Chicago Weekend Citizen 9-1-2021

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 Week of Sept. 1, 2021

| Vol. 52 | No. 36 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CHICAGO WEEKEND

NORTH LAWNDALE EMPLOYMENT NETWORK SITE IS OPEN North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN) opened its location at 1111 S. Homan on Thursday, Aug. 26.

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Brenda Palms Barber is the founder, president and CEO of the North Lawndale Employment Network, an urban workforce development agency. Photo provided by Thelma Munson Walker

Aqueous Ozone Proves Effective in Killing COVID-19

ENTERTAINMENT: Tyler Perry Studios Extends Worldwide Deal with Sony Music Publishing

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NEWS briefly LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO ANNOUNCES PRESIDENT ROONEY TO STEP DOWN AT THE END OF ACADEMIC YEAR In an email to the campus community today, Loyola University Chicago President Dr. Jo Ann Rooney announced her plans to step down as President at the end of the 2021-2022 academic year.

In an email to students, faculty, and staff, Dr. Rooney wrote: “After five thrilling, demanding, and inspiring years leading our remarkable and resilient institution and over fourteen years as a university president, I am announcing that this will be my last year as President of Loyola University Chicago. While this may come as a surprise to some of you, it is the result of deep reflection on my part, some personal issues that warrant more of my attention, and a desire to ensure continuity of leadership once the implementation of our multi-year strategic plan and 8+ year comprehensive fundraising campaign begins.”

Dr. Rooney made history at Loyola University as the first female and lay President. Among her many accomplishments at Loyola include: The creation of a multi-year strategic plan; Welcoming the most diverse and largest freshmen classes in the university’s history this fall; Diversifying the ranks of the faculty; and Boosting the university’s endowment and strengthening its financial position.

Dr. Rooney is helping to lead Loyola into a new and challenging era where issues like diversity, academic rigor, and financial security are emerging with added urgency.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to thank Dr. Rooney for her leadership during her five years here,” said Susan Sher, JD ‘74, Chairman of Loyola’s Board of Trustees. “I’m particularly proud of her accomplishments as our first female and first lay president. Her work on behalf of Loyola has strengthened our institution and positioned us well for the future.”

Dr. Rooney announced her intent to leave at the end of the academic year while offering to remain on in an advisory capacity to ensure a successful transition.

The Board of Trustees will meet in September to discuss the next steps for a search process for a new president.

SLAUGHTER-BACKED LEGISLATION ALLOWS ELECTRONIC WILLS To allow technology a bigger role in estate planning and address public health concerns during the ongoing pandemic, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, recently supported legislation that will legalize electronic wills that were signed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Due to this virus, thousands across our country had to endure their final days in isolation unable to hold or be near their loved ones,” said Slaughter. “In the face of these unprecedented challenges, our government has had to make changes to the law to allow families to go ahead with estate planning during the pandemic.”

Senate Bill 730, which was recently signed into law

by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, authorizes the use of remote witnesses, testators, signing and notarization in the will process. Remote witnesses and notaries cannot sign for the testator, but testators may provide or authorize another entity to electronically sign the will. This legislation seeks to address concerns about the spread of COVID-19 between the dying and witnesses and notaries.

“Although we have made immense progress in the past few months with vaccinations and fighting this virus, it’s still not over,” said Slaughter. “However, I know that if we each continue to do our parts by vaccinating, masking up and social distancing that we can and will make out of this mess together.”

North Lawndale Employment Network site is open Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN) opened its location at 1111 S. Homan on Thursday, Aug. 26.

North Lawndale Employment Network was founded in 1999 with the mission to provide resources and meet the employment needs of the community. The 20,000 square foot site brings all five NLEN locations into a central location, with a community hub, a café, a program and service center, garden space, community center and apiary for its Beelove, LLC. Brenda Palms Barber, President and CEO of NLEN, has been with the organization since its beginning. In 2004, she launched Sweet Beginnings, a subsidiary that manages apiaries and provides employment to returning citizens.

For Palms Barber, the need for NLEN to create a campus in North Lawndale was because the unemployment rate continues to be three- to four times higher than the entire city of Chicago. There was a need to see population level impact and the needle move so that North Lawndale is no longer a community that has a high unemployment rate. NLEN, in partnership with the North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council, aimed to reduce the North Lawndale unemployment rate by 10 percent by 2025.

“We were in four to five different locations and didn’t have the capacity to even really serve 2,200 people a year. So, if we’re going to have this big, hairy, audacious goal, and make it real, we knew we needed to have a great place for people to come to learn, to access skills and earn certifications that would help them move from low level jobs to middle wage incomes,” she said.

Palms Barber said those jobs would treat people with respect, where there are opportunities for advancement and receive benefits. So, NLEN purchased the Community Bank of North Lawndale two years ago and transformed it into a workforce development campus. It took a little more than $11 million for the transformation.

At the campus there is a capacity to serve up to 5,000 job seekers annually.

Palms Barber said with that, the unemployment rate of 15.9% will be 5.9%, which is NLEN’s goal. The campus also makes the organizations more visible, which brings awareness and makes sure it is not North Lawndale’s best kept secret.

NLEN is pushing for local jobs for local residents. Employers who want to relocate to North Lawndale have to be willing and committed to hiring within the community. NLEN wants to be a source for those employers to get

employees. Palms Barber wants to make sure the jobs those companies have are worthy and are good jobs. The employers Palms Barber has engaged with, new and old, are very receptive to hiring from the community. There have been 6-10 new employers that have hiring agreements with NLEN. Those include Ja’ Grill and Matanky Realty.

“It’s absolutely fantastic to see that people are really committed and we’re holding them accountable to hiring locally,” Palms Barber said.

Another thing NLEN is doing is making sure job seekers are prepared to apply for employment virtually, either with a LinkedIn profile or other sites. It is the organization’s way of helping the community through the challenges around digital education.

It has been a long time coming for NLEN to transform the bank into the campus.

“To be able to say to the community of North Lawndale and the greater West side, we’re here for you, we understand there are challenges you may have encountered around unemployment but it doesn’t matter, we’re going to pour everything we have into helping you help yourself and to place you with employers,” she said.

For more information about the North Lawndale Employment Network, visit www.nlen.org.

City Of Chicago Announces COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement For City Employees CHICAGO – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today announced Wednesday, Aug. 25, effective Friday, Oct. 15, the City of Chicago will require all City employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, joining many other major municipalities and government agencies in taking this important preventive step.

While masking and social distancing requirements in the workplace remain, the best protection against COVID-19 is vaccination.

“As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, we must take every step necessary and at our disposal to keep everyone in our city safe and healthy,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “Getting vaccinated has been proven to be the best way to achieve that and make it possible to recover from this devastating

pandemic. And so, we have decided to join other municipalities and government agencies across the nation, including the U.S. military, who are making this decision to protect the people who are keeping our cities and country moving. We have also been in close communication with our partners in the labor movement to create a vaccination policy that is workable, fair and effective,” “Fully vaccinated” means two weeks past the second dose of a two-dose mRNA vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna) or two weeks past a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Employees will be asked to submit their proof of vaccination via a secure, online COVID-19 Vaccine Portal.

“We have worked closely

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with our partners to ensure that the reporting system is secure, effective, and confidential,” said Commissioner Christopher Owen, Chicago Department of Human Resources. “Human resource leads within every City department are prepared and available to assist employees through this process and answer their questions.”

This policy applies to all City employees and volunteers. Employees can apply for medical or religious exemption from this policy. Such requests will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources on a caseby-case basis.

“The data shows that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and those you come in contact with from serious illness, hospitalization, or death from COVID-19,”

said CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. “Adopting and implementing this requirement is the responsible, common-sense approach, which is why we’re seeing so many other government agencies, companies, institutions, and organizations pursue this course of action.”

More than 70 percent (more than 1.6 million) of Chicago residents over 18 have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, health care offices, and through special events across the City at no cost to the public. No insurance or government ID are required to receive a vaccination. To learn more, visit Chicago.gov/ COVIDvax or call 312-7464835.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Sept. 1, 2021

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NEWS

POLITICAL Affairs Rep. Kelly Votes to Pass Budget Resolution, Advance Build Back Better Plan Rep. Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), voted to pass S.Con.Res. 14, Advancing the Build Back Better Plan to begin the process of writing the budget reconciliation bill that will enact the Build Back Better Plan into law.

This plan will deliver life-changing benefits for working families across the nation through creating new jobs, cutting taxes for families and small businesses, and lowering healthcare costs.

Photos provided by City of Chicago

The Chicago Department of Public Health Administers COVID-19 Vaccines On Thursday, August 19, The Chicago Department of Public Health partnered with Mount Sinai Hospital and Yolanda Travis, Owner/Operator of the McDonald’s located on 47th and Cottage Grove, to administer COVID-19 vaccinations at the South Side restaurant. With less than half (45.4%) of its residents 18 and older having received a first dose, Bronzeville is among those South and West Side communities that have lower vaccination rates compared to the citywide 70.7 percent of adults with at least one dose.

Recognizing the need to get more people vaccinated, this is the third vaccine event hosted by Travis. “As a business owner and member of the community, I wanted to help make vaccinations convenient. Many of the residents in these communities don’t want to leave their neighborhoods and I realized that my restaurants are an ideal location to

meet the people where they are,” shared Travis.

CDPH is committed to reaching individuals most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by partnering with trusted organizations to administer vaccines at community events across the city. With the City of Chicago once again seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases, it is more important than ever to get vaccinated to protect yourself, your family, and your community.

Vaccines have been essential in the fight against COVID-19 and its variants – and while the city is beginning to see more “breakthrough” cases because of the delta variant (vaccinated individuals contracting COVID-19), they are very rare and vaccination helps protect individuals from serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.

Call 312-746-4835 or visit Chicago.gov/COVIDvax to find your vaccine.

U.S. Department of Education Grants Interest Rate Benefit Today, the U.S. Department of Education announced that the office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) has retroactively waived interest on loans held by more than 47,000 current and former active-duty service members. This action was made possible by a data-matching agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) that substantially improves access to a student loan interest-waiver benefit for many service members with federal student loans.

Under the Higher Education Act, service members deployed to areas that qualify them for imminent danger or hostile fire pay, have no interest accrual on certain federal student loans that were first disbursed on or after Oct. 1, 2008. In the past, only a small proportion of eligible service members successfully accessed this benefit.

For instance, the Department waived interest for only approximately 4,800 service members in 2019 when it did

not have the data-match in place. Now the Department is able to identify federal student loan borrowers who serve on active duty by matching records to DOD’s personnel records. As a result, the Department can automatically provide the student loan interest benefit to eligible service members.

“Brave men and women in uniform serving our country can now focus on doing their jobs and coming home safely, not filling out more paperwork to access their hard-earned benefits,” said FSA Chief Operating Officer Richard Cordray. “Federal Student Aid is grateful for our strong partnership with the Department of Defense, and we will seek to reduce red tape for service members wherever possible.”

“The Department of Defense appreciates the efforts and commitment of the Department of Education in ensuring eligible service members received this benefit,” said Virginia Penrod, Assistant Secre-

tary of Defense for Manpower & Reserve Affairs at the Department of Defense.

The announcement means that service members are not required to take any action to receive the interest rate benefit.

Prior to this new automation, service members had to make individual requests for the benefit and provide additional information confirming their eligibility.

Recently, the Department announced its intent to form a negotiated rulemaking committee to address issues affecting federal student loan borrowers.

The announcement invited nominations from constituent groups, including U.S. military service members, veterans, and the groups that represent their interests. Nominations are open through August 31, 2021. This action aligns with President Biden’s belief that we have a sacred obligation to care for our nations’ veterans and their families, both while they are deployed and after they return home.

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The budget reconciliation process first requires both the Senate and House to pass a budget resolution that includes reconciliation instructions to committees of jurisdiction. The resolution passed recently includes instructions to 13 House and 12 Senate committees to support transformative investments in the health, well-being and financial security of America’s workers and families.

National Coalition Pledges Constituent Pressure on Senators To Reject Nomination of Rahm Emanuel for Japan Ambassador A coalition of organizations is launching a campaign against the nomination of Rahm Emanuel as the U.S. ambassador to Japan.

Constituents in every state will urge their senators to vote No on the nomination, which President Biden announced late Friday.

RootsAction.org, the group coordinating the nationwide campaign, said that it expects several thousand constituents will be sending individual emails to their senators this week to kick off the grassroots drive.

In mid-May, the coalition of 20 organizations -- mostly national while including several groups based in Chicago, where Emanuel was mayor for eight years -- issued a statement in response to reports that Emanuel was in line for the diplomatic post. The organizations warned that Biden was “on the verge of making a serious error,” adding: “Emanuel’s abysmal record as mayor of Chicago disqualifies him to represent the United States in a foreign capital. Our organizations will make sure that every senator hears, loud and clear, from constituents who will insist that this unwise nomination be rejected.”

Pappas: Check your mailbox for Second Installment property tax bills Nearly 1.8 million bills are in the mail Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has mailed out nearly 1.8 million Second Installment property tax bills. Payments are due Oct. 1.

The new bills will bring the total amount billed countywide for 2020 to more than $16.1 billion, an increase of more than 3.4 percent from last year. A recent analysis by the Treasurer’s Office found the tax increase is hitting commercial property owners and Black and Latino suburban property owners the hardest.

To make a payment online, go to the website: * Select the blue box labeled "Pay Online for Free" * Search by property address or enter your Property Index Number (PIN) * There is no fee if you pay from your bank account Taxpayers also may use the website to search for $72 million in available refunds going back 20 years and to verify property tax exemptions, which can lower the tax bill. Homeowners may be missing out on $43 million in exemptions.

To search for refunds or missing exemptions, visit cookcountytreasurer.com: * Select the purple box labeled "Your Property Tax Overview" * Search by property address or enter your Property Index Number (PIN) * Or the results under "Have You Received Your Exemptions in These Tax Years?"

Late payments are charged 1.5 percent per month, as required by Illinois law.

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BUSINESS

Fanbase Appoints Sheraun Britton-Parris As New Advisor New Advisor Appointment for Emerging Social Platform ATLANTA PRNewswire -Fanbase, the subscription-based social platform today announced the appointment of Sheraun BrittonParris as an Advisor to its team.

Founded by Isaac Hayes III, Fanbase’s core mission is to upend the deeply rooted issues Black creators face in the creator economy while providing streamlined monetization capabilities for all users of the platform. Sheraun is a global executive with more than 20 years of corporate marketing experience within the aviation, beauty, consumer packaged goods, financial services, and travel loyalty industries - conceiving, creating, and launching growth strategies and building high-performing teams.

“Sheraun is an extremely accomplished business executive who will help us create the appropriate structure to further garner awareness around the Fanbase brand as we work towards a more equitable space within the social media landscape,” said Fanbase CEO and Founder, Isaac Hayes III. “As someone who is intentional about being a force for good and a force for growth, it is an exciting time to work with an organization that is focused on meaningful and purposedriven work,” said Sheraun BrittonParris, Advisor at Fanbase. “I am looking forward to working with the

PRNewsfoto/Fanbase

Fanbase team to help give creators a voice and an environment to truly flourish and feel appreciated.”

Sheraun is currently Chief Marketing Officer at VisionLabs B.V., a Computer Vision and Machine Learning company. Previous

to that, she served as Head of Portfolio Marketing and Market and Competitive Intelligence at SITA, a technology company in the air travel industry, where she focused on the digitization of customer experiences in airports and on airlines around

the world. Before that she was Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Thanks Again LLC, a founder-led venture in the travel loyalty space. There she overhauled the digital experience as well as member and partner

engagement across the network.

Upon relocating to Atlanta in 2006, she leveraged her marketing expertise in the financial services arena. Her early marketing career began at L’Oreal and Unilever, launching products and brand-building for the Maybelline/Garnier and Lipton Tea franchises, respectively.

Sheraun holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Hampton University and her M.B.A from The Simon Business School at The University of Rochester, where she was a Consortium for Graduate Study in Management (CGSM) Fellow.

Founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Isaac Hayes III, Fanbase is the subscription-based social platform that empowers creators to monetize their content and grow their fanbase.

Rooted in community, Fanbase is the first native app with full content monetization, including audio rooms. Gamification features such as virtual currency -- “Love” -- enable fans to reward their favorite creators.

The combined monthly subscription fee and virtual currency revenue model offers a gateway for users to unlock exclusive content. The social platform is compatible with IOS and Android devices available in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia. For more information, visit https://www. fanbase.app.

Apple selects 15 Black- and Brown-owned businesses These innovative companies from across the US are working on environmental solutions (Black PR Wire) CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA -- Apple today unveiled its first class of 15 Blackand Brown-owned businesses on the cutting edge of green technology and clean energy, who will join the company’s Impact Accelerator to support equity and opportunity in the environmental sector. Part of Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, this program will help to combat systemic barriers to opportunity, while also advancing innovative solutions for communities most impacted by climate change.

The 15 businesses are based across the US — from Silicon Valley in California, to Detroit, Michigan, to tribal nations across the Midwest — and driving innovation in energy efficiency, solar, green chemistry, recycling, and other environmental areas. Many share a specific focus on bringing clean energy, opportunity, and vital services to vulnerable and underserved communities.

“We are thrilled to welcome our first Impact Accelerator class, and look forward to seeing how these innovative businesses will expand their work to protect the planet and our communities,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives. “On our journey to our 2030 carbon neutral goal for our supply chain and products, we’re determined to help create a greener and more equitable future for all people. The businesses we’re partnering with today are poised to become tomorrow’s diverse and innovative industry leaders, creating ripples of change to help communities everywhere adapt to the urgent challenges posed by climate change.”

Selected companies will participate in customized training, and have access to Apple experts and an alumni community. The Impact Accelerator is tailored to

support Black-, Brown-, and Native American and Indigenous-owned businesses that share Apple’s focus on innovation and commitment to the environment as they achieve their next stage of development. Following the three-month virtual program, the companies will be considered for opportunities to act as suppliers to Apple as it works to become carbon neutral for its supply chain and products by 2030.

The Companies: BlocPower, Founder and CEO: Donnel Baird; Climate Technology Company in Brooklyn, NY Mosaic Global Transportation, Founder, President, and CEO: Maurice H. Brewster; Transportation Firm in San Jose, CA Volt Energy Utility, Co-Founder and CEO: Gilbert Campbell III; Utility-Solar Energy Development Firm in Washington, D.C. Bench-Tek Solutions, Founder and CEO: Maria Castellon; www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Manufacturing and Automation Company in Santa Clara, CA GreenTek Solutions, Founder and CEO: Anuar Garcia; Recycling and Reuse Company in Houston, TX Diversified Chemical Technologies, Inc., President and Chief Financial Officer: Karl Johnson; Chemical Safety Firm in Detroit, Michigan Oceti Sakowin Power Authority, Chairman and Head of the Board of Directors: Lyle Jack; Clean Energy Developer in Tribal Regions Across the Dakotas Vericool, Inc., Founder and CEO: Darrell Jobe; Packaging and Shipment Company in Livermore, CA Dunamis Clean Energy Partners, Founder and CEO: Natalie King; Environmental Solutions Company in Southfield, MI VMX International, Founder, President, and CEO: Vickie Lewis; Environmental Services Company in

Detroit, MI Argent Associates, Founder, President, and CEO: Beatriz Manetta: Technology Consultancy in Plano, TX Inspectorio, Co-Founders: Carlos Moncayo and David Klein; Supply Chain Solutions Firm in Minneapolis, MN Group O, CEO: Gregg Ontiveros; Supply Chain Solutions Firm in Milan, IL RFG-MPW Environmental & Facility Services, Chairman and CEO: Roderick Rickman; Industrial Cleaning and Environmental Service Firm in Detroit, MI L2S Engineering, LLC, Founder: Laurie Ann Sibani; Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineering Design Firm in Leesburg, VA and Apollo Beach, FL For more information about Apple’s commitment to protecting the environment, visit apple.com/ environment.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Sept. 1, 2021

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FASHION

SHEIN Announces First-Ever SHEIN X 100K Challenge Series With Guest Judges In celebration of the successful SHEIN X program, the SHEIN X 100K Challenge will give participating emerging designers a chance to win a grand prize of $100,000 along with a chance to be featured in SHEIN’s Fall/Winter 2021 virtually streamed fashion showcase LOS ANGELES PRNewswire -- Global fashion and lifestyle retailer SHEIN will be hosting the first-ever SHEIN X 100K Challenge series this summer. The four- episode series will feature a star-studded panel of judges including Khloé Kardashian, Law Roach, Christian Siriano, Jenna Lyons and Laurel Pantin. The Be Bold, Be You challenge will kick-off with 30 emerging designers, who will compete for a chance to make it to the final top 5.

The 5 finalists will earn the opportunity to fly to Los Angeles for the finale and a once in a lifetime chance to be mentored by the judges (1-on-1) during the final challenge: Be You!. The winning designer will be announced on the series’ last episode: Sunday, September 12th, and will take home the grand prize of $100,000.

These SHEIN X designer creations will be showcased during SHEIN’s Fall/Winter 2021 virtual fashion

show and streamed to millions of viewers globally. The SHEIN X 100K Challenge series began on Sunday, August 22nd, via SHEIN’s free app as well as SHEIN’s official YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

SHEIN launched the SHEIN X designer incubator program in January 2021. The ongoing program aims to provide emerging fashion designers the opportunity to partner with SHEIN and take their brands to new heights. The online series program is one of many large philanthropic initiatives from the brand in 2021, and aims to bring people together in celebration of fashion.

Episode Air Dates Sunday, September 5, 2021 (2:00 PM- PST) Sunday, September 12, 2021 (2:00 PM- PST) SHEIN X provides emerging

fashion designers and illustrators the opportunity to partner with SHEIN, and take their designs and brands to new heights. Specifically developed to offset recurring infringement issues within the industry, SHEIN X offers emerging talents to grow their revenue streams, gain exposure and tap massive Gen Z audiences across the globe.

The platform will amplify the designer’s product and brand to the massive global SHEIN consumer base, while highlighting each of their unique and stylish brand identities.

SHEIN will work closely with the designers and take them from the inception phase to sampling, production, and distribution (via the SHEIN website).

Founded in 2008, SHEIN is a fast-fashion e-retailer with a global network that spans 220 countries and regions. Here at SHEIN, we place a premium not on our apparel, but

SHEIN

on choice. That’s why we drop 1000 new fashion items daily, spoiling our customers with a dizzying selection of on-trend womenswear that they can mix and match to their heart’s delight. We do this because we believe that the clothes we wear reflect our personalities and we want to empower today’s

women to explore and express their individuality. With the abundance of choice we provide, our customers can intricately craft that perfect look which reflects their individuality.

Simply put, we help you do you. To learn more about SHEIN, follow us at shein.com, instagram.com/ sheinofficial and youtube.com/shein.

Alo Yoga Partners With IMG To Bring Wellness And Mindfulness Alo Announced as Official Wellness Partner of New York Fashion Week: The Shows NEW YORK PRNewswire -- Alo Yoga (Alo), a leading activewear and lifestyle brand, today announces its commitment to bringing yoga and mindful movement as the first official wellness partner for New York Fashion Week: The Shows (NYFW: The Shows).

“I couldn’t think of a better moment in time to announce Alo Yoga as our first official wellness partner for NYFW: The Shows as we venture out of lockdown.

Continued wellness should be top of mind for us all as we find our way back this September, and we are so appreciative to Alo Yoga for their support of our fashion community,” said Leslie Russo, president of IMG’s Fashion Events and Properties.

The partnership will officially kick off on Sept. 9, with the Alo Wellness Dept., an immersive, invite-only event at Spring Studios offering several wellness touchpoints including a Kundalini yoga class, a meditative sound bath on the rooftop of Spring Studios and will continue on Sept. 10, with more wellness offerings including ear seeding acupressure, intuitive readings, astrology readings by Lisa Donovan, founder of The Pattern App, aura

Alo Yoga

photos and custom wellness lattes.

“We’re so excited to welcome Alo into Spring,” says Morgan Buksbaum, president of Spring Studios. “We can’t think of a better brand to come into our space and provide the perfect experience for the fashion community to reconnect and find peace during The Shows.”

Through this partnership, Alo aims to bring mindfulness and wellness to the biggest fashion event of the year and celebrate connection,

specifically as NYFW returns to inperson shows.

“We’re thrilled to partner with IMG this season as Fashion Week returns to New York. Alo exists at the intersection of fashion and lifestyle, so we see The Shows as the perfect venue to host a myriad of mindful moments for attendees to reconnect to themselves as well as each other,” says Danny Harris, co-founder of Alo. This partnership marks continued expansion for the brand. This year, www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Alo saw an increase of sales growth in its apparel categories and launched into beauty for the first time with the debut of the Glow System in December 2020, a botanical-based, clean skin and body care regimen that can be found at retailers including Credo, Revolve as well as its brick and mortar stores.

Alo will also be hosting events at its New York-based sanctuaries located in the Flatiron and SoHo areas from Sept. 6-12. Attendees can

expect to see a Wellness Gifting Suite at the SoHo location, featuring the brand’s debut skincare collection: Alo Glow System alongside a schedule of daily yoga, meditation and breathwork classes offered at the Flatiron location. On Sept. 9, Alo will host an invite-only dinner at Sutra, its rooftop restaurant located in Flatiron. Additionally, the brand will hold press appointments to present its Spring ‘22 collection at its Flatiron sanctuary from Sept. 6-9.

Alo Yoga (Alo) is a Los Angelesbased premium lifestyle brand that specializes in luxury activewear with a mission to bring yoga to the world, spread mindful movement, inspire wellness and create community. Since launching in 2007, Alo has become a global leader in activewear design and its franchised fabrics. Alo is eco-aware and has been W.R.A.P. Certified in a humane and sweat-shop free environment since day one. An acronym for Air, Land, and Ocean, Alo has a studioto-street mentality that transcends fashion and goes beyond the mat.

Alo is available online at www. aloyoga.com and at Alo Sanctuaries in Los Angeles, New York San Diego, and Austin as well as select retailers.

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Sept.1,1,2021 2021

NEWS

Aqueous Ozone Proves Effective in Killing COVID-19 BES Group’s aqueous ozone spray bottles tested by a third-party lab were shown to kill SARS-CoV-2 in 60 seconds.

SAN ANTONIO PRNewswire -- Aqueous ozone by BES Group’s Multi-Purpose Ozone Bottle and Professional Ozone Spray Bottle has proved effective in killing SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in testing by a third-party lab at Nara Medical University in Japan.

A leading manufacturer in electro-

lytic ozone technology solutions, BES Group’s products under the BioSure Professional and Biolux brands are used by thousands of people around the world for chemical free disinfection of hospitals, kitchens, homes, manufacturing plants, and other applications.

In the test, aqueous ozone generated from the aqueous ozone generator

spray bottle was sprayed on a petri dish smeared with coronavirus from a distance of 10 to 20 cm, with a five-minute contact time. The Multi-Purpose Ozone Bottle was sprayed 5 times (1 time at 0.2 ml of aqueous ozone), and the Professional Ozone Spray Bottle was sprayed three times (1 time at 1.5 ml of

Bring

Passion

aqueous ozone) on a petri dish with a sample of the COVID-19 virus. The Multi-purpose Ozone Bottle killed the virus at 99.974% efficacy, while the Professional Ozone Spray Bottle killed the virus at more than 99.998% efficacy. Results show that using BES Group’s ozone spray bottles are effective in preventing contact infection by the new coronavirus. In addition to killing coronavirus, both ozone spray bottles are effective in killing viruses that cause the common cold, as well as bacteria and microbes that cause a number of illnesses.

“These test results are a milestone in the global fight against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic”. said Darren Simmons, President of BioSure North America LLC. “With a mobile disinfecting spray that leaves no chemical residues, healthcare professionals, food and beverage professionals, and homeowners, among others, can safely protect themselves, their staff, and their families against surface infection of COVID-19.

We’re thrilled to empower more people to do their part in eliminating the COVID-19 virus from the spaces where we live and work.”

How aqueous ozone kills COVID-19 Aqueous ozone can be produced by an electrolytic ozone generator that attaches to a water line or in the form of a mobile spray bottle. Once ozone is produced, it reacts with a pollutant and breaks it down into less complex molecules via a process called oxidation. Ozone (O3) is a

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reactive element consisting of three atoms of oxygen. It is reactive because it will readily degrade back to its stable state, diatomic oxygen (O2) with the formation of free oxygen atoms or free radicals. The free oxygen atoms or radicals are highly reactive and will oxidize almost anything (including viruses, bacteria, organic and inorganic compounds) in contact by rupturing the cell walls and killing the virus. The new coronavirus is considered an “enveloped virus”, which is usually more responsive to Physico-chemical challenges. Ozone destroys this type of virus by diffusing into the core, thereby destroying the viral RNA. Aqueous ozone by higher concentration can also destroy the outer shell by oxidation.

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CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Sept. 1, 2021

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NEWS

Affinity Empowering Enrolls 100th Organization ALEXANDRIA, Va. PRNewswire -- Affinity Empowering, Inc., a leading provider of the most sophisticated and secure occupational, behavioral, and direct-to-consumer health services, today announced that it has enrolled its 100th organization into Operation Expanded Testing (OET), a federal initiative to provide fully funded COVID-19 surveillance testing programs available for community organizations including K-12 schools, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), summer school programs, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, select, non-profit community centers, and more. OET was created in agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in coordination with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), and Affinity Empowering is coordinating OET program implementation in 26 states and U.S. territories on behalf of Clinical Enterprise, Inc., a Eurofins company.

“Enrolling 100 organizations into Operation Expanded Testing is an important milestone, emblematic of the hard work from each and every member of the Affinity team,” said Scott Storrer, Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Empowering. “Surveillance testing is such an important way to control the spread of COVID-19.

Affinity prides itself on providing quality, convenient health solutions like Operation Expanded Testing. Given the devastation of COVID-19, we

hope that more organizations continue to enroll and take advantage of this no-cost opportunity.”

The 100 enrolled organizations are comprised of a broad array of eligible institution types, representing the universal need for public health safety measures in response to COVID-19. Affinity’s team continues to connect with organizational leaders as it anticipates an increased need for testing due to the start of the school year and the contagiousness of the Delta variant.

“We cannot stress enough the importance of having COVID-19 surveillance testing available for the students at our schools,” said Laura Clancy, Health and Safety Lead at Mastery Schools in Philadelphia, Pa. and Camden, N.J. “We chose Operation Expanded Testing over other programs because it provides the gold-standard PCR testing, which is more accurate than rapid testing in a surveillance setting. Affinity also provides us with all the supplies we need and has consistently returned results in 24 hours. We’re grateful for the whole Operation Expanded Testing team.”

Interested representatives of K-12 schools and other eligible community organizations are encouraged to visit https://www.affinitytesting. com or to contact Affinity Empowering (email: OperationExpandedTesting@AffinityEmpowering.com, phone: 1-844-631-0469) to learn more about and sign up for the program.

Operation Expanded Testing (OET) is a federally funded program to provide no-cost, “click and go” COVID-19 surveillance testing to congregate settings, including K-12 schools, Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs), summer school programs, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and select, non-profit community centers. COVID-19 surveillance testing is recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the safe reopening of schools.

Affinity Empowering offers the OET program to these institutions in 26 Northeast and Southern states and additional territories on behalf of Eurofins Clinical. Affinity and Eurofins are coordinating OET program implementation in agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in coordination with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

Affinity and Eurofins use PCR testing, the gold standard for accurate detection of COVID-19, and a pooled system to expedite the delivery of results. Individuals submit two samples, collected from the tip of the nose for minimal invasiveness, to avoid requiring a retest in the event of a positive pool. Through its proprietary Assure integrated technology platform, Affinity delivers COVID-19 test results with an average turnaround time of 24 hours.

Unlike other federal programs to fund

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COVID-19 testing, OET has no upfront costs nor paperwork. Interested eligible parties can simply visit Affinity’s OET website and click the “Enroll Today” button and provide some basic information. Affinity will then provide the resources and training necessary to establish a COVID-19 testing program at your institution. For questions or additional information, visit the website or contact Affinity’s 24/7 customer service staff directly (email: OperationExpandedTesting@AffinityEmpowering.com, phone: 1-844-631-0469).

Affinity Empowering is a leading occupational health, population, and disease management life sciences organization that specializes in providing technology-based solutions and support for overall health and wellness endeavors. In addition to providing occupational health, mental health, and cutting edge, wrap around substance use support, the company also has become a major provider of COVID-19 testing. Its Return to Normalcy program provides COVID-19 consultation, support, and conducts thousands of onsite and at home testing options to safely screen, monitor, and test populations. It currently supports numerous business partners in various fields, ranging from government contracts, universities, top Fortune 100 companies, and major film and television production companies.

For more information, please visit https:// www.affinitytesting.com

8 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Sept. 1, 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

Kandi Burruss Covers HelloBeautiful’s Digital Cover NEW YORK PRNewswire -- HelloBeautiful’s “The Fall Preview” digital cover spotlights Kandi Burruss -- singer, songwriter and reality TV star. Kandi gets candid about her supportive husband, non-stop grind, making the foray into acting, becoming a Broadway producer and building her own brands in our “Welcome to Kandi Land” cover story. In this issue, HelloBeautiful features comprehensive guides to prepare our readers for the fashion month of the year. From NYFW to the MET gala and back to school, September is our favorite time of year. Get the tea from Kandi about: Her Perfect Marriage: “I married the perfect husband for me.

He pushes me and motivates me as well. I know sometimes people can be in relationships that don’t necessarily help them grow.

But I feel like I definitely found the perfect mate that waters my flowers.”

Her Role On “The Chi”: “I wanted to do justice to Rosalyn. I wanted her to be dope. I wanted people to see me in this light of being an actress and really feeling like I have embodied the character. I’m not just a reality TV star who got a break.”

Being New To The World of Broadway: Broadway has been known as the great white way for a long time in past history? To have a show like this with all of us, you know, being a part of it, championing it. It has to be a success. It’ll be a win for not just us, but for the whole culture.”

Her Role On “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”: “When I got

on Housewives, the people got a chance to see the side where I would say anything when it talks about sex or make jokes that may be inappropriate sometimes. People just got to see a different side of who I am personally. And I just feel like over time, I’m not necessarily, you know, the one who’s gonna walk around in a throng every day, but if I want to, I will.”

Since the relaunch in September 2020, HelloBeautiful has continued to build momentum as a leading news and lifestyle site for women of color with Shamika Sanders as the Managing Editor.

HelloBeautiful is the premiere style and beauty destination for Black women, recognizing the lack of a dedicated outlet for Black women who relish fashion and beauty. Known for being a media platform that provides a space for women to explore beauty ideals on a deeper level, HelloBeautiful’s choice of Kandi Burruss as cover girl is no surprise as she encompasses all things that are beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and more. You can’t knock her hustle!

For more information, visit HelloBeautiful.com. iOne Digital is a collection of digital platforms providing the African-American community with social, news and entertainment content across numerous branded websites, including Cassius, Bossip, HipHopWired, and MadameNoire branded websites. One Solution provides award-winning, fully integrated advertising solutions across the entire Urban One multi-media platform. Through its national, multi-media operations,

PRNewsFoto/HelloBeautiful

the Company and One Solution provides advertisers with a unique and powerful delivery mechanism to African-American and urban audiences. Finally, Urban One owns a minority interest in MGM National Harbor, a gaming resort located in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

Tyler Perry Studios Extends Worldwide Deal with Sony Music Publishing NEW YORK PRNewswire -- Sony Music Publishing today announced the extension of its worldwide agreement with Tyler Perry and his production enterprise Tyler Perry Studios (“TPS”).

Under the agreement, Sony Music Publishing’s Visual + Media Rights division – newly rebranded from Broadcast & Media Rights – will continue to administer all of Tyler Perry Studios’ commissioned music for over 60 productions, including 1,500 series episodes, 26 films, 20 plays; and will cover future productions. The deal renews the company’s long-standing, 10-year relationship with Perry, alongside his music supervisor Joel C High.

Recently, Tyler Perry announced he is taking his iconic Madea character, a franchise grossing over $1 billion at the box office, to Netflix with a twelfth film, A Madea Homecoming, slated for release in 2022. Next year, Perry and Netflix also plan to release A Jazzman’s Blues, his longtime passion project that he first wrote in 1995. Written, directed and produced by Perry, the film is set from 1937–1987 and follows an unsolved murder investigation, revealing a story of forbidden love, deceit and a long-held secret.

Tyler Perry said, “I’m very pleased to continue my creative partnership with Jon, Cathy, and the Sony Music Publishing team. I’m grateful for their support and passion for Tyler Perry Studios, and I look forward to future successes together.”

Sony Music Publishing Chairman and CEO Jon Platt said, “Tyler Perry Studios continues to transform the film/tv industry with its modern creative vision and passion for diverse storytelling. At Sony Music Publishing, we are committed to supporting the studio’s talented composers and the music that bring these unique narratives to life.”

Sony Music Publishing SVP, Visual + Media

PRNewsFoto/Sony

Rights Cathy Merenda said, “We are honored for Tyler Perry Studios to extend its long-standing relationship with Sony Music Publishing.

TPS has continued to raise the bar for creative excellence across stage and screen, and we look forward to championing their work with the best services in the industry.”

Oscar and Emmy award-winner Tyler Perry is celebrated for his prolific work as an actor, filmmaker, director, screenwriter, producer, playwright, and author. His film and television highlights include Diary of a Mad Black Woman and eleven other Madea films; nine seasons of House of Payne and Meet the Browns (both in syndication); and his new series The

Oval, Sistas, Ruthless, and Bruh. Perry is also developing Mabel, a Madea prequel series, with Showtime. As an actor, Perry recently starred in Taylor Sheridan’s thriller Those Who Wish Me Dead and in Adam McKay’s upcoming Netflix film Don’t Look Up, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, and Cate Blanchett.

In 2019, Perry unveiled the historic opening of Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, making him the first African American to lead a major production studio. TPS develops and produces motion picture films, as well as drama and comedy television programming, which air on BET, BET Her, BET+, Amazon, and Netflix. Perry is represented by WME and Ziffren Brittenham LLP.

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Tyler Perry Studios (“TPS”) was formed by actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry, and develops and produces motion picture films, in addition to drama and comedy television programming for the multi-platform U.S. television market.

TPS’ former studio lot was situated on a 200,000 square foot former Delta Airlines campus of over 60 acres in the Greenbriar area of southwest Atlanta. During the course of its operation, the space was home to production of 10 films and over 700 episodes of Perry’s five television series. In 2015, TPS expanded operations with the acquisition of Fort McPherson, a former army base, which sits on over 330 acres minutes from downtown Atlanta. Perry and the studio’s Georgia-based employees are in production of Perry’s current television series and feature films, in addition to providing state of the art facilities and services to major feature films and television shows filming in Atlanta. The TPS grounds contain twelve soundstages named after highly accomplished African-Americans in the entertainment industry that range in size between 10,000 and 60,000 square feet.

Providing worldwide expertise to maximize revenue generation and collection, Sony Music Publishing’s newly rebranded Visual + Media Rights division (formerly known as Broadcast & Media Rights) is the leader in full-service management and administration of rights derived from film, television and audio-visual content, delivering world class service to broadcasters, producers and rights holders. Its clients range from start-ups to major global groups including 20th Century Studios, A+E, All3Media, CBS Television Network, Cinetel, Discovery, Endemol Shine Group, Entertainment One, Fox Entertainment, Mattel, New Regency Entertainment, Showtime Networks, Sky, and Sony Pictures.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Sept. 1, 2021

How to preserve fresh sweet cherries for healthy snacking all year

year

(BPT) - Fresh sweet Northwest cherries are a tasty summertime superfruit packed with nutrients. It's easy to find fresh cherries during the summer, but the rest of the year may leave you yearning for the delicious and nutritious snack. Stock up on fresh cherries now and preserve their flavor and health benefits for year-round enjoyment.

Four reasons to stock up on sweet cherries while they're fresh!

Sweet Northwest cherries are as healthy as they are delectable, making them the perfect treat to satisfy a sweet craving without the sugar spike. Northwest cherries boast incredible health benefits for the mind and body, including: 1. Fighting chronic inflammatory diseases Sweet cherries can help prevent chronic inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis and cancer. Inflammation has also been tied to increased risk factors of cancer and research is suggesting that sweet cherries may possess cancer-fighting properties 2. Exercise recovery Sweet cherries contain anthocyanins, which appear to shut down enzymes that cause tissue inflammation in a similar manner to . ibuprofen and naproxen. Those anti-inflammatory properties also make cherries a great workout recovery snack.

3. Low glycemic, big on nutrients!

Sweet cherries boast a lower glycemic index than almost any other fruit and promote healthy blood glucose by releasing glucose slowly and evenly so blood sugar levels stay steady longer. According to a 2019 article in Trends in Food Science & Technology, cherry extracts reduce glucose blood levels and protect pancreatic beta-cells from oxidative damage, enabling them to continue balanced production of insulin.

4. Enhanced cognitive function The anthocyanins found in sweet cherries may improve memory and cognition in older adults with mild-to-moderate dementia. Also, cherry phenolics appear to protect cells from damaging stress while the cherry's serotonin reduces stress and improves mood.

Enjoy the sweet taste of summer all throughout the year.

Preserving sweet cherries can be quick and easy, and a great way to extend their short peak season. Two popular ways to preserve sweet cherries are freezing and drying.

Freezing sweet cherries The first step in the freezing process is to rinse firm, ripe cherries - stems and all - in cold water and drain thoroughly. Next, decide how you're most likely to use them. For snacking, you can leave them whole and just enjoy them off the stem later. If smoothies and sauces are your game, then pitting the cherries at this point will save time and mess later. Once that's decided, pack the cherries in plastic freezer bags or freezer-proof containers, remove excess air, seal the package and freeze.

Drying fresh cherries For dried sweet cherries, the simplest step is to use your oven to preserve this summertime superfruit, or even invest in a food dehydrator. The Northwest Cherry Growers recommend drying at 140-degrees Fahrenheit for six to 12 hours, low and slow.

Once dry, they can be stored in plastic bags with the excess air removed, and stored in a dark, dry, cool place. Enjoy them straight, tossed into trail mix, as a sweet-tart topping for granola or oatmeal, or substituted for raisins in a favorite cookie recipe.

For more tips on turning your summertime snack into an all-the-time staple of a nutritious diet, or to learn more about the numerous health benefits of sweet cherries, visit the Northwest Cherry Growers website at nwcherries.com/sweethealth.

The perfect sips, trips and tips for a satisfying summer season (BPT) - After a year like no other, everyone is seeking ways to celebrate the summer and enjoy those little things that make such a big difference. You don't have to be a wine expert to know that the right wine or cocktail for the occasion can make any get-together truly outstanding. Whether you're hanging out with friends around the grill or embarking on an epic road trip, here are tips for relearning how to enjoy the moment.

1. Stemware for everywhere Or better yet - stemless wineglasses! Find unbreakable, shatterproof, insulated wineglasses online that are just perfect for your next patio party, beach day or glamping trip. There are plenty of choices for insulated tumblers and coolers to keep wine and other beverages chilled and safe, no matter where you go.

2. Choose wines that are bright, light and just right Whether relaxing with friends on the beach or around your backyard fire pit, enjoy a light, refreshing white wine that's fragrant, vibrantly fruity and crisp, like the 2020 Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. The vineyards are planted along the Wairau River's edge, creating quality wines to help you enjoy the moment.

3. Keep cool When you're enjoying an outdoor get-together, you'll want to prevent wine from getting too warm - even reds. One trick is to store wine bottles in a cooler or a bucket filled with

ice, salt and water. The salt in the water helps bring the freezing point of water below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Inspire your inner mixologist Did you know wines can be used to create refreshing summer drinks? Add seasonal fruit or herbs to transform a favorite wine into a cooling cocktail.

Create your own Moscato Moscow Mule with this easy recipe: Ingredients * 5 ounces Seven Daughters Moscato * A few ounces club soda * Lime * Ginger ale Instructions Mix Seven Daughters Moscato and club soda.Add squeeze of lime and top with ginger ale.Garnish with lime wedge.Makes 1 serving.

5. Rediscover wine country When you're itching to get away from it all, why not sip your way through a tasting flight at a winery? With over 11,000 wineries across the U.S., you have plenty to choose from. You can even find hidden gems in parts of well-known Napa, like the Maxville Winery in the

Chiles Valley. This unique winery started as a summer camp, with its first grapevines planted back in 1974. Today, you can visit the winery and sample the Estate Maxville Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Red Blend and Petite Sirah.

6. Fire up the grill and chill When you're grilling outdoors, choosing a wine that complements whatever you're barbecuing can be challenging, but when you find one that can really bring out the flavor of your food, everything tastes that much better.

Here's an easy rule of thumb: For traditionalists, burgers, ribs and steaks pair perfectly with a Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel or even a Malbec. For lighter fare like grilled fish, chicken, pork chops or veggies, choose a lighter wine to pair with it, like a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Rose.

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10 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Sept. 1, 2021

HOME & GARDENING

Don't let flushability fears throw a wrench in your bathroom routine (BPT) - Although your toilet requires regular maintenance to keep things flowing the right way, many of us don't know the basics of taking care of the porcelain throne. Luckily, learning how to take care of your toilet is as easy as following a few simple tips, stocking up on the right products and finding a great plumber to step in when you need them.

Roger Wakefield, LEED AP, Green Certified Master Plumber, has more than 40 years' experience and shares five plumbing tips on how to care for your bathroom as a homeowner.

Tip #1: Know how to fix a clog What many people don't realize is that you don't always need to be a plumber or have special tools to fix a toilet. If you want to avoid a clog, don't fear! Take the lid off the toilet tank, turn off the water and pour a half gallon of vinegar into the flush valve (where the flapper sits) and let it sit for 30 minutes. It's going to fill the rim, clean and break down the hard water buildup to wash it out. Turn the water back on and flush it. It should flush much better.

What many people don't realize is that you don't always need to be a plumber or have special tools to fix a toilet. If you want to avoid a clog, don't fear! take the lid off the toilet tank, turn off the water and pour a half gallon of vinegar into the flush valve (where the flapper sits) and let it sit for 30 minutes. It's going to fill the rim, clean and break down the hard water buildup to wash it out. Turn the water back on and flush it. It should flush much better.

Tip #2: What is flushable?

Although many wipes look the same, wipes are created differently, and many are not meant to be flushed. Many people flush disposable cleaning wipes, baby wipes or other wipes that do not break down after flushing and can wreak havoc on your pipes.

This is why I only recommend Cottonelle Flushable Wipes because they contain fibers that are 100% biodegradable, plastic free and designed to immediately start to break down in water. That means you can flush them away without worry. They are currently the only wipe approved by Wastewater Utility as being safe to flush. In addition to being approved for flushing, they also contribute to a refreshingly clean routine alongside your toilet paper.

Tip #3: Make sure you check before you flush Check the label before you flush and ask yourself "Is this flushable?" Cottonelle Flushable Wipes are septic safe and this is indicated on the packing.

Forensic studies by sewer agencies show at least 98% of materials collected from treatment plant screens were baby wipes, hard surface cleaning wipes, paper towels, tampons and other hygiene products labeled "Do Not Flush." Just one minute of reading can save you tons of money.

Tip #4: Replace old pipes So many issues can be traced back to outdated piping materials, which is why I always tell my clients, and potential homeowners, to learn when the piping was installed. If you live in a home that was built before or even during the '70s and '80s, I recommend inspecting and possibly replacing cast iron, steel and lead pipes. All of those materials can corrode and break over the years, causing many costly repairs in your future. Also, if you have polybutylene water lines, keep an eye on your water bill as the cost could help

indicate a potential leak.

Tip #5: Embrace the double flush In addition to being more mindful of what you're flushing down the toilet (e.g., flushing non-flushable wipes), you may need to use a "double-flush." That can mean flushing once before throwing toilet paper or flushable wipes in the bowl, and then flushing again to ensure the materials have gone down the drain. Another preventative measure is addressing a weak flush or slow

drain immediately. The situation probably won't get better by doing nothing so either check it out and clear it yourself or call your plumber.

Keeping your toilet and pipes clear can save you from lots of trouble later. For more information on the importance of using the right wipes for your toilet, visit Cottonelle.com/ Flushability, follow on social and follow Roger Wakefield on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok.

Redefine modern design with purposeful nuance ( BPT) - Modern design celebrates the elimination of unnecessary elements, keeping only the beautiful details that enhance a space.

Purposeful, exquisite nuances from finishings and natural materials to functional details bring life to modern design. Designers can redefine a modern space with these principles in mind to create a stunning, yet timeless aesthetic that embodies luxury in its truest form.

Stunning refinement Curate a design with clean and streamlined architectures to create a bold yet minimalistic look that maintains sensible simplicity while appreciating modern refinement. In the bath, creatively integrate natural materials such as marble, wood and caning for a sense of elegance that enables the space to transcend residential design. Selecting an understated palette provides a base upon which to accent with rich tones and create a luxurious space that maintains a timeless aura.

Dimensional details Elevate the design in a bath or kitchen space by adding depth through intentional geometric patterns, tactile textures and layered styling. Add a note of modern sophistication by selecting handcrafted details made to last, such as a faceted side table made from marble or a textured wallpaper. Consider also adding iconic details and textiles that transform a space without adding clutter. Channel these rich, intentional details to accentuate the natural beauty of the design aesthetic.

Exquisitely crafted Source fixtures that embody an innate design versatility and make a statement. Create a focal point in a space through an elegant faucet with refined lines and add a touch of the sublime through purposeful nuances like the knurling details featured in the The Litze® Bath Collection by Brizo®. Each of the six handles in the expanded collection, from the new Wheel Handle to the Notched Lever, combine exquisite form with raw beauty to create an undeniably modern look that maintains an element of timelessness. Build upon these elements by selecting a color palette that highlights contrast. Bringing temperate tones into a warm space or incorporating warm accents against cool materials such as marble vanities or walls will add a sense of modernity to the design.

Functional luxury A simple, yet intricate design can have a significant impact on overall aesthetics and functionality. Find the perfect intersection

between artistry and innovative utility for a modern take on artisan design. Make decisions that strike a balance between curated, luxe pieces and the overall space to create an intentional design with clear lines that highlights form in its simplicity. Bring form and function together with deliberate décor. Add atmospheric lighting that simultaneously serves a purpose and adds a soothing quality to a space. Layer in exquisite details like functionally placed knurling in The Litze® Bath Collection by Brizo® or an artful sculpture that acts as both table and statement as a final finishing touch. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Sept. 1, 2021

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

3+ Bedroom HOMES FOR SALE SELLER FINANCING Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ____________________________________

HELP WANTED HANDY MAN/ HELPER NEEDED For general carpentry and light duty maintenance work (plumbing, electrical, cleaning) etc.

Must have ability to get to job and some tools.

Daily Pay. Veterans and retiree’s welcome.

(312) 683-5229 __ ____________________________________

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR A PERSONAL ASSISTANT MUST HAVE DRIVERS LICENSE CALL (773) 233-5678 ASK FOR PAUL CALL AFTER 6:00 P.M.

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Retistration Number: Y21007654 on August 23, 2021.

Under the Assumed Business Name of SCRAP WOOD RECYCLERS with tHe business located at 85 OGLESBY 3S, CALUMET CITY, IL 60409. The true and real full name (s) and residence address of the owner (s) /partner (s) is: Owner/ Partner Full Name RICHARD JOHNSON Complete Address 85 OGLESBY 3S, CALUMET CITY, IL 60409, USA _____________________________________

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BY HIRING A PERSONAL TRAINER

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Call Credit Restoration Service Today!

(218) 833-3769 REAL ESTATE HUD/BANK FORECLOSURES CITY & SUBURBS Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ____________________________________

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21007577 on August 11, 202. Under the Assumed Business Name of SHADES OF WISDOM with the business located at: 217 LEE, PARK FOREST, IL 60466. The True and real full name(s) and residence address of the owners (s) /partner (s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name: ANTHONY LEE LEWIS Complete Address: 217 PARK FOREST, IL 60466, USA. ______________________________________

COPYRIGHT NOTICE/ PUBLIC NOTICE moorish national republic federal government ~ societas republicae ea al maurikanos ~ moorish divine and national movement of the world northwest amexem / southwest amexem / central amexem adjoining atlantis and americana Islands ~ temple of the moon and sun ~ the true and de jure natural peoples - heirs of the land ~ i.s.l.a.m. ~ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ lawful notice!

- appellation declaration, correction proclamation and publication i, haziq bey, being a direct descendant of the ancient canaanites / moabites, assert my birthright claim of right and of title. standing squarely and duly affirmed, i do declare, and proclaim, upon divine law; upon nature's law; upon universal law; upon my moorish birthrights; upon international law; and by treaty and constitutional law; declare, proclaim and say: i, haziq bey, being previously misclassified and misidentified by persons of the union states society, u.s.a - doing business at north america, was falsely - designated under the colorable, wardship name, BRANDON DJON EVANS, and do hereby refute the said misclassifications and frauds; making it known to the public; and publish my corrected free national appellation, attribute and title. i declare and affirm my true, 'proper person status and estate' and assertively reclaim my rightful social and cultural life of the state. my declaration, correction, proclamation and publication are in sanguineous and harmonious accord with my moorish nation of northwest amexem / north america - acknowledging my

birthrights. having lawfully, dutifully, and legally obtained and proclaimed my moorish nationality and birthrights, appellation and title; in harmony with, in association with, and in accord with divine law; the archaic customs; and the laws, rules, and usages of the "the moorish divine and national movement"; being aboriginal and indigenous, and bound to the north american continent by heritage, by primogeniture; by birthright; by natural birth; by freehold; and by heirship inheritance. my right of claim is 'declared' for the public record, and i am returning the european cognomen, brands, and fictitious misnomer(s) back to the colonial possessors of their construct and pedigree. i am now rightfully and correctively declaring, publishing, and proclaiming my own free national appellation and title; affirming my actual, rightful, and 'in full life' status; conjoined to my moorish american consanguine pedigree and national honor. let it be declared, known, published, and resolved that: i am haziq bey, 'in propria persona' sui juris, sui heredes, in solo proprio (being in my own proper person), by birthright; and by heirship inheritance and without imposition of the foreign, imposed color-of-law, color of authority, nor by any assumed or colorable jurisdictions or due processes of the foreign union states society persons doing business at north america / northwest amexem; pursuant to, but not limited to: 1. free moorish american zodiac con stitution: 2. (zodiac constitution and birthrights of the moorish americans) - being ali, bey, el, dey and al, affirmed and supported by article two (2), paragraph two (2).

3. united states republic: department of jutice: 4. moorish american credentials: copyright aa 222141 truth a-1.

5. united states supreme court: supreme law - acts of state.

6. UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION: Article III (3), Section two (2), Amendment V (5) (Liberty Clause) and Amendment IX (9) (Reservation of the Rights of the People) 7. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: RESO LUTION NUMBER SEVENTY-FIVE (75): Dated April 17, 1933 A.D. TITLED, "MOOR ISH-AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PHILADE PHIA AND THE USE OF THEIR NAMES".

8. UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS UNITED NATIONS 9. HUMAN RIGHTS [Article Fifteen (15)].

10. RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES UNITED NATIONS: GENERAL 11. ASSEMBLY - Part 1, Article 4, Article 5 international law: moorish americans, being the rightful heirs and aboriginal and indigenous natural peoples of the land, have and exercise the divine and natural rights to proclaim our attributes, appellation, titles and nationality.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Citizen Newspaper Group Inc. is looking for a great candidate to fill an open position on our editorial team. This postion is for a PartTime General Assignment Reporter. We are looking for a self-starter who is passionate about writting and have excellent English Writting skills. The Applicant should have knowledge in using Microsoft Office, with a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and or a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Jornalism. The Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and transportation to cover assignments. If you are interested, you should submit your resume with a cover letter and two copies of previous published work.

Please send it to us at: citizennewspapergroup@gmail.com. No Phone Calls Please.

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Darrell Garth

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Janice Garth

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moors / muurs have and exercise our divine and natural rights to live in freedom, peace and security as distinct people and to full guarantees against genocide or any acts of violence, including the removal of our natural birthed seed or offspring from our families and communities under any pretext. in addition, moors have the individual rights to life, physical and mental integrity, liberty and security of person.

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moors / muurs have and exercise the divine and natural rights to revitalize, use, develop, and to transmit to our future generations their histories, their languages, oral traditions, philosophies, writing systems and literatures, and to designate and retain their own names for communities, places, and person. states shall take effective measures, whenever any rights of moors / muurs may be threatened, to ensure this right is protected, and also to ensure that they can understand and be understood in political, legal and administrative proceedings, where necessary through the provision of interpretation or by other appropriate means.

Chatham, Avalon Park, Park Manor, Greater Grand Crossing, Burnside, Chesterfield, West Chersterfield, South Shore,and Calumet Heitghts.

wherefore, i, haziq bey, being heir to the land and 'part and parcel' herein, by birthright, by freehold, by primogeniture, and by heirship inheritance, stand with assured competence, and make a lawful entry of affidavit and public notification of nationality proclamation; appellation correction claim; declaration; affirmation; and application herewith made known and published for the 'public record'

Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island, South Holland, and Dolton. Shopping- their favorite pastime!

sovereign personam jurisdiction proclamation i am haziq bey, in propria persona, sui juris, in proprio solo, in proprio heredes at all times and all points in time.

"No UNITED STATES SERVICE CORPORATION CITIZEN or U.S. citizen has personam jurisdiction over the aboriginal indigenous sovereign moorish american nationals". all corporate/ corporate/ corporate contracts with BRANDON DJON EVANS, and all derivatives thereof are now publicly revoked, terminated, cancelled and abolished forever as all contracts that begin in fraud remain in fraud.

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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 Chatham-Southeast, South End, Chicago Weekend, South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually). Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send information for the calendar at least three weeks prior to the event. Send to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 783-1251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

12 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Sept. 1, 2021