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ENTERTAINMENT

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WEEK OF JANUARY 5, 2022

FREE | VOL 53 | ISSUE 2

Small Axe Peppers Hot Sauce uses community garden partners to produce the peppers for its hot sauce. Locally, Heartland Alliance’s FarmWorks is one of the partner gardens.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DAN KULP

Nationally Known

Hot Sauce Uses Peppers From Local Gardens Dan Fitzgerald and his business partner John Crotty started Small Axe Peppers Hot Sauce because they had acquired land and created a community garden. It was their first foray into the community garden and urban farming scene, something that the Bronx is robust for. The problem they ran into was that while the gardens were doing amazing things on the grassroots level in their communities, they had to depend on city grants and out of pocket expenses to fund what they were doing. P2

Haven Pope named Chief Accounting Officer of Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment P4 citizennewspapergroup.com

FDA OKs Pfizer Pill as First At-Home COVID Treatment

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2 news briefly SLAUGHTER ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO APPLY FOR R3 GRANT

CHICAGO – To help address the issues communities face from the failed War on Drugs and decades of disinvestment, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, is encouraging local community organizations to apply for state grants under the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) grant program.

“Our communities have been battered by high rates of crime, unemployment and chronic disinvestment that have produced hopelessness,” said Slaughter. “I am proud of this effort and the hope that it represents for our communities.”

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority recently issued a funding opportunity notice for its R3 grant. The grant will provide community organizations across Illinois with $45 million in funding for civil legal aid, economic development, re-entry services, violence prevention and youth development in communities that have been historically disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs. Interested organizations can visit https://r3.illinois.gov/ to apply.

“Too many of our communities have been left behind and suffer from an acute lack of economic opportunity which has led to crime and other societal ills,” said Slaughter.

“I am proud of the progressive cannabis legalization legislation that paved the way for the R3 program.”

THE EDGE FITNESS CLUBS OPENS ITS 3RD CHICAGO AREA LOCATION IN ORLAND HILLS, IL

The Edge Fitness Clubs, headquartered in Orange, CT, announces that they have opened their 3rd Chicago area location, located at 9291 West 159th Street in Orland Hills, next to Walmart in the old Sports Authority location. The Grand Opening took place at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 29th, with members and guests filling the 40,000 square foot fitness club.

“We’re so grateful to the Orland Hills and surrounding communities for welcoming us with open arms, and we are excited to offer our state-of-the-art fitness amenities to help our members reach their fitness goals in the New Year,” said Laura Edralin, Area Director, The Edge Fitness Clubs.

The Orland Hills location is now open for workouts and includes a wide range of amenities from Group Exercise Classes: Les Mills BodyPump™, Yoga, Zumba, Barre, Spinning, Bootcamp, Personal Training, Edge Kids Programming, Women’s Training Studio, Edge Cinema, Saunas in both locker rooms and more. Memberships range from $9.99/ month to $34.99/month based on amenities included in each membership option.

“Now more than ever, it is extremely important to take care of both our physical and mental health, and we are excited to provide numerous options to our new Orland Hills members,” said Ron Magliocco, Vice President of Marketing for The Edge Fitness Clubs.

Members can join online at www.EdgeOrlandHills.com or call 708-675-8130.

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Continued from page 1 order, they cook the hot sauce and send it to the distributors. It goes from seed to sauce to shelf within a six- to nine-month period. It closes the gap “The idea behind Small Axe Peppers was between the community garden and the socially to try and make a hot sauce, a value added conscious consumer. product initially, a hot sauce In 2018, Fitzgerwas what we settled on. ald came to Chicago A five-ounce bottle that to meet garden partcould represent someners. There are eight thing much bigger than gardens in Chicago any one garden, any one the company works group, any one commuwith. Fitzgerald nity and it could kind chooses the gardens of add value and create to partner with. One a revenue stream where of those garden partpreviously none existed,” Small Axe Peppers Hot Sauce found a way to produce peppers for its hot ners is FarmWorks, Fitzgerald said. sauce and help community gardens generate revenue. the two-acre urban farm In 2015, Small Axe located in East Garfield Park operated by Heartland Alliance.

Peppers donated serrano pepper seeds to five gardens in the Steve Schultz is the farm site coordinator at Heartland Bronx. They agreed to buy back 100% of the peppers and Alliance’s FarmWorks. FarmWorks was developed to grow those gardens could dedicate 10% of their garden to growing produce for Vital Bridges Food Pantries, which fits into the the peppers as a cash crop, to offset the cost of running the Heartland’s antipoverty mission. FarmWork’s mission is garden. workforce development and supporting the community to The first year, there were five garden partners that grew find full-time employment for those with barriers to employ150 pounds. Small Axe Peppers made 1,000 bottles of hot ment. sauce which was sold at farmers markets. The next year, there Partnering with Small Axe is different because it is a were 25 gardens and they grew 1,500 pounds of peppers.

Gardens were able to earn income and grow produce as a cash for profit business. The money that FarmWorks makes from selling peppers to Small Axe goes back into the farm. The crop. peppers are grown in four beds out of 125-130 beds.

Since then, the garden network has grown each year.

“That’s where I think our two missions align, communiNow, there are more than 75 garden partners who produce ty investment. Investment may look different, investment may around 14, 243 pounds of peppers. be different but it’s about focusing on people of the city and the “One of the things I love about this project is when I get community and looking to make it better,” Schultz said. to go to the gardens. I get to see children and people who The piece Schultz loves the most is that Small Axe Chicagrew up in very urban environments visualize, for the first go Style Hot Sauce was on “Hot Ones,” a show where celebrity time, where food actually comes from. It comes from the guests eat hot wings that get hotter with each wing. earth, it comes from seeds,” Fitzgerald said.

For more information about Small Axe, visit smallaxepepIn the spring, seeds are donated to the garden partners. pers.com. For more information about FarmWorks, visit www.

They plant those seeds and when the peppers are ready, they heartlandalliance.org/program/chicago-farmworks/. are picked and sent to the kitchen facility. When they get an

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Biden-Harris Administration Extends Student Loan Pause Through May 1 The U.S. Department of Education announced a 90-day extension of the pause on student loan repayment, interest, and collections through May 1, 2022. The extension will allow the Administration to assess the impacts of the Omicron variant on student borrowers and provide additional time for borrowers to plan for the resumption of payments and reduce the risk of delinquency and defaults after restart. The Department will continue its work to transition borrowers smoothly back into repayment, including by improving student loan servicing.

“Since Day One of this Administration, the Department has focused on supporting students and borrowers throughout the pandemic and ensuring they have the resources they need to return to repayment successfully,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “This additional extension of the repayment pause will provide critical relief to borrowers who continue to face financial hardships as a result of the pandemic, and will allow our Administration to assess the impacts of Omicron on student borrowers. As we prepare for the return to repayment in May, we will continue to provide tools and supports to borrowers so they can enter into the repayment plan that is responsive to their financial situation, such as an income-driven repayment plan.

Students and borrowers will always be at the center of our work at the Department, and we are committed to not only

ensuring a smooth return to repayment, but also increasing accountability and stronger customer service from our loan servicers as borrowers prepare for repayment.”

The pause on student loan payments will help 41 million borrowers save $5 billion per month. Borrowers are encouraged to use the additional time to ensure their contact information is up to date and to consider enrolling in electronic debit and income-driven repayment plans to support a smooth transition to repayment. More information can be found at StudentAid.gov.

The Dec. 22 action is one of a series of steps the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to support students and borrowers, make higher education more affordable, and improve student loan servicing, including providing nearly $13 billion in targeted loan relief to over 640,000 borrowers.

Actions within that include: Revamping the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program in October, which has already provided $2.4 billion in loan relief to 38,000 borrowers. As part of that effort, the Department implemented a Limited PSLF Waiver to count all prior payments made by student borrowers toward PSLF, regardless of the loan program. Borrowers who are working in public service but have not yet applied for PSLF should do so before October 31, 2022, and can find out more at StudentAid.gov/ PSLF.

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Toastmasters Offers 7 Tips for Making New Year’s Resolutions Stick ENGLEWOOD, Colo., PRNewswire -- With the New Year on the horizon, many of us will review what took place over the past 12 months and begin to focus on what we can improve on in 2022. Whether the goal is to get more exercise, be more productive, learn new skills, or something else, this is when we create a list of goals to achieve over the coming year.

To help make 2022 the year that your goals are met, Toastmasters International offers these 7 tips that will help you to accomplish your resolutions.

Be realistic. Having lofty goals is commendable, however, it’s important to make sure they are realistic, PRNewsFoto or you may end up feeling frustrated that they are too difficult to achieve.

Be specific. Make concrete goals. For example, instead of selecting an ambiguous goal like losing weight, focus on a specific goal you can commit to, like losing a certain number of pounds by a future date.

Plan ahead. It’s never a good idea to make your resolutions on New Year’s Eve. Instead of waiting until the Times Square ball is about to drop, give your goals and resolutions some thought well before the New Year arrives.

Make a list of resolutions and check on them regularly.

Writing your goals down makes them tangible. Checking back on your resolutions and goals often will help keep you on track to meet them.

Start small. Once again, be realistic and honest with

yourself. Start with a goal that is easy to achieve in a short time to gain a sense of accomplishment. Make the resolutions specific and time-bound.

Hold yourself accountable. Sharing your goals and experiences with family and friends will help keep you focused on meeting your objectives. Some people have also found that having an accountability partner helps them stay on track.

Celebrate your successes. Your confidence will grow with each goal you achieve. Keep working on your list and stay positive.

“Creating new standards for yourself or crafting new goals to begin the new year is an exciting tradition and a great way to step into your potential over the next 12 months,” says Margaret Page, Toastmasters 2021-22 International President. “Many resolutions can be tough to achieve, and it’s easy to fall back into old patterns or habits. Understanding your “why,” and having a solid network and accountability team is key to staying the course and reaching your desired results” Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., the organization’s membership exceeds 300,000 in more than 15,800 clubs in 149 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders.

For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

State Surges Mass Vaccination Operations Statewide CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker has directed the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to enhance its partnerships with local health department mass vaccination operations throughout the state to help meet the growing demand for the COVID-19 vaccine booster. The State of Illinois is more than doubling personnel and adding at least 100 people to regional sites – administering vaccinations, preparing vaccine doses for clinic personnel, and doing data entry.

Starting the week of January 3, the state’s free Community Based Testing Sites began operating six days a week to increase COVID-19 testing availability across the state.

“I’m announcing this surge staffing to support our local

health departments to vaccinate and boost tens of thousands more Illinoisans,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We are also increasing testing and continuing to distribute monoclonal antibodies, anti-viral pills and any treatments or personal protective equipment communities need. I will continue to do everything possible to protect all the people of this state, whatever your vaccine status. But what kind of year 2022 turns out to be depends on all of us doing what is best for all of us.”

“We have a vaccine that is highly effective at preventing severe illness and death,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Currently, we are seeing a demand for booster doses, but it is critically important for those who have

yet to receive even one dose of vaccine to get vaccinated. The vast majority of cases, hospitalization, and deaths are among those who are not vaccinated.

COVID-19 can be prevented through vaccination so get vaccinated and get boosted.”

In recent weeks, the State of Illinois partnered with Cook County Health to offer two (2) one day booster clinics, resulting in about 7,000 shots administered.

Appointments can be made at each clinic at the links below. Many locations will also accept walk ups.

Cook County: https://vaccine.cookcountyil.gov/ DuPage County: https://www.dupagehealth.org/667/COVID-19-Vaccine Anyone age 12 and older who is in need of a first or second dose may also utilize these free clinics. While adults have the ability to mix-and-match their booster vaccine, 16- and 17-year-olds are only authorized to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech booster.

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POLITICAL AFFAIRS

President Biden Signs Casten’s Clean Energy Provisions Into Law President Joe Biden signed into law clean energy provisions U.S. Representative Sean Casten (D-IL) introduced and secured as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022. Casten’s provisions will require 10% of existing and future military instillations to reach net zero emissions by 2035. It will also require a report on the status of the current DoD energy security goal which aims to have the agency produce or procure not less than 25% renewable energy by 2025.

DoD consumes more energy than any other federal agency – roughly sixteen times that of the second-largest consumer in the federal government, the post office. These continued energy-use patterns by DoD increase overall energy costs, constrain DoD’s autonomy and self-sufficiency, and leave the agency more vulnerable to the physical impacts of climate change.

Casten said, “Climate change is an urgent and growing threat to our national security. With the Department of Defense consuming 77% of all energy used by the federal government, I am proud to see my provisions to help our military instillations lower their carbon footprint signed into law by President Biden and will continue fighting to make climate a central consideration of all national security decisions.”

Foster Announces Nearly $1.9 Billion in New Funding for Roads and Bridges Headed to Illinois in First Round of Highway Funding Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) recently announced that Illinois will receive almost $1.9 billion in new federal funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve roads and bridges across the state. This is the first round of funding under the five years of federal investment in Illinois highways authorized by this new law.

“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, federal funding is already on its way to Illinois to rebuild roads and bridges in communities across the state,” said Foster. “These federal dollars represent a strong first step toward strengthening our state’s essential infrastructure – and with them, we’ll cut down commute times, help small businesses get goods to market, and keep travelers safe on our roads. I was proud to vote for this vital funding for our communities and I can’t wait to see how it’s put to use.”

The historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed with bipartisan votes in the House and Senate and was signed into law by President Biden on November 15, securing new federal funding for highway and bridge repair for communities across the nation. The funds, administered by the Federal-aid Highway Program, can be used for the construction, reconstruction, or improvement.

The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Illinois a C- grade on its Infrastructure Report Card, finding many deficiencies that require immediate attention. With this funding – and more to come – the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will create good-paying union jobs strengthening infrastructure across Illinois.

Illinois is set to receive $1,883,531,823 in this round of funding.

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Jermaine Dupri Takes JD’s Vegan Ice Cream Nationwide The complete portfolio of plant-based frozen desserts will be available in select Walmart stores and on Walmart.com LOS ANGELES PRNewswire -- GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist, producer, and vegan entrepreneur, Jermaine Dupri, along with partner Big Innovations Group Inc., are proud to announce the expansion of JD’s Vegan ice cream. Shortly after the initial launch of JD’s Vegan, the brand announces the release of new flavors including Chocolate My Way, Key Lime Pie, and (404) Cookies & Cream, which will make their way into Walmart freezer aisles alongside already available JD’s Vegan flavors, including Welcome to Atlanta, Peach Cobbler, Apple Butter, and Strawberry Sweetheart.

JD’s Vegan is now availPRNewsFoto able across 736 Walmart stores nationwide and on Walmart.com. The brand continues to expand in select cities like Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, and will add an additional 300 stores in the spring. The continued expansion of the brand makes healthy alternatives for frozen desserts more accessible to consumers across the nation, while simultaneously encouraging clean eating and guilt-free indulgence.

“I cannot wait to bring the entire lineup of these exceptionally delicious flavors into Walmart stores,” said Dupri. “Giving people the chance to experience their favorite traditional ice cream flavors in a healthy, 100 percent dairy-free format is major. These ice creams are the real deal and will make you fall in love with plant-based eating.”

This collection of dairy-free, all-natural frozen desserts are GMOfree, lactose-free, and contain no artificial flavors. At the same time, they are as rich, creamy, and satisfying as traditional ice cream.

Chocolate My Way – ultra-rich and decadently smooth made with dark chocolate, cocoa butter, and a hint of vanilla bean.

Key Lime Pie – a refreshing balance of tangy citrus and sweet coconut cream with crunchy graham crackers and specks of key lime zest.

(404) Cookies & Cream – cream-filled chocolate cookies chopped and remixed into a vegan delicacy.

Strawberry Sweetheart – creamy dreamy strawberry puree swirls and real strawberry chunks dipped into a velvety cloud of coconut

cream will be your new sweet romance Welcome to Atlanta, Peach Cobbler – fresh cut slices of golden peaches and crumbled cobbler will make you feel the warm summer sun of Atlanta, Georgia Apple Butter – delicious crisp apples are whipped into a fine buttery spread then stirred with a toasted cinnamon streusel crumble This delicious line of dairy-free frozen desserts is inspired by the flavors of Atlanta and made with the star source – coconut. This tropical fruit creates the buoyant base for the flavors of JD’s Vegan. Smooth and nutty with a mild hint of coconut cream, these desserts are perfectly thick in consistency to deliver the rich, gratifying taste of ice cream.

The full JD’s Vegan portfolio of six flavors is available for purchase at Walmart.com, jdsvegan.com and Walmart locations nationwide.

JD’s Vegan presents a collection of dairy-free, all-natural frozen desserts that are so so good you won’t believe what’s not in them.

Completely vegan, the formulation of each unique flavor follows a strict guideline of producing mind-bending, head-spinning, deceptively delicious taste. No animal milk or creamers, no artificial flavors, or sweeteners are used to bind and churn this perfectly vegan ice cream.

It starts with JD, Jermaine Dupri. The Grammy-winning producer and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee has a supreme musical instinct that cuts to the gut of what makes a song a hit, and an artist a legend.

For almost two decades, JD has followed a vegan way of life.

After a 25-day cleanse, which eliminated all animal-based products, he experienced a health high that has lasted ever since. As he reshaped the music industry, he is now shaping our collective culinary consciousness, creating good-tasting foods, and helping to diminish misguided fears towards a plant-based lifestyle.

Vegan food is sometimes thought of as deprived of flavor, specifically ice cream, which may lack the real creamy thickness provided by animal-derived milk or cream.

Oak Street Health Announces Leadership Changes CHICAGO -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Oak Street Health, Inc. (NYSE: OSH, or the “Company”), a network of value-based primary care centers for adults on Medicare, announced that Chief Operating Officer (COO) Geoff Price will serve in the newly formed role of Chief Innovation Officer. Oak Street Health’s current President, Brian Clem, will move to the COO role.

Under Price’s leadership, Oak Street Health has built a team of more than 4,000 Oakies across 19 states that provide the best care anywhere to over 132,000 older adults. His commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion makes Oak Street Health a great place to work for teammates and enables an unmatched experience for patients. In his role as Chief Innovation Officer, Price will lead strategic efforts to expand the Company’s model.

Clem joined Oak Street Health in 2015 as a field leader and has led all field operations since his promotion to President in 2019. He has successfully led the Company’s 3,000+ center-based teammates as they deliver superior clinical outcomes to patients. As COO, he

will maintain leadership over field teams and expand his scope to include Oak Street Health’s clinical and outreach call centers, creating a single owner over the entire end-to-end patient journey.

“Both Geoff and Brian have been instrumental in building Oak Street Health into a leading healthcare provider and employer, and advancing our mission of rebuilding healthcare as it should be,” said Mike Pykosz, Chief Executive Officer of Oak Street Health. “As we look ahead to 2022, I am thrilled to see Geoff step into a new role that enables him to further identify innovative ways for us to grow and evolve our model. Brian’s transition to COO is a natural step as he has demonstrated his leadership and ability to successfully drive our operations and teams in the field.”

Founded in 2012, Oak Street Health is a network of value-based primary care centers for adults on Medicare. With a mission of rebuilding healthcare as it should be, the Company operates an innovative healthcare model focused on quality of care over volume of services, and assumes the full financial risk of its patients.

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PRNewsfoto/Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment

Haven Pope named Chief Accounting Officer of Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment Pope will Oversee and Manage the Corporate Accounting and External Financial Reporting Departments for Mohegan

UNCASVILLE, Conn.,PRNewswire -- Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE), world renowned integrated entertainment resort developer today announced the appointment of Haven Pope as Chief Accounting Officer. In this role, Haven will oversee a comprehensive system of financial reporting and analysis for MGE and its subsidiaries globally to promote future growth and development.

“The Chief Accounting Officer is critical to Mohegan’s success as a global, tribal entity, and we have the utmost confidence that Haven will exceed expectations in this role,” said Ray Pineault, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment. “With his impressive experience and strong background in corporate finance, we are confident his leadership and technical accounting skills will further enable us to strengthen our position as a leading integrated entertainment resort brand.”

In his new role, Haven will report directly to Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Carol Anderson, and will lead the financial reporting, technical accounting, and corporate accounting teams. He will also be instrumental in facilitating a constant flow of communication among the property’s finance teams, the audit committee and external auditors.

Additionally, Haven will optimize core processes and systems throughout the accounting organization to drive efficiency across the brand and conform with professional accounting standards and best practices within the industry.

As Chief Accounting Officer, Haven will manage and direct all external financial reporting and retain a strong financial accounting team that aligns with MGE’s core values and strong brand identity – developing, motivating, and retaining top talent.

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Gales Shoes For Nurses Release New Mint Colorway LOS ANGELES PRNewswire dreds of nurses from over 89 medical -- Innovative nursing footwear comfacilities, Rob launched a first-ofpany Gales has just released its latest its-kind shoe that is comfortable, colorway. The bright and cheery mint protective, and affordable. color is available for men and womThe first smart PPE footwear en and comes in a wide range of designed specifically for nurses, full and half sizes.

Gales are equipped Gales was born in March with removable and 2020 and went to market washable Ortholite® in September of this insoles that bounce year after Founder back and main& CEO Rob tain their shape Gregg experiand perforenced firsthand mance benefits the incredible after every wash.

PRNewsfoto/Gales Inc. care and support frontThese cloud-like insoles line nurses had given provide all-day comfort, a family member who had fallen and also feature slip-resistant techseriously ill during the height of the nology and an antimicrobial barrier pandemic. Determined to find a way that stops dangerous liquids and to give back, he quickly identified the infections from seeping in. need for protective and comfortable With no unnecessary matefootwear that doesn’t break the bank. rials or laces, these slip-on shoes Named after beloved nurse provide arch support, and have Florence Nightingale, Gales is on a a soft touch feel thanks to their mission to fill a gap in the market.

XL Extralight® technology that Combining 10 plus years of makes them 3 times lighter than experience in footwear design and any other nursing shoe on the production with feedback from hunmarket.

Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge Highlights Six Global Entrepreneurs

BusinessWire

Social Media Creators Partner With Jenni for Exclusive Macy’s Collection

The Style Not Size for Jenni Collection is a versatile on-trend loungewear collection designed for the woman-onthe-go

NEW YORK -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Social media influencers and viral fashion creators Denise Mercedes and Maria Castellanos launched a limited-edition exclusive capsule collection with Jenni, a Macy’s (NYSE:M) private brand, called Style Not Size. The size 14 and size 6 friends have grown a large following for their body positive videos on TikTok and Instagram, where they show off the same outfit on two different body types, under the ‘Style Not Size’ motto. The loungewear collection features soft and cozy mix-and-match separates in dreamy pastel hues and neutrals. The collection is available in sizes XS to XXL and plus sizes 1X to 3X with styles ranging from $34.50 to $59.50. Shop the collection now on macys.com and in select Macy’s locations nationwide.

The Style Not Size for Jenni collection features fuzzy knits that accentuate many body shapes, as well as leggings and sweatpants that can transition from home to on-the-go attire. Marbled patterns and neutral tones are flattering and trend-forward, as well as bodysuits and bralette designs that emphasize support for all sizes, yet still feel sexy and fun.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Denise and Maria and bring this exciting collection to Macy’s,” said Durand Guion, vice president, Macy’s Fashion Office. “They have captured a highly engaged fan base across shapes and sizes who enthusiastically celebrate fashion and style inclusively.”

Shop the Style Not Size for Jenni collection, available now, at select Macy’s stores and on macys.com.

AMSTERDAM-- (BUSINESS WIRE) --Tommy Hilfiger, which is owned by PVH Corp. [NYSE: PVH], is pleased to announce the six finalists of the 2021 Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge, who were carefully selected from over 430 applications received from startups and scaleups globally. Building on Tommy Hilfiger’s sustainability vision to Waste Nothing and Welcome All, the third edition of the program strives to continue amplifying and supporting black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs who are working to advance their communities, while fostering a more inclusive future of fashion. With the need to drive impact in the industry more important than ever, the third year of the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge was done completely virtual to overcome the ongoing restrictions and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge embodies our long-standing mission to harness the power of fashion to foster inclusivity, representation and change” “The Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge embodies our long-standing mission to harness the power of fashion to foster inclusivity, representation and change,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “Our industry will only move forward with new, fresh ideas that challenge how we think, build and create. As a brand, it’s vital we use

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our platform to give entrepreneurs like our finalists a voice and opportunity to create real and long-lasting impact.”

The six finalists are: Clothes to Good: A South African-based social enterprise that creates micro-business opportunities and jobs for people with disabilities and their families, especially mothers, through textile recycling.

Haelixa: A Switzerland-based product traceability technology that aims to accelerate the global transition to transparent consumer goods supply chains.

MAFI MAFI: An Ethiopia-based sustainable fashion brand that crafts ready-to-wear collections, preserving ancient traditions and empowering marginalized artisans.

Lalaland: A Netherlands-based platform that uses artificial intelligence to generate customized and inclusive synthetic models of different ethnicities, ages and sizes, all with over 35 pose variations.

SOKO: This Kenya-based jewelry business uses mobile technology to connect marginalized Kenyan artisans directly to the global marketplace via a mobile platform.

UZURI K&Y: This Rwandan-based eco-friendly shoe brand uses recycled car tires from sub-Saharan Africa and employs local youth, equipping them with skills and economic independence.

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Testing is in High Demand FinancialBuzz.com News Commentary

FDA OKs Pfizer Pill as First At-Home COVID Treatment (Black PR Wire) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday, Dec. 22, approved the emergency use of Pfizer’s new antiviral pill Paxlovid in people who are at high risk for severe COVID-19. It’s the first approved treatment for COVID-19 meant to be taken at home.

“Today’s authorization introduces the first treatment for COVID-19 that is in the form of a pill that is taken orally — a major step forward in the fight against this global pandemic,” Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in an agency news release. “This authorization provides a new tool to combat COVID-19 at a crucial time in the pandemic as new variants emerge.”

Pfizer first asked for emergency authorization in mid-November, and later announced stunning final trial results on the power of Paxlovid to guard against severe COVID-19. In that trial, the pill, taken for five days, slashed a person’s odds for hospitalization and death by nearly 90% in high-risk people. Paxlovid should be taken within three to five days of symptom onset, the FDA said.

“Today’s authorization of Paxlovid represents another tremendous example of how science will help us ultimately defeat this pandemic, which, even two years in, continues to disrupt and devastate lives across the world,” Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla said in a company statement. “This breakthrough therapy, which has been shown to significantly reduce hospitalizations and deaths and can be taken at home, will change the way we treat COVID-19, and hopefully help reduce some of the significant pressures facing our health care and hospital systems.”

How will an oral pill help?

“Paxlovid’s approval is a major milestone that marks another step towards making COVID-19 a much more manageable infection,” said Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, in Baltimore. “An oral pill that can cut hospitalizations and deaths by 90% is pathbreaking. There are two key issues, however, that remain: it will be scarce in the coming weeks, and its optimal use requires prompt diagnosis, which can be difficult with the continual testing problems that plague us.”

At the time of the trial results, Bourla stressed the importance of adding another weapon to the COVID-fighting arsenal.

“This news provides further corroboration that our oral antiviral candidate, if authorized or approved, could have a meaningful impact on the lives of many, as the data further support the efficacy of Paxlovid in reducing hospitalization and death, and show a substantial decrease in viral load. This underscores the treatment candidate’s potential to save the lives of patients around the world,” Bourla said in a company statement released Dec. 14 with the trial results. “Emerging variants of concern, like Omicron, have exacerbated the need for accessible treatment options for those who contract the virus, and we are confident that, if authorized or approved, this potential treatment could be a critical tool to help quell the pandemic.”

Does an oral pill work for people that are low risk?

Pfizer also delivered some good news about people who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 at that point: In an early analysis, a second, ongoing study that tested whether Paxlovid eased COVID-19 symptoms faster in people who are not considered high-risk found no benefit for symptom relief.

But those who took the pill regimen saw the amount of virus in their bodies plummet, and the pill reduced the already low risk for hospitalization and death. That study included those who were vaccinated and had at least one risk factor for severe COVID-19.

Side effects of Paxlovid

Paxlovid is a combination of a new molecule developed specifically to disable SARS-CoV-2 and ritonavir, an HIV medication that helps slow the breakdown of the coronavirus-specific molecule.

The drug does have some limitations. Ritonavir can interact with many commonly taken medicines, and those risks may need to be managed by physicians and pharmacists, the FDA said.

Possible side effects of Paxlovid include impaired sense of taste, diarrhea, high blood pressure and muscle aches, the FDA said.

Using Paxlovid in people with uncontrolled or undiagnosed HIV infection may trigger HIV-1 drug resistance. Ritonavir can cause liver damage, so caution should be used when giving Paxlovid to patients with liver conditions, the agency added.

BlackDoctor.org reaches over 777,000 with historic broadcast CHICAGO, PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE -BlackDoctor.org (BDO) reached another significant milestone in its coverage of the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic by hosting a groundbreaking COVID Worldwide Town Hall on Monday, Dec. 20 that reached over 777,000 worldwide.

In partnership with Amgen, the Black Coalition Against COVID-19 (BCAC) and hosted by BCAC co-founder Dr. Reed Tuckson, the hour-long Facebook Live broadcast featured healthcare professionals from around the globe detailing the challenges they are presently facing in the fight

against COVID. Highlighted countries included South Africa, where the omicron variant was first discovered, Ghana, Ethiopia, the U.K., Sudan, Trinidad and Tobago, and other Caribbean nations.

BDO is no stranger to successful Facebook Live broadcasts. In December 2020, the organization introduced Dr. Fauci to Black Americans in a domestic-focused broadcast that reached over 350,000. Additionally, the Making It Plain Series in partnership with the BCAC routinely reaches over 100,000.

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NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- The pandemic is back at full force as the number of infected with the new Omicron variant is breaking records. New York City, which is now once again the epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S, has recorded nearly 50,000 new cases on December 24th alone. This is the highest single-day total in the state since the pandemic started.

Similarly to 2020, the nationwide spike in cases has been harmful to the economy due to restrictions, which have effected sport events, shipping and especially travel, with thousands of flights canceled throughout the holiday weekend. Globally, airlines canceled more than 6,000 flights on Christmas Eve, Christmas and the day after Christmas, according to FlightAware.

Todos Medical Ltd. (OTC: TOMDF), Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA), Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: INO), Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) As a result of the new wave, testing kits are in short supply. According to Anthony S. Fauci, chief medical adviser to President Biden, it is going to be very important, “that we get a greater capability of testing, particularly when the demand for testing is so high, with the combination of the Omicron variant itself, as well as the holiday season, where people want to get that extra level of assuredness that they’re protected, even if you are vaccinated and boosted.”

Todos Medical Ltd. (OTCQB: TOMDF) announced yesterday that, “its highly automated CLIA/CAP PCR and cPass neutralizing antibody COVID-19 testing laboratory Provista Diagnostics achieved consecutive record weekly COVID PCR testing volumes for the weeks of December 13, 2021 and December 20, 2021. The COVID PCR testing volumes were primarily driven by reference lab business from a New York-based PCR testing lab that could not fulfill the testing demand from its location. The Company also entered into a new laboratory services agreement with a New Jersey-based physician practice for COVID PCR Testing and COVID cPass neutralizing antibody testing.

‘The demand for PCR testing is rapidly increasing in pockets of the United States, and we expect this to continue beyond the holiday surge as individuals, schools and employers seek to create safe environments, especially in areas with low vaccination rates,’ said Gerald E. Commissiong, President & CEO of Todos Medical, the parent company of Provista Diagnostics.

For more information on Provista’s parent company Todos Medical, please visit www.todosmedical.com. For more information on Provista Diagnostics’ CLIA/CAP certified lab please visit www. provistadx.com.”

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WARM UP WINTER With Comforting Classics

(Family Features) Whipping up family favorites all winter long is a perfect activity to keep loved ones warm in the kitchen while avoiding the bitter chill outdoors. Delicious, heartwarming snacks offer a simple and savory way to bring everyone in from the cold while enjoying comforting flavors together.

Lean on beloved ingredients like go-to RAGÚ sauces when it’s time to come together for quick bites.

The possibilities are nearly endless with delicious recipes using classics like the RAGÚ Old World Style Traditional or RAGÚ Simply Traditional options.

Hearty flavors can take away the chill of winter in recipes like Snowman Pizza Bombs, Polenta Bites and Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip. Easy to make and fun to create together, these simple snacks are perfect for a cold afternoon spent together in the kitchen or watching a family-movie marathon.

Originally started by an Italian mother more than 80 years ago, RAGÚ sauce, known for its distinctive yellow cap, is the perfect have-on-hand pantry staple to help you create easy and delicious home cooking.

As an invaluable resource and family favorite since 1937, RAGÚ sauces easily allow anyone, regardless of gender or culinary skillset, to “cook like a mother” and serve up delicious, homemade favorites. The brand’s rich heritage and array of sauce choices ensures that your next cold-weather day spent inside will be elevated with family-favorite snacks and easy and taste-tempting meals made with RAGÚ.

Find more recipes perfect for warming up this winter at Ragu.com

Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip Recipe courtesy of Marzia Aziz of “Little Spice Jar” Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4-6 Nonstick cooking spray 2 cups RAGÚ Simply Traditional Sauce 3 cloves garlic, divided 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, divided 1/8-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 log (10-10 1/2 ounces) goat cheese, softened at room temperature 2 teaspoons olive oil, plus additional for brushing, divided 1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme kosher salt, divided pepper 1 large baguette, sliced on bias

through. blistered tomatoes, for serving (optional) Position one rack in upper third of oven and one in lower third. Preheat oven to 375 F. Spray small, round baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Add sauce to small bowl. Grate in two garlic cloves then add 1/8 cup basil and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine then pour sauce into baking dish.

Smash goat cheese log into ball. Place ball between two sheets plastic wrap. Using hands, flatten cheese into thick, round disc about 1 inch smaller in diameter than baking dish. Remove goat cheese from plastic wrap and place in center of sauce. Drizzle cheese with 2 teaspoons olive oil. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, kosher salt and pepper. Bake on lower rack, uncovered, 20-25 minutes, or until sauce is bubbly and cheese is warmed

Place baguette slices on baking sheet. Drizzle or brush with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake crostini on upper rack 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

When bread is done, remove from oven, cut last garlic clove in half and rub cut side on bread.

Top dip with remaining basil and blistered tomatoes, if desired, and serve with crostini.

Note: To make blistered tomatoes: Heat skillet over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Add 1 pint cherry tomatoes to dry skillet and let sit 1 minute. Lower heat to low, toss tomatoes with 2 teaspoons olive oil and cook 2-3 minutes, or until tomatoes are about to burst. Remove from heat; sprinkle with pinch of salt and pepper.

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Women Songwriters Hall of Fame Celebrates New Annual Award Show WASHINGTON PRNewswire -The Women Songwriters Hall of Fame (WSHOF) 2021 Winter Songwriting Mixer in Washington, D.C. was a soaring success.

Performances by Robin Sailor Zander (such a kind person), Lisa Marie Williams, Kanysha Willliams, Jessica Ricca and Brianna Knight dazzled audiences. As the definitive champion of women songwriters, the WSHOF seeks to ensure that women are better represented and recognized for their achievements.

Dr. Janice McLean DeLoatch, WSHOF’s Founder and PRNews Foto Executive Director, Babson College Alumni and Paul Miller Fellow through the National Press Foundation reflected, “The December 11 event celebrated diversity in range and genres of the female songwriters at a beautiful venue.

Taheerah Sutton performed a searing rendition of “O Holy Night” accompanied by vocal coach and artist Suzy Dalzell. The Kirov Ballet Academy soared with grace and gusto. Brianna Knight’s vocal range was

reminiscent of a younger Mariah Carey, and Ms. Maybelle brought the funny as Host and Comedian. This year’s songwriting winners are Jessica Ricca and Kanysha Williams.

Muriel Bowser, mayor of Washington, D.C. commended WSHOF “for your dedication to honoring the work of women songwriters …”

Award Presenters were: We Model USA, a modeling agency against human trafficking.

Robin Zander of Cheap Trick, Chloe Lattanzi, Dexter Wansel, Bill Bloom,”Double Dutch Bus”and Dan McKeown, congratulated the Lifetime Achievement & Legacy Award winners.

WSHOF honored the incomparable Ms. Dee Dee Sharp and Dr. Cynthia Biggs El with Lifetime Achievement & Legacy Awards. Ms. Sharp gave a soul-stirring performance of her song, “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.” Dr. Cynthia Biggs El described this accolade as “the honor of a lifetime. Thank you for the crowning event of my songwriting career.”

30th Anniversary Bounce Trumpet Awards to air Jan. 17 Show (Black PR Wire) ATLANstoried career.

TA, GA – Bounce, the nation’s Tyrese Gibson (Luminary popular entertainment televiAward): Gibson is a popular sion network serving African R&B singer, songwriter, actor, Americans, will present the author, television producer 30th Anniversary Bounce and model, well known on the Trumpet Awards -- a night screen for his role as Roman of inspiration, history and Pearce in the “The Fast and crowd-rousing perforFurious” movie franchise. mances celebrating African Zaila Avant-garde (RisAmerican achievements ing Star Award): The LouisiBlackPRWire and contributions -- on Martin ana native was the 2021 Scripps Luther King Day, Jan. 17, at 8 p.m. ET. National Spelling Bee winner and the The 2022 Bounce Trumpet Awards will first Black American to win the academic honor: competition. She also holds three basketCourtney B. Vance (Excellence in ball-related Guinness World Records.

Entertainment Award): Vance’s debut in Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff (Xe“Hamburger Hill” launched a prolific cinernona Clayton Award of Distinction): The matic career that includes “The Hunt for Red Senators from Georgia will be honored October,” “The Preacher’s Wife” and “The with this award, named after the founder Adventures of Huck Finn.” His work in teleof the Trumpet Awards, for succeeding vision includes “The People vs. OJ Simpson: against immense odds, fighting for change American Crime Story” for which he won an and working to improve the lives of all.

Emmy, Critics Choice and NAACP Image Warnock has served as senior pastor at award.

Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta for Stan Lathan (Living Legend Award): over 15 years (the former pulpit of Rev. Lathan launched HBO’s groundbreaking Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.). Ossoff was “Def Comedy Jam,” produced and directed mentored by civil rights legend and former comedy specials featuring Dave Chapelle, Trumpet Award honoree Congressman Cedric The Entertainer and much more in his John Lewis.

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JEFF FRIDAY MEDIA ATTACHED TO PRODUCE FEATURE FILM

LUCID SUMMER LOS ANGELES – Jeff Friday Media (JFM) today announced that it has optioned writer/director Khaled Ridgeway’s second film project Lucid Summer. JFM, which has a motion picture development deal with Sony Pictures, has signed on to produce the film that follows Ridgeway’s award-winning comedy-drama Death of a Telemarketer recently acquired

by Sony Pictures.

With a script by Ridgeway and Noah Cooper, Lucid Summer is a dramatic psychological thriller about how a family navigates a hidden world of secrets while managing to keep secrets from one another. The film will be directed by Ridgeway, an American Black Film Festival (ABFF) alum. ABFF founder and JFM CEO Jeff Friday will serve as executive producer along with Nicole Friday, ABFF Ventures president and GM. “Great relationships play an integral part in any artist’s success,” said Ridgeway. “I was introduced to Jeff Friday and ABFF by Datari Turner producer of my first feature. Jeff understood and championed my mission to tell stories of ordinary people falling into extraordinary situations. I’m beyond humbled to once again team up with Jeff Friday Media on the production of Lucid Summer.”

Ridgeway’s debut film Death of a Telemarketer was produced by Meagan Good (Harlem) and Datari Turner (Uncorked). Friday was an executive producer of that film which was chosen as a fan favorite at ABFF in 2020 and received several other accolades on the film festival circuit. The film marked Sony and JFM’s first acquisition as a result of their distinct motion picture partnership.

Ridgeway is managed by LBI Entertainment. Ridgeway and Cooper are represented by attorney Alex Contratto. Jeff and Nicole Friday are represented by Artistry Collective.

Jeff Friday Media (JFM) is a Los Angeles-based company producing film, television and events focused on Black and Brown culture. Its mission is to create live experiences and content that convey aspects of humanity and achievement often dismissed or overlooked in popular entertainment in the portrayal of people of color. As part of its formation, JFM acquired ABFF Ventures LLC, an events company whose tent-pole property is the American Black Film Festival, founded by JFM CEO Jeff Friday.

In 2020, JFM secured a motion picture development deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment and in 2021 an exclusive first-look deal with WarnerMedia to develop unscripted content for HBO, HBO Max, CNN Films, CNN Original Series, TBS, TNT and truTV. IMDBPro

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Five Interior Design Trends to Use in Your Home in 2022

(StatePoint) After learning to live life more remotely in 2020 and 2021, it’s time to view 2022 as a fresh start.

To help you adopt a new, balanced way of living, FrogTape brand painter’s tape and celebrity interior designer, Taniya Nayak, are sharing five home interior design trends meant to inspire spaces that will welcome guests, while still incorporating the special intimacies that may have been rediscovered from slowing down.

Each trend can be utilized for a full home makeover or incorporated into little touches to freshen up a space.

1. Embrace. Embrace everything that is good in your life and create a sense of comfort, warmth and security. Nayak recommends cozy textures and a palette of mellow coral, subtle orange, soft green and creamy shades of white and brown to achieve this look in spaces like bedrooms or family rooms. A simple and stylish way to incorporate this into a room is to add a coat of paint to a textured basket for a pop of color. Then, fill it with plenty of plush blankets to complete the cozy look and feel.

2. Rise. Give a fresh perspective to your existing space with the ‘Rise’ trend. Inspired by the morning light peeking through the shades, incorporating this trend into your bedroom or bathroom is bound to invigorate and motivate you. For example, add a coat of green paint to your closet door for a nice pop of color to an area where you start your day.

No matter where you’re looking to add fresh color, you’ll want to achieve clean, sharp paint lines. One of Nayak’s go-to tools is a premium painter’s tape that produces professional-looking results, like FrogTape brand painter’s tape, which is treated with patented PaintBlock Technology, to deliver the sharpest lines possible.

3. Gather. Gathering with friends and family has been long awaited, so set the mood and ambience just the way you imagined it. Inspired by the depth of conversations with loved ones, the ‘Gather’ trend embraces rich, dark tones like navy, teal or forest green. Incorporate this trend by painting the focal point of a room, like kitchen cabinets or the living room fireplace. Or, add bold, dark details with furniture and artwork. You can keep it subtle by creating custom centerpieces dipped in paint and wrapped in twine.

4. Revive. Revive your home with soothing and vibrant shades of pink, orange and blue to create a balance of motivated yet satisfied. Consider adding a vibrant paint color to old, worn-down details like a front door, nightstand or kitchen table. It might feel out of context, or out of character, but give it a try.

“This trend can be described as carefree, festive and fun,” said Nayak. “Whatever it is that makes you happy…go for it!”

5. Shine. The ‘Shine’ trend is all about letting your true self shine. Implement this trend in any room throughout your home by embracing every color of the rainbow and visually displaying what’s in your heart. Using FrogTape, tape off a custom pattern that is uniquely yours and paint it whatever color you choose.

Visit FrogTape.com/Trends for more trend information and ideas.

Creative and easy to achieve, these rising trends for 2022 provide inspiration to refresh your home’s interior. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

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

LEGAL NOTICE/ PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF IL LINOIS CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT) Request of: MALESIA FAYE JACKSON Case Number# 2021CONC001048 Judge Calendar 8 I ask the court to enter an order to change my name, and I state: 1. My current name is: MALESIA FAYE JACKSON 2. I wish my name to be change to: MALESIA FAYE ROBINSON 3. My birth date is: 06/13/1968.

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4. My place of birth is: Chicago, Illinois, Cook Cunty.

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: MALESIA FAYE JACKSON to the new name of: MALESIA FAYE ROBINSON. The court date will be held: 12/3/21 at 1:30 p.m. at 50 W. Washington, Chicago, Illinois in the County of Cook in Courtroom# 1703.

Another court date have been scheduled for 1/7/22 at 1:30 p.m. at 50 W. Washington, Chicago, Illinois in the County of Cook in Courtroom# 1703.

I certify that everything in the Request for Name Change (Adult) is true and correct. I understand that making a false statement on this form is perjury and has penalities provided by law under 735 ILCS 5/1-109. ________________________________________

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classified REAL ESTATE Is it Too Late to Reduce Your Mortgage Payment

by Refinancing?

(StatePoint) Experts say that with mortgage rates beginning to rise, refinancing your home now might be your last best chance to lower your PHOTO SOURCE: (c) monthly mortChris Ryan / iStock via gage payment, as Getty Images Plus rates remain near all-time lows.

Those who refinanced early in 2021 have already reaped the benefits. Borrowers who refinanced their 30-year fixed rate mortgage into another 30-year fixed rate mortgage during the first half of 2021 saved over $2,800 in mortgage payments on principal and interest annually, according to a recent Freddie Mac research report.

But mortgage rates are rising. Indeed, in October 2021, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, which is the most common type of mortgage, rose to its highest point since April, surpassing 3.0%. Freddie Mac forecasts that mortgage rates will continue to rise, averaging 3.5% for the 30-year fixed in 2022. That’s up from an average of 3.0% in 2021.

So is it time to refinance your home loan?

To help you make an informed decision, Freddie Mac is offering answers to commonly asked questions about the refinancing process: • What does refinancing mean? When you refinance your mortgage, you’re applying for a new mortgage to replace your current one, which will result in a new rate, term and monthly payment. The most common type of refinance is a no cash-out refinance, in which you’re refinancing the remaining balance on your mortgage.

• When should I consider refinancing?

Generally speaking, refinances make the most financial sense when average interest rates are at least half a percentage point lower than the interest rate on your current mortgage. Another reason to consider refinancing is if your financial situation has improved, allowing you to secure a loan with a shorter term and own your home sooner.

Finally, if you currently have an adjustablerate mortgage (ARM) and it’s adjusting upward, you may wish to convert to a fixedrate mortgage that provides you with the security of consistent payments.

• Is refinancing free? Although refinancing your mortgage could save you money both in the long- and short-term, it isn’t free. For the most part, refinancing costs are similar to what you paid when you purchased your home, including a loan origination fee. There are required services involved, such as appraisals, and state and local fees that can vary significantly based on where you live.

The average cost to refinance is almost $5,000, so you should carefully consider how long you plan to stay in your home to ensure the savings to outweigh the costs.

• Who should handle my refinance? You don’t have to use your current lender to refinance your loan. In fact, it’s in your best interest to shop around and compare multiple

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lenders’ loan estimates in search of the best terms and cost. It may take more time, but even a difference as small as one-quarter of a percentage point can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your home loan. The good news? Rates are often negotiable. In other words, you can ask lenders to match the rate quoted by another lender.

There may be no time like the present to lock in the lowest possible rate and receive the highest monthly savings. To get a sense of what refinancing could save you, access Freddie Mac’s refinance calculator, along with additional homebuying and refinancing resources, at myhome.freddiemac.com.

As with any big financial endeavor, you’ll want to do your homework, look carefully at your short- and long-term goals, and work closely with your lender to do a cost-benefit analysis.

Darrell Garth President /Publisher Janice Garth Sales Manager General Manager Tia Carol Jones Managing Editior Editorial Send news tips, press releases, calendar listing etc to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com Advertising Display Advertising advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com or jgarth@citizennewspapergroup.com Classified Advertising call us at (773) 783-1251 Display Advertising call us at (773) 783-1251 Coverage Areas: CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

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SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY Bloom Township, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest, Sauk Village, South Chicago and Steger Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGII), Publisher of the ChathamSoutheast, South End, Chicago Weekend, South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually). Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send press release information to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 7831251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

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