic and Ferulic Acid Serums, among others. The company’s hero product

is its Niacinamide Turmeric Serum, designed to tighten and brighten your beautiful canvas.

While Bliss cosmetics are typically designed for women, the company is also expanding its CBD slate into the male grooming sector—described by industry analysts as the “next big thing.”

Learn more at https://blissmolecules.com/.

American Academy of Periodontology Stresses the Importance of Periodontal Health During COVID-19 Despite recent World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to delay routine dental procedures, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is stressing the importance of maintaining periodontal health during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The AAP also announced that its members are committed to implementing rigorous safety measures in an effort to ensure the health and well-being of patients and reduce the risk of exposure during the pandemic.

“It is well-established science that periodontal disease and systemic disease are interconnected,” said Dr. Bryan Frantz, president of the AAP. As a result, he added, establishing and maintaining healthy teeth and gums are fundamental to overall health.

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, can cause bleeding gums, bad breath, and if left untreated, lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease has been linked to several other serious conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.

The WHO’s recent recommendations to delay non-essential dental care cite the risk of disease transmission as a result of the close proximity between dental professionals and patients and due to the aerosols produced by certain dental procedures.

However, there is limited evidence to support the claim that dental offices pose an increased risk of

spreading disease, including COVID-19.

Additionally, the AAP states that routine visits with a periodontist are crucial to maintaining the health of teeth and gums. “Many patients under the care of a periodontist are undergoing a comprehensive treatment plan,” says Dr. Frantz. “Regular check-ups are an important part of this treatment, and any delay in care could lead to a worsening of their periodontal condition.”

According to Dr. Frantz, periodontists are uniquely experienced in infection control and other safety measures to protect themselves and their patients from disease exposure. “As dental professionals who are predominantly involved with surgical procedures, periodontists have always been committed to ensuring that effective safety barriers are in place for patients. While the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us, members of the AAP are adhering to COVID-19 mandates issued by state and local agencies and implementing additional measures to ensure the safety of both their patients and their staff.”

Additional measures include regular temperature checks for both staff and patients, social distancing, the use of personal protective equipment such as face shields, masks, and gloves, and rigorous infection control and sanitation procedures.

For more information or to find a periodontist, visit perio.org.

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is stressing the importance of maintaining periodontal health during the COVID-19 outbreak.

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CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Sept. 9, 2020

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How to Create Your DIY Dream Closet

( Family Features) Creating the closet of your dreams could be in closer reach than you may think if you're willing to take matters into your own hands. With a little creative inspiration and some basic DIY skills, you may be surprised by the stylish space you can design by yourself.

Start with a vision Creating the perfect closet space begins with your ideas. Think about the details such as how you want the space to look and the amount and type of storage you need. Envision everything from colors and finishes to the physical shape.

Get practical Once you've dreamed up your ideal closet, compare your ideas with the space you have available and adjust your plans to fit your footprint and budget. This step allows you to get creative with ways to maximize your space and use every available inch to create a closet that gives you the function and aesthetic you desire.

Create closet zones An envy-worthy closet isn't just a stunning space, it integrates functional elements so seamlessly that they blend right into the design. When it comes to storage, a stylish and easy-to-assemble system like ClosetMaid's SuiteSymphony balances form and function in almost any space.

#15394 Source: ClosetMaid

This tower-based closet system, which can be a perfect option for projects on tighter budgets, combines multiple tower sizes and corner units to create a completely custom DIY closet system. The system also accommodates a wide

range of accessories for more customization such as stylish doors and drawers, angled shoe shelves, jewelry trays and tie and belt racks.

Pay attention to details It's not just the structure that can bring your dream closet to life; little touches can add up in a big way. Upgrade your light fixture, for example, and look for other ways to personalize the space for a look that's all yours, such as shelving to display treasured photos or keepsakes, or a spot on the wall for a vision board to draw inspiration from as you begin each day.

Keep color in mind Introduce light and personality into your closet with rich color and style. Add accent color on the walls behind your clothes or incorporate color with the structural elements. For example, the SuiteSymphony line offers several color options, including on-trend finishes like Graphite Grey and Midnight Brown.

Find more inspiration for creating your dream closet yourself at closetmaid.com/ suitesymphony.

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10 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Sept. 9, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

Demand Africa Launches on Pluto TV Demand Africa (DA), a streaming on-demand video service that hosts a variety of original and acquired content from the African Diaspora, launches on Pluto TV, the leading free television service in the U.S. Demand Africa’s content includes hundreds of hours of scripted and unscripted shows and movies from top distributors and producers that will now stream on Pluto TV. Travel and culture shows like Muziki Ni, Africa on a Plate, and Turn up and Dance, popular drama’s Broken Vows and Traffic, and movies from Nollywood and across Africa join docuseries Africa Eye from BBC Africa to bring global perspectives on topical issues.

“Demand Africa’s mission has always been to demystify modern Africa, bridge understanding between cultures while connecting the diaspora from around the world to the continent. We are delighted to partner with Pluto TV and applaud their efforts in continuing to bring unique and dynamic black and multicultural programming to the mainstream whilst actively supporting the work of independent and minority-owned companies” said Dean Cates vice president of digital strategy, Demand Africa.

“As Pluto TV continues its mission to entertain the planet, we are proud to bring Demand Africa’s multi-cultural curated content to our millions of global viewers,” said Amy Kuessner, senior vice president of content strategy and global partnerships at Pluto TV. “Demand Africa offers viewers a deeper connection to the continent with programming that goes to Nollywood and beyond.”

Demand Africa joins Pluto TV’s hundreds of channels and thousands of movies and television series on-demand. With over 100,000 hours of premium content available on the platform, Pluto TV is available across all major mobile, connected TV and webbased devices and has a global footprint spanning three continents across 22 countries.

Available now, audiences can access the Demand Africa channel for free on Pluto TV here to immediately begin streaming content.

DA is accessible worldwide, and everywhere the following platforms are available: the web, iOS, Android, and via Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV.

About Demand Africa Demand Africa, a division of The Africa Channel, Inc, is a global OTT and streaming video service connecting audiences to lifestyle, movies and TV from Africa and beyond. Demand Africa’s mission is to celebrate and amplify modern Africa’s influence on the world by connecting global audiences to entertainment as diverse and bold as the continent itself.

Demand Africa has offices in Los Angeles and Johannesburg, South Africa and is currently available on the web, mobile devices, connected TV devices and third-party platforms. With several thousand hours of content, audiences can explore the culture, people, places and traditions of Africa and stream while contributing to Demand Africa’s commitment to creating socially impactful initiatives. Demand Africa is available on Pluto TV, Vizio and Xumo.

About Pluto TV Pluto TV, a ViacomCBS Company, is the leading free streaming television service in America, delivering hundreds of live and original channels and thousands of on-demand movies in partnership with major TV networks, movie studios, publishers, and digital media companies. Named

by Fast Company as one of 2020’s Most Innovative Companies, Pluto TV has a global audience of over 33 million monthly active users, with 26.5 million in the U.S. Pluto TV has an international footprint that spans across three continents and 22 countries throughout the US, Europe and Latin America.

Pluto TV is available on all mobile, web and connected TV streaming devices where millions tune in each month to watch premium news, TV shows, movies, sports, lifestyle, and trending digital series.Headquartered in Los Angeles, Pluto TV has offices across the United States, Europe and Latin America.

“SOCIAL DISTANCING HAS TAKEN A SIZABLE TOLL ON OUR COLLECTIVE MENTAL HEALTH,” SAID VATALARO. “BUT BEING ON THE WATER HAS BEEN SHOWN IN STUDIES TO HAVE A CALMING EFFECT THAT CAN HELP TREAT STRESS AND ANXIETY NATURALLY. FISHING — AND BY EXTENSION, BOATING — ARE EXCELLENT WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-CARE AND RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.”

Recreational fishing has reached new diversity milestones, according to a new industry study from the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation.

Women, Minorities Closing the Gap Among America’s Fishing Participants Recreational fishing has reached new diversity milestones, according to a new industry study from the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF). The 2020 Special Report on Fishing found that: 3.7 million African Americans participate in fishing, an increase of nearly 1 million over the last 10 years.

Hispanic Americans are participating at a new record of 4.4 million participants.

Women are also participating at an all-time high of 17.9 million participants.

Overall, more than 50 million Americans participate in fishing, the highest number in 12 years.

The activity gained more than 3 million new participants last year, the highest in five years.

“The outdoors belongs to all of us — not just those who fit a certain image,” said Stephanie Vatalaro, senior vice president of marketing and communications for RBFF. “Fishing is about enjoying nature, making memories and bonding with the people you love. It’s an experience that everyone should get a chance to have, which is why our work is grounded in the belief that the water is open to everyone.”

The new participation data comes as Americans overall take increased interest in fishing as a remedy for COVID-19-related stress and anxiety. According to a separate study, 1 in 5 Americans are more likely now to try fishing than they were prior to the pandemic. Among parents, the statistic is 1 in 4.

“Social distancing has taken a sizable toll on our collective mental health,” said Vatalaro. “But being on the water has been shown in studies to have a calming effect that can help treat stress and anxiety naturally. Fishing — and by extension, boating — are excellent ways to practice self-care and recreate responsibly.”

To help further increase diversity in fishing and boating, RBFF has launched a new public service initiative called Get On Board in partnership with Discover Boating. The campaign aims to raise awareness about www.citizennewspapergroup.com

the ways people from all walks of life can support their mental health and wellness on the water.

Outside Get On Board, RBFF’s ongoing commitment to underrepresented audiences on the water has made the organization an industry leader in diversity and inclusion.

Launched in 2014, Vamos A Pescar™ is the organization’s Hispanic outreach initiative, the first of its kind in the fishing and boating industry. The campaign helps Hispanic families break through perceived barriers to the sport through the George H. W. Bush Vamos A Pescar™ Education Fund.

In 2018, RBFF launched its Women Making Waves social media movement to increase female visibility in fishing. While 43 percent of new participants are female, only 18 percent see themselves represented in the activity. Together with influencer partners and an online community, Women Making Waves aims to represent all women on the water.

Additional diversity initiatives from RBFF include the Stories of Mentors and I Am an Angler campaigns.

Through spotlighting the personal experiences of diverse fishing participants, RBFF is committed to challenging stereotypes and empowering the next generation in fishing and boating.

The Special Report on Fishing is created in partnership with the Outdoor Foundation and provides one of the most comprehensive looks at the state of U.S. fishing and boating participation. The full report is available at www.TakeMeFishing.org/SpecialReport. The website also features beginner resources including how-to guides for getting started with fishing and boating, an interactive map of places to fish and boat, as well as links to COVID-19 safety guidelines.

RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Sept. 9, 2020

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

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being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: aniyunwiya Moorish American National, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: aniyunwiya moorish american. I am that I am: '' Shameika Marshall© '', formerly known as '' Shameika Hill© '', from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: '' shameika el© ''. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as " hors de combat ", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH - DIVISION OF VITAL RECORDS SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, STATE FILE NUMBER : 112-81 609751, '' SHAMEIKA HILL© '', to the depositor: '' shameika el©'', nom deguerre: '' Shameika Marshall© '', f/k/a/ '' Shameika Hill© ''.

All property , of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: '' shameika el©'', nom deguerre: '' Shameika Marshall© '', f/k/a/ '' Shameika Hill© ''. as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : '' The House Of Hill And Taylor El Legacy Trust© '', an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust.

This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank , nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. ________________________________________

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In God We Trust Declaration of Nationality Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: '' ashmu heru oluwole, zodoq-el yorubanuna-bey© '', in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: '' HILL, MARIO MARTEZ© '', corp.sole Dba.: '' MARIO MARTEZ HILL© '', having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: aniyunwiya Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: aniyunwiya Moorish American. I am that I am: '' ashmu heru oluwole, zodoq-el yorubanuna-bey© '', from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: '' ashmusa el© ''. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH - DIVISION OF VITAL RECORDS - SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, STATE FILE NUMBER : 112-1978 6005843. '' MARIO MARTEZ HILL© '', to the depositor: '' ashmusa el© '', a/k/a '' ashmu heru oluwole, zodoq-el yorubanuna-bey© '', nom deguerre: '' hill, mario martez© ''. All property , of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: '' ashmusa el© '', a/k/a '' ashmu heru oluwole, zodoq-el yorubanuna-bey© '', nom deguerre: '' hill, mario martez© '', as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : '' Ashmu Heru Bey Trust© '', an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank , nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. ________________________________________ In God We Trust Declaration of Nationality Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: '' Shameika Marshall© '', in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, HaKhdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: '' MARSHALL, SHAMEIKA© '', corp.sole Dba.: '' SHAMEIKA MARSHALL© '', and '' HILL, SHAMEIKA© '', corp.sole Dba.: '' SHAMEIKA HILL© '', having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas,

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12 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of Sept. 9, 2020 Paid Advertisement

Facebook supports updated internet regulations We continue to take critical steps to better secure and improve our platforms, including more than tripling our security and safety teams to 35,000 people, building tools like Privacy Checkup to help people manage their privacy, and working with tech peers to make it easier for people to move their data securely between services.

What's next? We support updated regulations that will address today's challenges, set clear rules and hold companies, including Facebook, accountable for: • Combating foreign election interference • Protecting people’s privacy and data • Enabling safe and easy data portability between platforms Read more: about.fb.com/regulation

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