Chicago Weekend Citizen 1-20-2021

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 Jan. 20, 2021

| Vol. 52 | No. 4 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CHICAGO WEEKEND

Dr. Anthony Fauci to Speak at U of C Page 2

New survey finds 70% of consumers improved home during COVID-19, more than half used smart devices Page 4

Monique Atkins is a graphic designer, clothing designer and creator of Deeply Rooted ’07, a motivational clothing line. Photo courtesy of Monique Atkins

Why a Tech Career Might Be Right for You Page 7

GRAPHIC DESIGNER CREATES MOTIVATIONAL CLOTHING LINE

Monique Atkins created Deeply Rooted ’07 as a way to help the community, with a focus on disadvantaged youth and families. She said everybody is rooted within their own culture and she wanted to express that through her brand. PAGE 2

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2 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Jan. 20, 2021

NEWS briefly EDUCATION 500 PAGES OF PRESCHOOL WORKSHEETS GIFTED TO THE PUBLIC DOMAIN The website www.abbythepup.com, which was launched recently, provides free quality educational materials to teachers and parents to help educate their 3 and 4 year old children. All preschool printables and worksheets on the website have been placed under the Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication (CC0). The content is provided with no logins, no fees and no advertisements. Abby the Pup’s purpose is for social good, dedicated to improving the lives of children through education.

According to a press release, there are hundreds of pages of preschool printables and worksheets in literature, math, general knowledge and skills and for the classroom. Users can download, print and distribute the materials freely. The contributors and supporters of the website believe that quality preschool educational materials should be freely available to all children. The website was created in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when many young children could not go to school or were required to learn remotely from home.

For more information, visit www.abbythepup.com.

HEALTH

FREE COVID-19 TESTING AVAILABLE AT STATE MOBILE TESTING SITES IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has several mobile testing teams that are dispatched to various locations around the state each week to provide COVID-19 testing. Anyone can be tested, regardless of symptoms or immigration status. There is no cost to the individual for testing, but they should bring their insurance card if they have one. However, insurance is not required. Specimens will be collected using a simple nasal swab. Drive-through and walkup testing are both available at most locations.

Site locations are subject to change. Please check the IDPH website for the most current mobile testing site location information at http://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing/mobiletesting-sites.

LAW & POLITICS

NEW ABA BOOK TELLS STORY OF FIRST HISPANIC AMERICAN JUDGE ON U.S. TAX COURT The American Bar Association Section of Taxation has published “From the Texas Cotton Fields to the United States Tax Court: The Life Journey of Juan F. Vasquez,” a biography of the first Hispanic American to serve on the United States Tax Court.

The book traces Juan F. Vasquez’s journey, which surmounted numerous challenges such as poverty, manual labor and discrimination. It explores his pursuit of education to build — with the support of family, friends and mentors — a professional career serving community, taxpayers and the tax system.

Vasquez was appointed and confirmed to the United States Tax Court in 1995 and reappointed and reconfirmed in 2011.

Written by Mary Theresa Vasquez and Anthony Head, the book is based on family records and interviews with family, friends and colleagues. Mary Theresa is Vasquez’s wife and the author of “Mi Mamacita Tiene Alzheimer’s.” Head is the author of “Spirit: The Life and Art of Jesse Trevino,” “Lucid: A Novel” and “Meatless in Cowtown.”

Vasquez was born to a working-class family in San Antonio, Texas, and grew up learning the value of education and hard work, as well as an appreciation for justice. After graduation from San Antonio’s Fox Technical High School, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from the University of Texas at Austin, a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center, and a Master of Laws in taxation from New York University School of Law. During his career, he worked in private practice, at the Internal Revenue Service and in teaching.

Book Price: $34 / $44 / $29 Place Orders: 800-285-2221 or shopaba.org

Graphic designer creates motivational clothing line Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Monique Atkins created Deeply Rooted ’07 as a way to help the community, with a focus on disadvantaged youth and families. She said everybody is rooted within their own culture and she wanted to express that through her brand.

Atkins describes herself as passionate, driven and a go-getter. Atkins also teaches entrepreneur classes at Chicago State University, as part of Upward Bound. She said her mother motivated her to give back to others. So, she started the Deep Rooted Foundation, which gives back to colleges, tutors students and provides blankets and boxes to the homeless. “It was beautiful because the people didn’t expect it because it was after Christmas,” she stated.

Atkins said Deeply Rooted ’07 is about overcoming the struggle through Divinity. She said the principles the line stand on is bearing struggle in pain. “We all go through struggle. We all go through pain,” she said. “At that same token of it, we’re bearing it, we’re trying to overcome it. That’s the mission, to overcome.”

The characters include the butterfly, scarecrow, chick and teddy bear. Atkins said each character is symbolic and represents overcoming. She said each person has a characteristic of one of her seven characters.

The scarecrow is meant to represent Jesus, the butterfly is meant to represent hope and change, the chick is meant to represent enlightenment and the teddy bear is meant to represent trust your instincts.

Atkins wants to move the characters into comic books, coloring books and an animated series.

She said each character has a leaf on it, the upturned leaf symbolizes that there are a lot of different paths, but the only way to go is up.

“In life, in general, we all know we go through struggles. It can take you this way or that way or you can feel down, but it’s all about overcoming and uplifting, but also through Divinity,” she added.

Atkins said it is how she overcame the struggle of losing her mother. She said God was her way out. She said her story can inspire others because people can see how she has evolved from drawing in high school to starting a clothing line to having a storefront location.

She said receiving letters from people, really help motivate her because she sees how it impacts so many people.

Her advice to other entrepreneurs is to stay consistent. She said consistency and determination are what got her to where she is now. “Praying and faith and keeping God first with everything is what I tie into my brand and it’s the reason why it’s touching to me,” she continued. “I think that just be consistent and positive results will follow.”

Atkins added if it is something a person is really passionate about, to keep pushing and they will reach their goal.

She said there is something that really makes her smile. “All I cared about was people actually wearing my clothes and I’m out and I see them in public and seeing them wearing them. That’s why everything is still successful, just because of the determination and being consistent,” she remarked.

For more information about Deeply Rooted ’07, visit www.dr07clothing. com, call 708-671-8547, or visit the store at 7000 Southwest Highway, suite 102, in Chicago Ridge. Store hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Dr. Anthony Fauci to Speak at University of Chicago on March 4 Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health will join the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy on March 4 for a conversation hosted by its dean, Katherine Baicker, who will award Dr. Fauci the 2020 Harris Dean’s Award.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Fauci to the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and have him share his perspectives with our students and others from across the campus community,” said Katherine Baicker, dean and Emmett Dedmon professor. “As one of the world’s preeminent infectious disease experts and foremost voices for evidence-based policy in the fight against COVID-19, his illustrious career and enduring commitment to public service serve as powerful inspiration for the next generation of policy leaders.”

As the United States has grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Fauci has taken a leading role in informing the American public about the science behind the virus and what precautions need to be taken to mitigate the harms

Dr. Anthony Fauci (left) was appointed director of NIAID in 1984 and has served under six presidents. In this photo, President Bill Clinton (right) visits the National Institutes of Health in 1995 and hears about the latest advances in HIV/ AIDS research from Fauci.

of the disease. President-elect Joe Biden has announced that Dr. Fauci will take on an expanded role as Chief Medical Adviser on COVID-19 to the President during the Biden administration.

The Dean’s Award is given annually to an exceptional leader who has championed analytically rigorous, evidence-based approaches to policy, and who is an example for the next generation of policy leaders and scholars.

US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader

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Ginsburg (1933-2020) was the 2019 recipient of the Dean’s Award.

The virtual event will take place beginning at 5:30 p.m. central standard time, with registration information available on the school’s website beginning this month.

Dr. Fauci was appointed director of NIAID in 1984 and has served under six presidents. He oversees an extensive portfolio of research to prevent, diagnose, and treat established and emerging infectious diseases, including COVID-19. He has been a presidential advisor on HIV/AIDS and many other domestic and global health issues and was a principal architect of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program that has saved millions of lives.

Baicker, who has served as dean of Harris Public Policy since August 2017, is a leading scholar in the economic analysis of health policy, with research focusing on the effects of health system reform on health spending, outcomes, and disparities. From 2005-2007, she served as a Senate-confirmed Member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers.

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NEWS “WE ARE THRILLED LISA IS JOINING THE JUDICIAL BRANCH TO HELP US START ILLINOIS COURT HELP,” CHIEF JUSTICE ANNE M. BURKE SAID. “HER EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN ILLINOIS LEGAL AID MAKES HER THE PERFECT PERSON TO GET THIS IMPORTANT PROGRAM UP AND RUNNING.”

Illinois Supreme Court Hires Lisa Colpoys To Run New Illinois Court Help Program The Illinois Supreme Court and Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) recently announced the hiring of Lisa Colpoys as the Supervising Senior Program Manager for Illinois Court Help. Illinois Court Help is a new program within the AOIC’s Access to Justice Division.

The program is being developed to address new challenges courts are facing in providing meaningful services and assistance to court patrons, lawyers, and the public in light of the pandemic.

Navigational assistance and legal information, in large part, were previously offered in person and on a walk-in basis. However, this mode of delivery is no longer as feasible or safe due to necessary measures to reduce the number of persons inside courthouses. Offering remote assistance helps ensure the court system is fair, efficient and accessible to all.

“We are thrilled Lisa is joining the Judicial Branch to help us start Illinois Court Help,” Chief Justice Anne M. Burke said. “Her extensive experience in Illinois legal aid makes her the perfect person to get this important program up and running.”

Illinois Court Help aims to assure fair and full access to the courts for the public and to assist court staff and the judiciary in distributing resources, legal information, and navigational tools to court patrons, self-represented litigants, and lawyers.

As the Supervising Senior Program Manager, Colpoys will develop the program, and once the program launches, oversee a staff of specially trained navigators who will answer questions from court patrons, lawyers, and the public about civil, criminal, and appellate court processes and procedures and provide referrals to available legal assistance, resources, self-help materials, and standardized forms as permitted under the Illinois Supreme Court Policy on Assistance to Court Patrons by Circuit Clerks, Court Staff, Law Librarians and Court Volunteers.

Navigators will provide general and county specific information intended to help anyone navigating the court system.

That communication will happen through a telephone hotline, live computer chat and phone text, and asynchronous email exchange. The Court Help Program will also partner with the Illinois Judicial College to provide educational programs, videos, and material.

“I am extremely excited to join the Access to Justice team at the AOIC and to get to work building the Illinois Court Help program,” Colpoys said. “This new and innovative service will be a game changer for people who encounter problems using courts across the state, providing them with answers and resources so they can have full access to our courts.”

Colpoys was the Executive Director of Illinois Legal Aid Online from 2002 to 2018, where she led the design, development, and implementation of innovative technology solutions to make legal issues more understandable and legal services more accessible for Illinoisans who cannot afford a lawyer. In this role she developed strategic partnerships with courts, legal aid programs, funding entities, and the private bar while overseeing an annual budget of nearly $2 million.

In addition to her role with Illinois Legal Aid Online, Colpoys has served as a Consultant to the Michigan Supreme Court Justice for All Task Force since September 2019, a National Center for State Courts’ Justice for All Initiative funded role in which she was required to assess the state of the civil justice system and develop a strategic plan to ensure access to justice for all in Michigan.

For two years she was the Program Director at the Institute for the Future of Law Practice, a start-up nonprofit

The Illinois Supreme Court and Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) recently announced the hiring of Lisa Colpoys as the Supervising Senior Program Manager for Illinois Court Help.

“I AM EXTREMELY EXCITED TO JOIN THE ACCESS TO JUSTICE TEAM AT THE AOIC AND TO GET TO WORK BUILDING THE ILLINOIS COURT HELP PROGRAM,” COLPOYS SAID. “THIS NEW AND INNOVATIVE SERVICE WILL BE A GAME CHANGER FOR PEOPLE WHO ENCOUNTER PROBLEMS USING COURTS ACROSS THE STATE, PROVIDING THEM WITH ANSWERS AND RESOURCES SO THEY CAN HAVE FULL ACCESS TO OUR COURTS.” which educated law students and lawyers on modern legal practice skills.

Colpoys was in private practice for several years before working at Coordinated Advice & Referral Program for Legal Services (CARPLS) from 1995 to 2000, first as a staff attorney and then as the Director of Legal Services. As Director, she managed all legal programs for the nonprofit legal aid hotline and recruited, trained, and supervised the work of 25 staff attorneys and 30 pro bono lawyers.

Colpoys earned her Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University and received her Juris Doctor from the Loyola University School of Law. Colpoys volunteer work includes serving on the Forms Committee for the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice from 2012-2018, serving on the Advisory Board for LawHelp Interactive from 2003-2018, and serving on the Standing Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services for the American Bar Association from 2014-2017.

Recognition for Colpoys dedication to improving legal aid in the state of Illinois includes winning awards such as the Abner J. Mikva Award from the American Constitution Society Chicago Chapter in 2018, the Legacy Award from Illinois Legal Aid Online in 2018, the Joseph R. Bartylak Service Award from the Illinois State Bar Association in 2016, the Esther R. Rothstein Award from the Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois in 2013, and the Public Interest Law Award from the Loyola University School of Law in 2010. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

6 Tips for a Fresh Start with Virtual Meetings in 2021 We waved goodbye to 2020, but meetings on a screen will fill our calendars in 2021 and beyond. The new year is an opportunity for a fresh start with virtual business meetings.

“What we learned is that tactics like changing our body language or polling our audience can improve engagement and productivity,” according to Mimi Bliss, an executive presentation skills coach and former TV reporter in Nashville, Tenn.

Bliss worked (virtually) with more than 1,000 professionals on virtual presentation skills during the first nine months of the pandemic. In interactive workshops and coaching sessions, she asked people to share what was wrong with their virtual meetings and how they could make them better. The professionals worked for law, accounting and architecture firms; universities, government, and global corporations; and industries ranging from economic development to financial services.

They represented multiple countries and worked in eight different time zones.

“When I polled people at the beginning of my workshops about their #1 challenge with virtual meetings, the leading response was almost always ‘lack of interaction,’” said Bliss.

At the end of each workshop and coaching session, Bliss asked participants what they’d learned that would result in better virtual meetings.

Here are six of the top-rated techniques: 1. Use the interactive tools.

Professionals are increasingly interested in using standard virtual technology like Polling, White Board and Breakout Rooms to improve engagement. “A quick online poll question allows everyone to participate,” said Bliss.

2. Elbows off the table.

When we lean on a desk or armrest, our voice gets flat and we make distracting gestures that are too close to the video camera. “Over and over, people talk about what a difference it made when they sat-up and took the weight off

their elbows,” said Bliss.

3. Start the stopwatch. A common complaint about internal virtual meetings is “the same three people do all the talking.” Bliss gets great feedback about her advice to provide time limits. “I am polite, but firm. I explain that I want everyone to have a voice at the virtual meeting, so I’m asking each person to give us their best 30 seconds (or whatever time frame is appropriate). People are more concise when I provide a specific time frame, which results in more people having a voice.”

4. Stop rambling. The secret is to speak in shorter sentences. When you hear yourself talking for too long, stop and pause before starting a new sentence. “Short sentences are especially important with global communications, when you meet with people whose native language is different than your own. They need time to process what you’re saying,” said Bliss.

5. Use photographs. People are more engaged when they can react to a photo of people or a place. “With virtual meetings, people are more motivated to simplify their slides and add high quality images,” said Bliss.

6. You’re on TV. It’s a challenge to look professional while working at home. Two techniques that were consistently rated as important were “look at the video camera when I’m speaking” and “improve my lighting.”

“If we get better at virtual meetings during the pandemic,” said Bliss. “We’ll be more effective as leaders and presenters when we can do a mix of in-person and virtual meetings in the future.”

Mimi Bliss has more than 20 years of experience as an executive presentation skills coach and media trainer. A former TV news reporter, she focuses on public speaking as a core leadership skill. Mimi is based in Nashville, Tenn., and works with clients from across the United States and around the world. She posts videos with speaking tips at mimibliss.com and on LinkedIn.

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BUSINESS STAY-AT-HOME ORDERS CHANGED THE VERY NOTION OF HOW PEOPLE INTERACT AND LIVE IN THEIR HOMES, DRIVING PEOPLE TO RECONFIGURE THEIR PHYSICAL SPACE TO MEET NEW FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING WORKING AND LEARNING AT HOME, CREATING AT-HOME GYMS, OR FINDING NEW WAYS TO RELAX AND ENJOY THEMSELVES.

New survey finds 70% of consumers improved home during COVID-19, more than half used smart devices A new study released recently

by Xiaomi, a global leader in smart devices, found that since March 2020, 70% of consumers have reported making changes in their living environment due to spending more time at home during the pandemic, and more than half (51%) have reported purchasing at least one smart device during that period.

Stay-at-home orders changed the very notion of how people interact and live in their homes, driving people to reconfigure their physical space to meet new functional requirements, including working and learning at home, creating at-home gyms, or finding new ways to relax and enjoy themselves.

The survey found that 3 out of 5 respondents said that since their leisure and work environments have become one, it has become harder to carve out personal space to relax and find joy at home. Of those, 63% purchased smart home devices, 82% adapted a room for working from home during COVID, and 79% reconfigured at least one room.

“Smart living has always been about reimagining and optimizing physical space to solve problems and adapt to new realities through the use of technology, and we’ve seen this adoption accelerate in 2020,” said Daniel Desjarlais, global product marketing manager at Xiaomi. “Connected homes, automated systems, and new technology are helping people create ecosystems within their homes to solve new challenges presented by increased time at home, whether it’s adapting or creating new uses for old spaces, such as office space or classrooms, or just creating a more streamlined home that is easier to manage and control.”

Key survey findings include: * People had to adapt existing spaces to serve new purposes, particularly younger generations: Makeshift spacing

PRNewsfoto/Xiaomi

arrangements were widespread across all age groups, with nearly two-thirds (66%) of all respondents saying that they had to use makeshift spacing arrangements in response to staying home more during the pandemic. This was particularly pronounced among Gen Z and Millennials -- 91% of Gen Z consumers and 80% of Millennials indicated this was something they were forced to do. * Smart home device purchases were a solution: On average, consumers bought two new smart devices since March in response to being home more during the pandemic, with Gen Z consumers buying an average of three. Smart devices can help to streamline a space and provide solutions for problems generated by more time at home, such as the need to carve out specific work or study space.

Regardless of devices purchased, there is an overwhelming consensus among consumers (82%) that there are significant advantages to a home with smart devices. * For many, these makeshift solutions may end up being permanent. According to a press release, 60% of consumers say they plan to continue using their home for activities typically performed elsewhere, even after a COVID-19 vaccine is widely available. If stay-at-home orders go into effect again in 2021, nearly 2 in 5 (39%) of consumers have reported that they want to upgrade their devices and 41% will adapt a room. In 2021, the adoption and integration of smart home technology will be a prevailing trend in home improvement as consumers look to smart devices as part of their

long-term solutions.

As of September 30, 2020, the number of users with five or more devices connected to Xiaomi’s AIoT platform reached 5.6 million. Much of Xiaomi’s growth is coming from overseas markets, including expansion into Western markets. The newest product to be readily available for U.S. consumers is Mi Air Purifier 3H, which went on sale on January 14, 2021.

The Xiaomi Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+, between December 11th and December 16th, 2020, using an email invitation and an online survey.

For more information on Xiaomi and their smart home ecosystem, visit mi.com.

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Six Workforce Trends to Watch in 2021 The Center for State and Local Government Excellence (SLGE) helps local and state governments become knowledgeable and competitive employers so they can attract and retain a talented and committed workforce.

Recent research by SLGE reveals key challenges and opportunities facing states and localities in 2021. The research offers insights into what strategies and tactics to monitor as governments of all sizes strive to attract and retain talented state and local employees.

SLGE offers the following six trends to watch in 2021: 1. Embracing a holistic approach to employee well-being: Public employers will embrace a holistic approach to employee well-being through expanded financial wellness programs, increasing their understanding of employee benefit preferences, and evaluating the impact of structural change to retirement benefits on retirement security.

2. Strengthening the post-COVID-19 workplace: The public sector will continue to work to address the impact of COVID-19 on employers and employees and identify a balance between remote work environments and more traditional approaches for a wider range of positions, while expanding the use of flexible work practices more generally.

3. Implementing innovative staffing practices and collaborative approaches: Budget challenges and increased service demands will incentivize state and local governments to assess current staffing levels, project future needs, expand the use of innovative staffing practices, and collaborate with other organizations.

4. Focusing on financial wellness: Given the impact the pandemic has had on individuals’ personal finances, employee financial education programs will be expanded to cover more topics, leveraging enhanced communications methods, while evolving to more specifically meet the needs of more employees.

5. Expanding workforce management tools: The comprehensiveness and fiscal sustainability of public retirement plans will continue to be a central focus for these workforce management tools, while new approaches for providing benefits, including retiree health care, will be explored.

6. Developing a diverse and inclusive workforce: As public sector employers work to attract and retain a talented workforce of the future, they will look to ensure that their workforce is diverse, inclusive, and more reflective of the populations they serve, taking into account the disproportionate health and economic impacts of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic groups.

According to a press release, SLGE identifies leading practices and conducts research on public retirement plans, health care benefits, workforce demographics and skill set needs, and labor force development. SLGE brings state and local leaders together with respected researchers. You can access all SLGE publications and sign up for its newsletter at slge.org and follow @4govtexcellence on Twitter.

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FASHION

Black-Woman Owned Online Shoe Boutique Celebrates First Anniversary With All Items on Sale

Low Heel No Heel Owner, Shannon Ashmore-McMath

Shannon Ashmore-McMath founded Low Heel No Heel in 2019. Low Heel No Heel is a Black Woman-owned online shoe boutique that specializes in offering women’s shoes that are affordable, comfortable, and under 4 inches tall.

The company offers free shipping on all orders over $50 and no monthly subscriptions and just celebrated their first full year in business.

To honor their first year in business, the entire site is on sale.

“The goal was to provide women with stylish footwear options that can be worn for all occasions,” says Shannon who is from Grand Rapids, Michigan.

She continues, “We just completed our first full year in business. Like many other small businesses, we were also affected by the pandemic;

however, we are grateful to still be in business due to the unwavering support of our customers and remain optimistic regarding our future. We are hoping to inspire other women and minority entrepreneurs to do the same as well.”

To view their selection, please visit LowHeelNoHeel.com Follow the brand on social media and follow the Owner, Shannon on Instagram

HALSEY SET TO LAUNCH about-face Make-u(p) without rules Created by multimedia, awardwinning artist and bestselling author Halsey, about-face is a multidimensional color beauty brand which is set to launch direct-toconsumer via www.aboutface.com on January 25, 2021.

Inspired by music, fashion and art, about-face honors inclusivity, acceptance, experimentation and the democratization of beauty for our multiple identities.

About about-face is described as Make-u(p) without rules, made for the many versions of you. It’s a multidimensional makeup for everyone, everywhere created by Halsey and built on the truth that no one is just one thing and humans are weird, complex and imperfectly beautiful beings.

Halsey, a self-taught makeup artist, has always taken ownership of what makes her feel most beautiful, creating and applying her own looks for performances, editorials and music videos. A true makeup junkie, she has an encyclopedic knowledge of brands, application methods, and best-in-class products from drugstore heroes to luxury leaders.

Perfecting her craft, she was often blending, cocktailing and color-correcting to achieve levels of vibrancy, pigment intensity and shine. From this extensive base knowledge of beauty, she created a brand rooted in performance-driven formulations.

“Makeup is an art and art is about happy accidents, not any one ideal of perfection,” said Halsey, founder and chief creative officer of about-face. “I always feel the most free when I am creating looks without following any rules. The beauty industry has norms,

Light Lock Highlighter Collection by about-face

but I want to encourage people to challenge those standards and allow things to be imperfect and fun.”

The about-face launch collection embodies Halsey’s personal style and love of diverse beauty, initially with three distinct franchises - Light Lock, Matte, and Shadowstick. Light Lock, her signature face highlighter range with stratospheric shine, includes Stick, Powder, Fluid and Lip Gloss.

The Matte range of velvety smooth, creaseless, high-intensity colors consists of Paint-It Matte Lip Colors, Matte Fix Lip Pencils and Matte Fluid Eye Paint, as well as a Set and Prime Spray with application sponge for face. Shadowsticks are precise, multi-tasking cream eyeshadow crayons that feature soft pearly pastels, as well as a high intensity matte velvet in white, teal blue and black for a range of looks for liner

and lids. The launch consists of 10 product categories (inclusive of beauty tools and limited edition cosmetic bags) across a total of 40 skus. All about-face products are formulated to be vegan, clean, and cruelty free. Prices range from $17.00 to $32.00. about-face will be sold direct-toconsumer in the US, Canada, UK and Europe on www.aboutface.com, as well as via an exclusive year-long partnership with Ipsy, featured in the newly launched and limited edition Glam Bag X on www.ipsy.com. The next about-face drop will be AntiValentine’s Day, a limited-edition matte lip range launching in early February 2021.

About Halsey: GRAMMY® Awardnominated multi-platinum singer/ songwriter Halsey burst onto the scene in 2015 with her first studio www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Halsey for about-face

album, Badlands, which has been RIAA certified 2x platinum. Her second release, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, claimed the #1 spot on the Billboard Top 200 chart upon its debut. Since then, Halsey has continued her success with her 7x Platinum “Without Me,” which made Halsey the first and only female artist to have at least three songs chart on the Billboard Hot 100 for 50 weeks each. Halsey continues to push creative boundaries, expanding her influence and impact beyond music. In 2019, she was awarded the Hal David Starlight Award, presented by the Songwriters Hall

of Fame, to honor her songwriting.

In 2020, Halsey released her latest album, Manic, to rave reviews. The album has already attained RIAA Platinum status as did the single “Graveyard” from the album. Most recently, it was announced that she will executive produce and star in “The Players Table” alongside Sydney Sweeney and in November of 2020, she debuted her first original poetry book, I Would Leave Me If I Could, which made her a NY Times bestselling author.

For more information please visit www.aboutface.com @aboutfacebeauty

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NEWS

Why a Tech Career Might Be Right for You StatePoint - If you have an interest in innovation, a passion for helping people and the confidence to let your creativity shine, there are exciting and rewarding career opportunities available to you in technology in almost every industry. From supporting the development of critical vaccines; building the next generation of electric vehicles; creating new and engaging ways to deliver distance learning; keeping air, food and water safe and sustainable; or bringing efficiencies to the delivery of government services, there is a career in tech waiting for you.

Even better, you don’t necessarily need to be a computer whiz or math genius to land one of these jobs, as technical skills can often be taught, but professional and personal skills are often more difficult to find. Those in the know say that a growing number of employers are more interested in creativity, organization, verbal and written communications skills and a willingness to be a team player and less in technical acumen.

“That’s true for people joining the labor force for the first time, returning to the workforce, burned out or hitting a ceiling in their current job, or downsized out of a job through no fault of their own,” said Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO of CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association.

It’s a field that offers a certain amount of job

Employers across the country continue to advertise job openings for tech workers – there were nearly 200,000 listings in November 2020.

security, too. The economic and employment disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have had an impact on tech occupations, though not nearly to the degree that other industries have been affected. The unemployment rate for IT occupations in the U.S. stood at 2.4% in November 2020, below the national unemployment rate of 6.7%.

Employers across the country continue to

advertise job openings for tech workers – there were nearly 200,000 listings in November 2020.

These openings were spread across many industries outside the technology sector, including financial services, manufacturing, retail, government, healthcare and education. You’ll also find great variety in the types of positions companies need to fill. They include application and software developers; tech support professionals,

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whose roles are increasingly important as more people work and learn from home; network analysts, architects and engineers; cybersecurity pros responsible for securing our data, devices and networks; and project managers tasked with keeping mission-critical projects on track.

There are a number of free resources available to help you learn more about tech careers: • The Future of Tech (futureoftech.org) is a free and growing library of resources to get you up to speed on what’s new and next in the world of technology.

• Cyberstates (cyberstates.org) is the definitive guide to information on the U.S. technology industry and workforce.

• If you’re interested in cybersecurity, CyberSeek (cyberseek.org) has detailed information on the U.S. job market, including guidance on career paths and professional certifications.

• CompTIA (comptia.org) offers many tech career planning tools, including salary calculators and job search help.

“There are career options available that allow you to combine an interest in technology with something you are passionate about,” Thibodeaux said. “With the right access, encouragement and opportunity, anyone can maximize their digital knowledge and skills so they can achieve their life’s ambitions.”

8 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Jan. 20, 2021

CITIZEN On The Move

"Christmas In The Wards" in Collaboration with CFC Awarded $10,000.00 To Chicago Park District Recently

Pictured left to right are: Everett Rand, Board Member "Xmas in the Wards" and Co-Founder Chicago Football Classics; Elzie Higgenbottom, Alderwoman Carrie Austin, 34th Ward; Alderwoman Michelle Harris, 8th Ward; Larry Huggins, Founder, "Xmas in the Wards" and Co-Founder Chicago Football Classics; Tim LeFevour, General Manager, Soldier Field, ASM Global and Board Member "Xmas in the Wards".

Christmas in the Wards is a non-profit organization, founded by Larry Huggins, CEO of Riteway-Huggins Construction. CFC organizations gave away a laptop to a deserving student of the 34th ward. Alderman Carrie Austin personally congratulated the wards resident and made the presentation. (Photos by CREDD). www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Jan. 20, 2021

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10 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Jan. 20, 2021

HOME

Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality and Breathe Better at Home (StatePoint) With more of life centered at home due to cool weather and social distancing, it’s time to ensure the space where your family spends the majority of its time is healthy and safe.

What many people don’t know is that concentrations of air pollutants can typically be up to five times higher inside one’s home than out, and sometimes far more, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. However, there are many simple actions you can take to breathe better in your home: • Monitor carbon monoxide: This potentially deadly gas can be emitted by a faulty gas-burning home appliance. Monitor for carbon monoxide using detectors placed in major areas of the home, especially the bedrooms.

• Make the switch to VOC-free: Most paints and stains, along with aerosol sprays, air fresheners and other household products, contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which emit gases that can result in respiratory problems, headaches and irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, among other health problems. Take a cue from forward-thinking institutions like the Getty Museum and Google and swap out conventional paints in your home interiors for an eco-friendly, non-toxic alternative such as ECOS Paints. The brand, which has a 35-year history of offering VOC- and odor-free paints and stains in virtually any color, uses sustainable ingredients and can deliver directly to a home or business. To learn more, visit ecospaints.net.

“We want people to feel good about what they are bringing into their homes. This is why we are transparent about ingredients and VOC testing results,” says Julian Crawford, ECOS Paints CEO. • Keep airborne dust to a minimum: Dust carries a variety of contaminants, including bacteria and allergens. Mop and dust often using a wet mop and dust cloth. Vacuum often as well using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which traps small particles.

• Eliminate moisture from the air: Moisture promotes mold, which can cause serious health problems when left unabated. Reduce moisture by eliminating sources of water leaks, installing exhaust fans in kitchens, using air conditioning, and positioning dehumidifiers in high-moisture rooms such as bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements.

• Reduce airborne particles: Install an air purifier to trap irritating particles, including mold, pollen and pet dander, which are particularly bad for people with respiratory problems like asthma.

Brush pets often -- outdoors if possible -- and give pets regular baths.

• Decrease dirty air: Replace HVAC filters regularly. While the optimal frequency that you perform this task depends on the type of filter, the number of pets at home and other factors, a good reference point is the manufacturer’s guidelines.

When it comes to creating a healthy home sanctuary, taking steps to manage the most common indoor air pollutants should be a top priority.

PHOTO SOURCE: Interior by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee.

PERSONAL FINANCE Need Mortgage Relief Due to COVID-19? Here's What to Know (StatePoint) As the pandemic continues to affect Americans across the country, many are facing financial hardship.

For homeowners with a Freddie Mac loan, COVID-19 mortgage assistance is available in the form of “forbearance,” which temporarily suspends or reduces your mortgage payment without penalty so you can get back on your feet.

Here is how forbearance works and what happens when it ends: How do I request forbearance? To request forbearance, you must contact your loan servicer (the company listed on your mortgage statement) who will help you understand your options. Forbearance is available for up to a year, though servicers will typically start you on a shorter forbearance plan and reassess to see if your financial situation has changed.

What happens when forbearance ends? It’s important to remember mortgage forbearance is not the same as mortgage forgiveness and you will have to repay your missed payments. About 30 days before the forbearance plan is scheduled to end, you and your servicer will determine next steps. This could include additional forbearance or a workout option to make up the missed payments. Just remember, you are never required to pay back missed payments in a lump sum if your loan is owned

by Freddie Mac. How does repayment work? Even though you must pay back payments that were missed during forbearance, you have several options for doing so. Additionally, you won’t accrue additional fees, penalties or interest beyond the amounts already scheduled or calculated based on the terms of your mortgage. For example, let’s say you enter into a www.citizennewspapergroup.com

forbearance agreement of three months. If your monthly mortgage payment is $1,000, you will owe about $3,000 in missed mortgage payments at the end of your forbearance term. Your servicer can help you determine the workout option that works best for you, including: • Full repayment, where you pay back the missed payments all at once.

• Repayment plans, which allow you to catch up gradually while you are paying your regular monthly payment.

• Payment deferral, which allows you to resume making your normal monthly payment. Your servicer can work with you to leverage alternative ways for you to pay back the missed payments from your forbearance period at a later date and in a manner that is affordable.

• Modification of the loan, which changes the terms of your loan, usually to reduce your original monthly payment amount.

Your servicer can help with a modification that might suit your new circumstances.

Additional Information: To stay on track with paying down your loan balance and less interest over the life of the loan, it’s important that you resume your payments as soon as you’re financially able. Keep in mind that while you’re not charged “extra” interest, you won’t be paying down your principal, and the interest will continue to accrue on your unpaid mortgage balance.

For information on forbearance and how to get help with your mortgage, visit My Home by Freddie Mac at myhome.freddiemac.com.

Remember, contacting your servicer is the first step in getting help with your mortgage payments if you are facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 or for other reasons. They can explore available options with you and determine what works best for your circumstances.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Jan. 20, 2021

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12 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Jan. 20, 2021

This shouldn’t be how we say hello...or goodbye.

It’s our reality right now. But it won’t be if we do what it takes to beat COVID-19. Vaccines are coming, but until enough of us are vaccinated, we all still need to wear our masks, stay at least six feet from others, and avoid indoor social gatherings. The more we slow the spread, the faster we’ll return to normal hellos … and fewer goodbyes.

Learn more about vaccines and slowing the spread at cdc.gov/coronavirus Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services