Chicago Weekend Citizen 11-22-2023

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BUSINESS

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WEEKLY

Greentown Labs and Browning the Green Space Open Applications for Year 2 of the ACCEL Program

P4 Week of November 22, 2023

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FREE | VOL 54 | ISSUE 48

Giannoulias Announces Long-Awaited Launch of State’s Monarch Butterfly Plate

Step Afrika and the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana partnered for a Stepping Workshop at Jones College Prep High School. PHOTO PROVIDED

BY THE GIRL SCOUTS OF GREATER CHICAGO AND NORTHWEST INDIANA.

P9 Step Afrika took Girl Scouts through a step routine during a recent stepping workshop. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE GIRL SCOUTS OF GREATER CHICAGO AND NORTHWEST INDIANA.

LOCAL GIRL SCOUTS LEARN HOW TO STEP

n the auditorium of Jones College Prep, girls in yellow t-shirts watched intently as Step Afrika performed on stage. After the group performed, the girls who are Girl Scouts were invited to come up on stage.

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Janelle Monae Joins Milk To Celebrate Female Marathoners In NYC P10

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NEWS

briefly REPS. KELLY, KIGGANS AND SENATORS PETERS, COLLINS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY ACT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the bipartisan Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2023 to expand Medicare coverage for medical nutrition plans and addressing health disparities. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Susan Collins (ME) introduced a companion bill in the Senate.

“Our nutrition has a profound impact on our overall well-being and how our bodies respond to illness and disease,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust. “Medical nutrition therapy is a proven method for managing and alleviating symptoms of many chronic illnesses and diseases, and it is essential that Congress ensures affordable access to this treatment. Expanding access to nutrition therapy is particularly crucial in our ongoing efforts to eliminate health disparities, as many minority and underserved populations have long experienced adverse health outcomes due to limited access to healthcare, healthy foods, and opportunities for exercise. I am proud to work with Congresswoman Kiggans and Senators Peters and Collins on the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act to expand access to this vital health treatment.”

As it stands, Medicare only covers medical nutrition therapy for individuals with diabetes or renal disease. The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2023 will provide Medicare beneficiaries with greater access to registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) by expanding the availability of nutrition services under Medicare Part B. This expansion would include coverage for the following diseases: diabetes and prediabetes; renal disease; obesity; hypertension; dyslipidemia; malnutrition; eating disorders; cancer; gastrointestinal diseases, including celiac disease; HIV and AIDS; cardiovascular disease; and any other disease or condition specified by the Secretary related to unintentional weight loss.

Furthermore, the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act will authorize nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and psychologists to refer their patients for medical nutrition therapy.

MCA CHICAGO ANNOUNCES DESCENDING THE STAIRCASE

CHICAGO — The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) announces today the exhibition Descending the Staircase, opening on Dec. 16 and running through Aug. 25. Drawn from the MCA Collection, Descending the Staircase considers novel artistic approaches to representing the human body. Using the MCA’s iconic helix staircase as a central axis, the exhibition spreads across the third and fourth floor of the museum, inviting visitors to descend into realms of the uncanny and fantastical. The exhibition explores figures of all kinds, from the fragmented, abject, and surreal to the curated, self-aware, and media savvy. Descending the Staircase features four sections—Mind, Object, Form, and Action—that each delve into different questions about the human body through the lens of the contemporary art world.

This exhibition brings together new works and old favorites—including mixed media, photographs, sculpture, and an automaton—revealing ongoing conversations among past and present artists. Descending the Staircase also celebrates the MCA’s active participation in these conversations as an institution that has collected and supported groundbreaking work by contemporary artists for nearly sixty years. Artists featured include Marcel Duchamp, Cindy Sherman, Laurie Simmons, Rashid Johnson, and Robert Gober, among others.

This will be the MCA’s first exhibition to feature select works from two recent major gifts: the D.Daskalopoulos Collection Gift (2022), a collection featuring 100 extraordinary works from the D.Daskalopoulos Collection, gifted and jointly held between the MCA and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Marilyn and Larry Fields Gift, a donation of 79 works from Chicago-based collectors Marilyn and Larry Fields (2023) which significantly expands the scope of the MCA’s collection.

Descending the Staircase is curated by Jadine Collingwood, Associate Curator, and Jack Schneider, Assistant Curator.

Find more information about MCA’s exhibitions, programs, and special events at mcachicago.org or at 312.280.2660.

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Weekend | Week of November 22, 2023

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Local Girl Scouts learn how to step Continued from page 1 discipline, which are the core pillars of Step Afrika’s education programs,” he said.

Olds said that now stepping is celebrated by thou“When it comes to Step Afrika, we have to warm up sands of people worldwide and has even made its way to so we can do everything you saw us do,” said a young the mainstream through movies like “School Daze” and woman in a black headwrap as she took the girls through “Stomp the Yard.” Artists like Beyonce have also pera series of warm up exercises while Amapiano music formed step routines during concerts. Olds was happy to played. bring Step Afrika to Chicago, which is his hometown. Step More than 150 girls attended the stepping workshop Afrika is headquartered in Washington, DC. on Saturday, Nov. 11th, “The only thing you which was a partnership need in order to step is a between Step Afrika and desire to try something new the Girl Scouts of Greater and the bravery to do it. I Chicago and Northwest hope the Girl Scouts really Indiana. do take hold of those core Step Afrika is the pillars that we always preach first professional dance everywhere we go, which is company in the world teamwork, commitment and that is dedicated to the art discipline. Those are things form of stepping. At Step we have discovered serve us Afrika, their mission is to well as we’ve traveled the promote and preserve the globe and those things we art form. One of the ways want our young people to they do that is through take hold of,” he said. their arts education proMcKenzie Crayton is a gramming, which they do Girl Scout who participated across the country and in the stepping workshop. around the globe. Step AfHer favorite part of the rika is celebrating its 30th More than 150 Girl Scouts participated in a stepping workshop with workshop was learning how anniversary in 2024.

Step Afrika. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE GIRL SCOUTS OF GREATER CHICAGO AND NORTH- to do the blade and the rockStepping is a highly WEST INDIANA. ing horse. McKenzie’s mom, energetic, polyrhythMonique Joshua, brought mic, percussive dance McKenzie to the workshop form that was created by because she is very interested in dancing and particiAfrican American college students in the early 1900s. pated in African stepping in summer school. It was an Those African American college students developed opportunity for her to learn more step routines.

Greek Letter Fraternities and Sororities to create a sense Nicole Gardner is a staff member at Girl Scouts of of community. In addition to doing community service, Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. The program is promoting academics and scholarships, they also fellowoffered to more than 700 girls. shipped in brotherhood and sisterhood. One of the ways “This is a great opportunity to expose the girls to they came together in brotherhood and sisterhood is something they may not be exposed to in their normal through stepping. life. It’s good for them to be exposed to their culture, step Artis Olds, Director of Arts Education and Commu,dance and the arts. I believe heavily in the arts. All the nity Programs with Step Afrika, said the Girl Scouts have girls are participating and they look like they’re having a been a phenomenal partner. lot of fun,” Gardner said.

“We truly believe that this is the beginning of a longStep Afrika is preparing for a 60-city tour in January term partnership where we will have the opportunity to 2024. For more information about Step Afrika, visit www. consistently engage their young people to help utilize stepafrika.org. stepping as a tool to push teamwork, commitment and

BY TIA CAROL JONES

THE INAUGURAL “CLARK STREET COOKIE CRAWL” IS COMING TO LINCOLN PARK Chicago – A balanced holiday diet is a cookie in each hand! The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) is pleased to announce its inaugural Clark Street Cookie Crawl, sponsored by Clark Street Special Service Area (SSA) #23 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Sunday, Dec. 10,.

Stretching down Clark Street between Fullerton and Diversey Avenue, participating Clark Street businesses will each feature their own holiday cookie for the crawl along with holiday decorations. Attendees will pick up a bag at the designated check-in location and stop into participating businesses along the street to receive a cookie per stop. Jolly participants will also be treated to an array of activations at participating businesses including pictures with Santa, live carolers, craft stations, hot chocolate, plus some boozy selections for the guardians! Families are

invited to wear their most cozy pajamas or festive sweaters to turn this crawl into a real treat. More information on the inaugural Clark Street Cookie Crawl can be found on the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce’s website.

Tickets are on sale online for $25 per person with a boozy ticket option for $35. Groups of 4 can attend for $75.

“We are overjoyed to host our inaugural Clark Street Cookie Crawl this December,” said Kim Schilf, President & CEO of LPCC. “The holidays offer a unique time for us all to come together and share some holiday cheer, and what better way to do so than with our community and local businesses looking to make the season extra bright!”

More information on the Clark Street Cookie Crawl is on their website. A complete list of participating locations will be available in the coming weeks. For more informa-

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Weekend | Week of November 22, 2023

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NEWS

WEEKEND

West Side Activist Zerlina Smith-Members Calls on Citizens to Contact their State Officials and Demand they Extend the Invest in Kids Program The Program that Provides Scholarships to Private School Students from Needy Families Expires on December 31

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CHICAGO – West Side Community Activist Zerlina Smith-Members called on her state legislator, La Shawn Ford (D-8th District) and Emanuel Chris Welch (D- 7th District), who is also the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, to vote on the extension of the Invest in Kids program, which expires on December 31.

Smith-Members, who lives in Austin, also urged citizens to call their local representatives and demand they extend the program, because the legislature’s failure to do so would prevent a growing number of Black and Hispanic families from having the option to send their children to the state 1600 private schools.

“I know Hispanic and Black families who cannot afford to send their children to a private school if the Invest in Kids program is not extended,” said Smith-Members, whose daughter attends a private school and is on a waiting list to obtain the scholarship. “They are paying money out of their pockets and can barely pay their rent. They are making this sacrifice because there is no option other than sending their kids to schools that are underperforming and unsafe.”

The Invest in Kids program, which began at the start of the 20182019 school year, allows donors to deduct 75 percent of their contributions from their taxes. The program, which allows a maximum allotment of $1 million, expires on December 31.

Annually, the state allots $75 million in tax credits under this program, but the unions for public schools are against these credits because they say it takes away from funding for public schools.

Because unions are heavy funders of political campaigns, some legislators, especially influen-

tial Democrats in the Chicago area, have been quiet on this issue. Their argument is that the credit benefits mostly white students, who attend schools with limited diversity. Of the 9,600 scholarship recipients during the 2022-2023 school year, about 40 percent were Black and Hispanic, and that number will grow once more families learn about scholarships and other tax breaks that can help them pay for tuition in the state’s 1600 K-12 private schools.

“I disagree with the unions’ position,” Smith-Members said. “More students of color will receive the scholarship once their families get off the waiting list and others learn about the scholarship.”

She added, “Every parent should have the choice to obtain a high-quality education for their children.

No parent should be manipulated, bullied or forced to enroll their student in a public school.”

Stacey Davis Gates, the president of the Chicago Teachers Union, has no shame enrolling her son in a private school while her union fights to bring an end to the program, Smith-Members said. But Gates is not alone. Former mayors Lori Lightfoot and Rahm Emanuel sent their children to private schools. And we know many other leaders choose private schools, because they are the best educational options for their children.

“We cannot give our elected officials a pass on this issue,” Smith-Members said. “We must end this hypocrisy. This is our moment to take a stand. The shady politics will not stop unless we demand it stops.

I urge you to contact your elected officials and demand they extend the program. Let them know that our votes count on Election Day.”

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THE INAUGURAL... Continued From Page 2 tion on the Clark Street Cookie Crawl, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce’s lineup of upcoming events or for more information on support the LPCC provides to members, please visit lincolnparkchamber.com, follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or call (773) 880-5200.

The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) supports and celebrates Chicago’s historic Lincoln Park neighborhood, helping to make it a thriving destination to live, work and play. Since 1947, the LPCC has assist-

ed businesses with gaining exposure, finding new customers, creating new partnerships and staying knowledgeable about issues and challenges affecting their business. By offering resources, referrals and community events, the LPCC is a useful tool and guide for the entire Lincoln Park community. The LPCC is invested in the future of Lincoln Park and a champion for its growth and success. For more information on upcoming events, neighborhood news or how to get involved in the Lincoln Park community, visit lincolnparkchamber.com.

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POLITICAL AFFAIRS

DUCKWORTH, DURBIN ANNOUNCE OVER $1 MILLION TO SUPPORT NAPERVILLE’S CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced that the City of Naperville will receive a $1,116,174 award to support the city’s transition to clean energy by updating its power grids. This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program (GRIP) and by boosting Naperville’s energy efforts, this investment will also help support union jobs, our state’s decarbonization goals and decrease energy costs for Illinoisans.

“This federal investment will help Illinois create a cleaner future, support good-paying, local union jobs and curb energy costs for working families,” said Duckworth. “Investing in clean energy has a positive ripple effect for Illinoisans and families across our nation and updating our grids is a necessary effort in this progress toward our clean energy future.”

“Naperville is a leading example of a city embracing the clean energy transition,” said Durbin.

“With this federal funding, Naperville will enable a smarter, more efficient grid—one that’s ready for residents who want solar panels on their roof or an EV charger in their garage. Grid upgrades like these create jobs across the region and help ensure a cleaner, more reliable energy future for all Illinoisans.”

In addition to this federal funding to Naperville, ComEd will receive $50 million to improve power grid resilience in Rockford, Illinois, and ­­­Algonquin Power Fund America, Inc, will receive $42,905,918 for clean energy transitions in Illinois and Texas. This totals $94,022,092 in federal investment impacting Illinois through the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s GRIP program was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation championed by both Duckworth and Durbin. Through this program, DOE is investing a historic $10.5 billion in rural and urban power systems across the nation, making them more energy efficient and weather-resilient.

PRESTON INTRODUCES MEASURE TO ADDRESS ANTIQUATED OFFICER HIRING DECISIONS SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) released the following statement regarding new legislation to diversify the state’s pool of law enforcement officers by prohibiting the use of credit history in hiring decisions: “An applicant’s poor credit history should not preclude that person from becoming a police officer.

If we want to address the decrease in officers applying and diversify our law enforcement, we have to remove these outdated, classist policies.

“Senate Bill 2608 would prohibit police departments across Illinois from denying employment and promotions based on someone’s credit. Looking at the Chicago Police Department alone, data shows that only 20% of the force is Black.

“This legislation comes in direct response to conversations I’ve had with constituents. I made a promise to the people of the Sweet 16th District that I would field their concerns and take them to Springfield. It’s so important that we remove unnecessary barriers that were put in place a long time ago that bar many of our community members from joining the police department.

“I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues and community stakeholders to advance Senate Bill 2608 during the spring legislative session.”

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Weekend | Week of November 22, 2023

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Greentown Labs and Browning the Green Space Open Applications for Year 2 of the ACCEL Program

SOMERVILLE, Mass. and HOUSTON, PRNewswire -Greentown Labs, the largest climatetech incubator in North America, and Browning the Green Space (BGS), a nonprofit dedicated to making clean energy and other climate-related fields more diverse, equitable, and inclusive, are accepting applications from BIPOC-led climatetech startups for Year 2 of the Advancing Climatetech and Clean Energy Leaders Program (ACCEL).

ACCEL bolsters startups as they develop critical climatetech solutions by offering access to funding, networking connections, resources, and opportunities that structural inequities put out of reach. The year-long program combines acceleration with a curated curriculum, incubation at Greentown, and extensive mentorship from Greentown and BGS’s networks of industry experts.

Startups selected for ACCEL will benefit from the accelerator by: Engaging in a curated curriculum of workshops led by experts, including from VentureWell, covering various essential topics for early-stage climatetech founders Working alongside fellow BIPOC founders Receiving $25k in non-dilutive grant funding Gaining valuable mentorship from experienced industry experts Receiving desk space and membership within Greentown for the duration of the program, which grants access to $1M+ of in-kind resources, including software and legal support; 70+ corporate partners; community resources; and more Receiving BGS membership to unlock opportunities to learn, connect, and engage with practitioners in the clean energy sector on a just energy transition for Black and Brown communities

The Year 2 request for applications comes as a successful inaugural year of ACCEL winds to a close. ACCEL Year 1 featured six startups working on innovations as diverse as sneakers made from food waste, ultracapacitors built with hemp sourced from Black and Indigenous farmers, and ultra-light solar panels. Their accomplishments during the accelerator included raising equity funding, earning acceptances into additional accelerators, winning grants, executing customer discovery, and more.

Further results from Year 1 of ACCEL can be found here.

This program is a unique partnership between Greentown and BGS and is supported by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy sector across the Commonwealth.

“The ACCEL Program directly aligns with our mission to ensure that climatetech jobs and wealth creation opportunities are available to all residents of the Commonwealth,” says Emily Reichert, Chief Executive Officer at MassCEC. “We are excited to see the second round of this important program, with our Equity Workforce Fund support fostering a partnership between Greentown Labs and Browning the Green Space aimed at accelerating the growth of minority and women business enterprises in Massachusetts.”

ACCEL is also funded by the Barr Foundation, a Boston-based foundation with a regional focus that works with partners to elevate the arts, advance solutions for climate change, and connect all students to success in high school and beyond.

ACCEL builds on elements of Greentown’s successful incubator programming and its Greentown Go accelerator programs, along with BGS’s expertise in company building and supporting underserved communities. The curriculum

The recurring, year-long program is accepting applications from BIPOC entrepreneurs developing solutions to the climate crisis

for ACCEL is led by VentureWell, a nonprofit with deep expertise in the climatetech space that funds and trains innovators to create successful, socially beneficial businesses.

“ACCEL is one of the most impactful, meaningful programs we’ve run to date,” said Greentown Labs CEO and President Kevin Knobloch. “We are eager to expand upon the great success and momentum of year one, and to welcome another incredible cohort of BIPOC-led startups that are developing much-needed climatetech solutions. We’re equally committed to helping these companies accelerate and deploy their solutions, while also helping to build a more diverse, inclusive climatetech workforce—ACCEL sits at the nexus of those two critical efforts.”

“Through our partnership with Greentown and VentureWell, we are able to put our respective strengths together to create an ambitious program to bolster founders of color in climatetech and propel innovations that benefit communities most impacted by climate change,” said Kerry Bowie, Executive Director and President of Browning the Green Space. “Opening applications for Year 2 of ACCEL is an important milestone in strengthening critical support for traditionally excluded entrepreneurs in our communities.”

“This year, we had the privilege of supporting the inaugural cohort of ACCEL entrepreneurs with investment-readiness programming that spanned strategic partnerships, financial projection and milestone planning, and discussing different pathways for growth,” said Christina Tamer, Vice President, Ventures, at VentureWell. “A year later, it’s amazing to see the progress the teams are making in job creation, pilot programs, and securing strategic partners and funders as they prepare for launch. We look forward to continuing our Year 2 of ACCEL in working with a second cohort of underrepresented founders in advancing their climate solutions.”

Applications for ACCEL are due by Jan. 5, 2024.

Interested entrepreneurs can learn more about the call for applications by visiting the website or contacting accel@ greentownlabs.com. Applicants may apply from anywhere in the world, with priority consideration given to applicants based in Greater Boston and Greater Houston, where Greentown’s incubators are located.

RUSSELL INNOVATION CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURS AWARDED $100,000 GRANT FROM BANK OF AMERICA ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) announced a $100,000 grant from Bank of America (BofA) that will support RICE programming designed to support Black entrepreneurs. This grant underscores BofA’s steadfast commitment to fostering entrepreneurial excellence and promoting economic equity. It represents BofA’s continuous support of RICE and its mission with a cumulative investment of $400,000 since 2020.

Big IDEAS is RICE’s signature learning platform, serving entrepreneurs from start up through scale up.

The learning platform guides each entrepreneur as they develop their action plan for creating a sustainable business—step by step, from ideation, through execution, to scale. Entrepreneurs enter at the stage appropriate for them and progress at their own pace. Along the way, they are supported by a team of subject matter experts and a faculty focused on making mastery and excellence the default. In addition to group learning sessions, the learning platform features unique hands-on experiences and holistic, community-driven development.

“In a short window of time of being a Stakeholder at RICE, I have accomplished my 2–3-year goals in just a few months,” said Natasha Simmons, RICE Stakeholder and CEO of Yacht Club Access, LLC. “The Big IDEAS curriculum and coaching have drastically transformed

my business.”

RICE entrepreneurs emerge from the RICE experience with the knowledge, skills, and acumen to successfully grow and scale their business.

The $100,000 commitment is a testament to Bank of America’s continual investment in nonprofit leadership and advancing economic mobility. RICE was also selected as a 2020 Bank of America Neighborhood Builder awardee. This award provided funding, along with skills development and topics to help RICE leaders address their community challenges.

“Since2020 our partnership with RICE helps empower Atlanta’s dynamic business community,” said Alfred McRae, president, Bank of America Atlanta. “This grant represents our steadfast commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and supporting the visionary entrepreneurs at RICE who are driving innovation and opportunity in our city.”

RICE stands as the largest business incubation hub dedicated to nurturing Black-owned businesses in the United States at 54,000 sq. ft. Over the past four years, RICE has expanded its reach, serving more than 350 full-time Stakeholder entrepreneurs and impacting over 10,000 individuals within its extended network.

“We are immensely grateful for Bank of Ameri-

ca’s continuous support,” said Jay Bailey, CEO, RICE. “This grant will enable us to expand our impact and provide even more entrepreneurs with the resources and guidance they need to turn their visions into reality.”

RICE has been instrumental in transforming the entrepreneurial landscape in Atlanta and beyond, and this investment from Bank of America only solidifies its mission to empower dreamers and visionaries.

The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) is Atlanta’s home for Black entrepreneurs.

Positioned as a business generator, RICE serves as an economic mobility engine for the community: driving entrepreneurs and small business owners to innovate, grow, create jobs, and build wealth. Inspired by the legacy of Herman J. Russell, one of the most successful Black entrepreneurs and civic leaders in Atlanta, RICE remains dedicated to its mission to Build. Black. Business. and stands as the only initiative of its kind in the nation. For more information visit www.RussellCenter. org, download the RICE Report, and follow @RICEAtlanta on Instagram and Twitter and @RussellCenterAtlanta on Facebook. To find out how to get involved and support Black entrepreneurs through contribution, visit https://russellcenter.org/donate/ or reach out to bsaadiq@russellcenter.org.

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Weekend | Week of November 22, 2023 | 5

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Biden-Harris Administration Premiers Public Service Announcement Elevating the Teaching Profession The U.S. Department of Education launched its campaign to elevate the teaching profession and promote educator diversity. The campaign titled “Teachers: Leaders Shaping Lives” is headlined by a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) developed in partnership with TEACH. org and One Million Teachers of Color. The goal of the PSA is to inspire more talented people—especially those from underrepresented communities—to become teachers, while also elevating the teaching profession and celebrating our teachers. The PSA premiered on LinkedIn’s LinkedIn Live and will appear in media markets across the country via television, radio, and social media. To watch the PSA, click here.

This announcement builds on the Department’s commitment to accelerating academic recovery by working with state and local leaders to elevate the teaching profession and address educator shortages. As a result of these efforts, as of October 2023, local public education employment has nearly rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, now roughly at the same levels as October 2019, the last pre-pandemic beginning of a school year. At the height of the pandemic, there were 730,000, or 9 percent, fewer local public education employees than before the pandemic. As of October 2023, there are only 0.17 percent fewer employees in local public education than four years prior. We know that when shortages of qualified educators exist, they disproportionately impact students from low-income backgrounds, students of color, students with disabilities, and multilingual learners.

“I’ll never forget the positive influence that my first teacher of color, Mr. Gary O’Neil, had on me. My personal experience is backed up by years of research illustrating that all students benefit from having diverse and talented educators in the classroom,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “This campaign reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to elevating the teaching profession and encouraging more talented people, and especially those from underrepresented communities, to pursue fulfilling and impactful careers as educators. At the Department, our efforts to help states and districts grow a talented and diverse teacher pipeline are at the core of our efforts to Raise the Bar in education and build on President Biden’s historic investments in America’s public schools. I’m proud that, thanks in large part to these efforts, we have already reduced the educator shortage to a fraction of what it was during the pandemic.”

This progress to date on eliminating educator shortages is a result of the systematic efforts by the U.S. Department of Education, with partners across the Biden-Harris Administration, to advance key strategies to restore staffing in our schools and ensure all students have access to well-prepared and fully qualified teachers and school leaders. School districts are estimated to spend nearly $30 billion of their American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funds on staffing, including on these critical strategies. In addition, in fiscal year (FY) 2023, the Department has invested $2.76 billion in the nation’s educators through its grant programs, $93 million more than invested in FY 2021.

The Department has worked to increase teacher compensation and improve working and learning conditions, which are critical to educator recruitment and retention, and increasing the diversity of the profession.

President Biden and Secretary Cardona have repeatedly called for leaders at all levels to increase educator pay and provide teachers with a livable and competitive wage. Since 2021-2022, at least 29 states and the District of Columbia have taken concrete steps at the state or system level to increase compensation. This Department map provides transparency into teacher pay, and state action to address it.

The Department is increasing access to high-quality and affordable pathways into the teaching profession, like

grow your own programs and teacher residency programs.

The Department has partnered with the Department of Labor to expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs for teachers, a high-quality earn-while-you-learn model that can be used to scale grow your own and residency programs and break down financial barriers to accessing high-quality pathways and entering the profession. There were no registered apprenticeship programs for teachers at the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, yet as of November, 28 states and Puerto Rico now have registered programs.

In FY 2023, the Department awarded $14.5 million in new Teacher Quality Partnership awards and more than $35 million in funding for 138 new Personnel Development Program projects to support high-quality pathways into the profession and address key shortage areas such as special education.

At the end of October, the Department hosted the

Teach to Lead Summit and the Conference on Equity in Opportunity, which brought together leaders to highlight effective practices for increasing educator diversity and identify new strategies for advancing this work.

The Department is investing in supports for school leaders, who play a critical role in shaping school climate and educator working conditions. The Department also is investing in current teachers who help them succeed and stay in the profession, including through high-quality new teacher induction programs, job-embedded professional learning throughout educators’ careers, and career advancement and leadership opportunities.

This includes, in FY23, awarding nearly $115 million in Teacher and School Leader Incentive awards, more than $6 million the first-ever Native American Teacher Retention Initiative program, and $12.7 in Supporting Effective Educator Development Grants.

Are you a caregiver of a family member or friend with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia? This program is for you!

Join us for SAVVY CAREGIVER™, a free, interactive 6-week training series designed to support family caregivers. “…It was therapeutic to empathize with everyone and get to meet people in the same situation.

As a SAVVY CAREGIVER, you will be able to: • Develop strategies and master skills to help your caregiver situation • Find ways to reduce the effects of stress through planning and self-care • Manage daily life and behaviors • Effectively communicate with a person with dementia

Online Winter/Spring Schedule 2024 Series 1 2 3 4 Evening

Dates Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 14 Feb. 8, 15, 22, 29, March 7, 14 March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10 April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9 April 2, 9, 16, 21, 30, May 7

Day Wednesdays Thursdays Wednesdays Thursdays Tuesdays

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To register, please go to the link: http://bit.ly/SavvyCG Spaces are limited!

For more information, contact Danielle Riley at 312-743-1475 email: Danielle.Riley@cityofchicago.org or Victoria Russo at 312-743-3528 email: Victoria.Russo@cityofchicago.org

6 | Weekend | Week of November 22, 2023

WEEKEND

CHICAGO AWARDED AN ANTICIPATED $17 MILLION CDC GRANT TO BOLSTER OVERDOSE PREVENTION CHICAGO — The City of Chicago has been selected as a recipient of a $17 Million grant over five years from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address the opioid epidemic through the Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program. The grant represents a transformative opportunity to strengthen ongoing efforts in combatting the overdose crisis and reducing overdose-related harms.

The CDC’s OD2A program plays a vital role in advancing the nation’s response to the opioid epidemic. OD2A supports funded jurisdictions to implement prevention activities and to collect accurate, comprehensive, and timely data on nonfatal and fatal overdoses. This data is used to enhance programs and data monitoring efforts. With this grant, Chicago will be able to respond more quickly, effectively, and equitably to residents’ needs, using data to drive action to reduce overdose deaths and related harms.

Using the OD2A funding, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is piloting the use of “Public Health Vending Machines” to deliver free general hygiene, health, and harm reduction supplies to individuals experiencing substance use disorder (SUD), homelessness, or similar vulnerabilities in Chicago.

Other OD2A funds will allow CDPH to continue and expand partnerships across 10 different programs that support harm reduction, linkage to care, and improvements overdose reporting and data analysis capacity. Projects range from a post-overdose response pilot program on the West Side (link to CARE dashboard) to the innovative Medication Assisted Recovery NOW (MAR NOW) Program, which has connected over 600 people to opioid treatment and will be expanding to serve people with alcohol use disorder on December 1st. OD2A supports partnerships with public safety entities as well, allowing CDPH to work with Chicago Police Department on the Narcotics Arrest Diversion Program and Cook County Sheriff’s Office to ensure access to harm reduction services for individuals leaving Cook County Jail.

The pilot program bean on Friday, Nov. 17th, and aims to help prevent overdose while also supporting the health and wellbeing of people in Chicago. The vending machines will feature artwork from local artists and be located at five locations across the city identified as “hot spots” for opioid-related emergency medical responses based on a geographic analysis conducted by CDPH : Uptown Library: 929 W Buena Ave – in the front lobby Garfield Community Service Center: 10 S Kedzie – in the main lobby on the first floor Harold Washington Library

Center: 400 S State St – on the 3rd floor (elevator access available) 95th/Dan Ryan Red Line CTA Station: 14 W 95th St – North Terminal building outside of the turnstile Roseland Community Triage Center: 200 E 115th St – in the entryway before the main doors on the first floor A range of supplies will be available in the vending machines.

CDPH will change the available products according to usage patterns and suggestions from the community. As a part of the pilot program, the vending machines will contain: Narcan (naloxone) Fentanyl Test Kits Xylazine Test Kits General Hygiene Kits Menstrual Hygiene Kits Socks & Underwear The Public Health Vending Machines work just like regular vending machines, except all of the items are free. All you need to access supplies is a unique PIN code that will work at all 5 of the machines. CDPH is collaborating with hosting agencies and local partners to help individuals sign up to receive a PIN at multiple community organizations near the vending machines.

To get a PIN code, there are several options: Complete this form and a PIN code will be emailed: https:// redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=JJL73LHMW44YJ4DA Go in person to a partner organization, where you will receive a card with PIN code information To get a PIN code, you will need to provide your zip code of most recent residence. You will also be asked some optional demographic and other information, which CDPH will use to evaluate the effectiveness of this pilot program.

All machines have Narcan (naloxone), the medication that reverses an opioid overdose available without a PIN code. To access Narcan at any machine, simply key in “1234” and the item identification number. This information is also posted on every machine.

If you have suggestions on what products the machines should offer please fill out this survey: bit.ly/PHVMSurvey In addition to harm reduction, CDPH supports treatment options for people with opioid use disorder, including expanded access to medication-assisted recovery (MAR). Through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/ SUPR), people can call the Illinois Helpline 24 hours a day/7 days a week and receive a referral for a raid telehealth appointment with a provider who can prescribe medication at 833-234-6343.

AZAZIE

Weekend | Week of November 22, 2023 | 7

WEEKEND

Lt. Governor Stratton Convenes Thought Leaders and Policymakers at the Illinois Legislators Retreat Centered Around Education As a Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellow, Lt. Governor Stratton is Dedicated to Building a Stronger and More Diverse Workforce

Springfield, IL – Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton convened the Illinois Legislators Retreat, in partnership with the Hunt Institute, early this week. Members of the General Assembly and resource experts discussed the early childhood workforce, K-12 reading and mental health, educator diversity and diverse postsecondary experiences.

“Supporting our students and teachers is a team effort and we are bringing everything we have to meet the moment and dig in,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton.

“In Illinois, we are doing the work to make our state the best in the nation to raise and educate children. From ending childcare deserts, to free community college, to expanding mental health resources for students, we know that when children and families are strengthened, our entire state is strengthened.”

While the focus of the retreat was primarily on students’ socio-academic development, part of the retreat was dedicated to teacher retention and recruitment strategies that will benefit both students and educators.

The day concluded with a discussion about fostering a diverse post-secondary experience, most notably concentrating on the Supreme Court’s decision on Affirmative Action. The Illinois Legislators Retreat provided an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with leaders in education and policymakers from both sides of the aisle to better inform the policy making process.

Over the last three years, the Office of the Lt. Governor has been committed to working with the Hunt Institute to promote better pathways to quality education.

In 2020, Lt. Governor Stratton was named a Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellow, providing resources and support in education work—including as a partner in the initiative to build a strong, diverse teacher pipeline. Since then, the Office of the Lt. Governor and the Hunt Institute have partnered on events including a 3-part webinar series on rural post-secondary education in 2020. The Hunt Institute and Legislative Education Forum in February 2022, and the Illinois Educator Diversity Summit, discussing strategies to diversify the teacher workforce in Illinois, in March 2023.

The 2023 Hunt Institute Illinois Legislators Retreat was a success in part due to the work done by the Legislators Retreat Co-Chairs: Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford; Senate Assistant Minority Leader Dale Fowler; Co-Chair and Illinois State Representative Carol Ammons--who while was not able to join, she has taken part in advocating for educational efforts; President and CEO of the Hunt Institute, Dr. Javaid Siddiqi; HuntKean Leadership Fellow and Illinois State Representative Aaron Ortiz, along with Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders, Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, and members of the General Assembly who honored this retreat with their presence.

8 | Weekend | Week of November 22, 2023

WEEKEND

Chefs Join Together Providing Meals to the Community Fridge during the Holiday Season “We are grateful to the chef community for answering the call to action to fill Soul & Smoke’s Community Fridge!” said Stegner.

Heather and D’Andre, along with volunteers from Evanston Community Fridges, stock the refrigerator and pantry outside the Soul & Smoke location at 1601 Payne St., Evanston yearround. The need increases during the winter and the holidays, and to address demand this year, they asked Chef Sarah Stegner of Prairie Grass Cafe & co-founder of Chicago Chefs Cook to help organize additional contributions to the pantry.

Through dedicated outreach efforts, a group of chefs, many of whom are consistent participants in Chicago Chefs Cook events, have stepped up and joined together again to help stock the fridge. This will provide additional free meals to fill the fridge for anyone in need. The special chef contributions

will be offered throughout the holiday season.

“We are grateful to the chef community for answering the call to action to fill Soul & Smoke’s Community Fridge!” said Stegner. Community members that would like to help can also add items to the fridge, pantry, or freezer year-round, or can donate funds to Soul & Smoke’s community fridges program or by adding a community meal to a restaurant order.

Chefs participating by preparing meals include: Heather Bublick and D’Andre Carter, Soul & Smoke Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris, Prairie Grass Cafe Tigist Reda, Demera Ethiopian Restaurant Arshiya Farheen, Verzênay Chicago

Are you caring for a spouse, parent, relative, or friend?

We are here to help!

Caregiver Services Programs include FREE services such as: Education & Training: Learn new skills to care for you and loved ones Gap-Filling Funds: Help buying essential items like clothing, furniture, grab bars, eyeglasses, technology, and hearing aids One-on-One Counseling: Help with decisions, self-care, and support Support Groups: Share your stories, successes, and challenges caring foryour loved ones with fellow caregivers Respite: Take a short-term break with help at home from a professional caregiver or caregiver of your choice or a nursing home stay for the person receiving your care Programs are for individuals of any age who are caring for: A Chicago resident age 60+ OR under age 60 with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Contact the DFSS Senior Services Division Information and Assistance Unit aging@cityofchicago.org • 312-744-4016

DFSS

Department of Family and Support Services

Mary Aregoni, Saigon Sisters Devon Quinn and Jodi Fyfe, eden, The Paramount Group Sandra Holl, Floriole Sam Rattanopas and Mina Sudsaard, Nakorn Kitchen Darnell Reed, Luella’s Southern Kitchen Beverly Kim Clark and Johnny Clark, Parachute and Anelya Restaurant Alex DeSalvo, DeSalvo’s Pizza Debbie Gold, Le Tour Evanston Community Fridges is a mutual aid network rooted in collective community care through access to free food. We organize fridges hosted within our city to feed one another. We take responsibility for meeting each other’s needs without relying on ineffective institutions to provide nourishment and cultural affirmation.

The DuSable Museum Women’s Board presents “The Glitz 2023: Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence” The DuSable Museum Women’s Board will host their 30th Annual Holiday Glitz on December 3, 2023 at the Tinley Park Convention Center Ballroom, located at 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477. The theme of this year’s gala is “Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence.” Enjoy an elegant evening of amazing food and live music entertainment, featuring Chris Christmas Band and V103’s DJ Maurice “ICE” Culpepper.

Gala tickets are currently on sale for $125 per person. Raffle tickets are also available for purchase.

Enter The Glitz raffle for a chance to win $1000 cash. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

To purchase gala tickets or become a sponsor, please visit www.givebutter. com/c/DMWB2023 or text GLITZ23 to 53-555.

All proceeds from The Glitz 2023 benefit the educational endeavors of The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center.

For more information, please contact: Lesley Gool, Esq. 2nd Vice-President Women’s Board of the DuSable Musum lesley.gool@gmail.com 312-497-8833 Founded in 1983, the Women’s Board of The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is committed to assisting the Museum with disseminating information about people of African descent. The Women’s Board has remained committed to their ultimate goal of raising over one million dollars to fund educational endeavors of The DuSable Museum.

Weekend | Week of November 22, 2023 | 9

WEEKEND

Giannoulias Announces Long-Awaited Launch of State’s Monarch Butterfly Plate After more than seven years, Illinois residents who placed deposits for the state’s Monarch Butterfly Specialty License Plate can finally redeem it, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced recently.

The Monarch Butterfly License Plate is the first Universal Specialty Plate issued by the State of Illinois – even though the General Assembly approved it in 2016.

“This is an important issue, not just because it will positively impact the environment and preserve the Monarch’s cultural significance, but also because it finally makes good on a long-awaited promise,” Giannoulias said. “Government needs to work more efficiently and deliver for its residents, which means people shouldn’t have to wait seven years to get what they paid for.”

“The creation of this special license plate is just one of many ways Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is committed to Monarch conservation,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie, whose agency administers the fund where proceeds from the plate sales are allocated. “Our staff is engaged with other organizations, state agencies, and the general public to build capacity for putting milkweed and other native plants on the landscape to assist not only monarchs, but all of our native pollinators.”

In 2016, Illinois lawmakers passed legislation to create a “universal” license plate to limit the number of specialty license plates – all designed differently and deemed problematic for law enforcement. At the time, there were 109 different specialty plates.

The legislation stated that any new charitable organization would need at least 2,000 Illinoisans to place deposits that benefitted an organization or charity before any new specialty plate could get issued. Furthermore, the new specialty plates would have a universal, standardized design, but include a decal on the left side depicting the cause or charity it supports.

The Monarch plate reached the necessary 2,000 deposits in 2018, yet it was never produced despite residents having already paid the necessary $10 to pre-order the plate. The money raised from Illinoisans’ deposits goes toward protecting the Monarch from extinction.

On the campaign trail, Giannoulias heard from residents inquiring about the status of the plate, and he committed to ensuring that those who supported the Monarch’s charity get the opportunity to obtain the plate.

“The Monarch Butterfly is meaningful to our state and symbolizes hope and transformation,” said State Representative and Deputy Majority Leader Lisa Hernandez (2nd District-Cicero), who sponsored the Monarch plate legislation in 2016. “This plate allows Illinoisans to support a meaningful cause and advocate for an endangered species. After years of waiting, Illinoisans can finally show their support for saving the Monarchs.”

“The Monarch Butterfly’s habitats need to be preserved, and raising awareness about the importance of this mission is imperative to helping them survive extinction,” said State Senator and Assistant Majority Leader Laura Murphy (28th District-Des Plaines), who sponsored the legislation in the Senate. “The state is finally delivering on its promise to supporters of this important cause. As an important part of

Illinois wildlife, raising awareness about efforts to save them for future generations is essential.”

“Native pollinators, like the iconic Illinois State Insect, the Monarch Butterfly, play a critical role in preserving the biodiversity of our local ecosystems. The Illinois Environmental Council is proud to have played a role in recruiting over 2,000 Illinois Monarch protectors to sign up for the new license plate decal seven years ago, funding the state’s Monarch Habitat Fund,” said IEC Executive Director Jennifer Walling. “Today, we couldn’t be more appreciative of Secretary of State Giannoulias, his office and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for finally getting this project across the finish line and into the hands of Illinois’ many pollinator protectors.”

“The Monarch’s amazing migration journey from Mexico through Illinois has been endangered by climate change, pesticides and habitat loss,” said Sierra Club Chapter Director Jack Darin. “Illinois is a crucial link in saving this

part of our natural heritage, and we applaud Secretary Giannoulias for his leadership in cutting through years of red tape to finally give Illinois drivers this option to help with the conservation and recovery of this beautiful species.”

The $10 deposits are allocated to the Roadside Monarch Habitat Fund, which is part of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. If renewed, $23 of the universal special license plate renewal fee will benefit the fund. The Monarch Butterfly, Illinois’ state insect, is considered endangered.

The fund helps foster habitats to support the butterflies during their twice-yearly migratory journey from Mexico to Chicago with a goal to add 150 million new milkweed stems and other nectar resources to the Illinois landscape in the next 15 years.

The Monarch Butterfly plate is available to order at ilsos.gov/monarch or by calling (217) 785-0005.

Are you 55 and Older Caring for a Child Under 18 or Loved One (19-59) with a Disability?

Grandparents or Older Relatives Raising Children Program FREE support services include:

Education & Training: Learn about topics such as legal services, financial literacy, and strategies to support the emotional and educational development of the child.

One-on-One Counseling: Discuss self-care, decision-making, and ways to cope with stress when feeling overwhelmed with the challenges of raising children unexpectedly.

Gap-Filling Funds: Help buying essential items like school supplies, technology, uniforms, furniture, clothes, after-school or summer camp fees.

Support Groups: Share your stories, challenges, & successes caring for your loved ones.

Contact the DFSS Senior Services Division Information and Assistance Unit aging@cityofchicago.org • (312) 744-4016

DFSS

Department of Family and Support Services

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Weekend | Week of November 22, 2023

WEEKEND

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JANELLE MONÁE

JOINS MILK TO CELEBRATE FEMALE MARATHONERS IN NYC NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Milk, as in real dairy marathon training and recovery. Milk’s nutrients can help provide sustained energy to fuel runs, rehydrate with milk, proudly returned to New York bringing back the electrolytes, repair and rebuild muscles, and help prevent ‘26.2 You’re Gonna Need Milk for That’ campaign in an next day muscle soreness. To learn more about dairy effort to support and sponsor every woman running milk’s benefits for runners or the 26.2 You’re Gonna Need the marathon over the weekend.

Milk for That campaign’s commitment to support female As part of the campaign’s unparalleled support marathoners, visit gonnaneedmilk.com. for Team Milk runners before, during and after the The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), race, Milk surprised runners after the finish line with Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation’s milk compathe electrifying presence of Janelle Monáe at the Team nies, and dedicated to educating consumers and increasMilk VIP Recovery Lounge. The singer-songwriter and ing consumption of fluid milk. For more information, visit actor helped female runners celebrate the incredible MilkPEP.org. accomplishment of running a marathon with an Founded in 1996 with 13 girls, Girls on the Run, an inempowering DJ set within the VIP Recovery Lounge ternational nonprofit organization, has now served which also featured professional stretchers from NY over 2.25 million girls. Over the course of the Stretch, compression boots, recovery gear and chocoprogram, girls in 3rd-8th grade develop late milk to help repair and rebuild their muscles. essential social, emotional and physical Milk’s on-site marathon presence in New York skills to successfully navigate life expemarked a continuation of the program’s Sponsorship riences. The program culminates with Tour, which started last year in New York and has girls positively impacting their comcontinued to expand into a community of more than Janelle Monáe surprises Team Milk runners with munities through a service project 14,000 Team Milk runners. From pre-race shakeout private DJ set. MilkPEP. and being physically and emotionruns in Central Park led by certified run coach Alysha empowering girls through running and ally prepared to complete a celebraFlynn and Sad Girl Track Club’s Izzy Seidel, expert advice physical activity. Milk’s ‘Every. Woman. tory 5K event. With the largest 5K along their training journey, curated race-ready gifts, and Sponsored’ fund supports Girls on the series by number of events in the a community focused IRL expo experience, Milk provided Run with the development of a new world, Girls on the Run hosts more support at every mile along the way. And literally, along the suite of curricula designed to empower, than 330 5Ks per year. Girls on the marathon route, Milk created a milky white tunnel of moinspire and motivate young girls and proRun is included as a top research-based tivation with a Cheer Squad between mile 23 and 24 - the vide them with confidence through runprogram in a Social-Emotional Learning notoriously hardest part of the course to help power runners ning. To-date Milk has helped generate Guide developed by researchers at forward when they need it most. $1,000,000 in fundraising.

Harvard University and has been recJanelle Monae Teams Up With Milk to “Milk is dedicated to championing the strength and reWhether you’re training for your ognized by the National Afterschool Surprise Marathon Runners. MilkPEP silience of every woman,” said MilkPEP CEO Yin Woon Rani. first marathon or tackling your 30th, any Association (NAA) as one of the most “We were excited to join forces with Janelle Monáe to help female runner can sign up to be a part influential after-school programs. commend these incredible female athletes on achieving an of Team Milk at gonnaneedmilk.com/26.2 to gain exclusive Visit www.girlsontherun.org to learn how to get involved in accomplishment of a lifetime.” access to female-centric marathon training, recovery, and your community. National Afterschool Association (NAA) Even better, through Milk’s continued partnership as one of the most influential after-school programs. Visit nutrition tips from leading experts, custom gear and an with Girls on the Run, your run supports her run. For every www.girlsontherun.org to learn how to get involved in your empowering community of women runners. woman that signs up for Team Milk, Milk has committed to community. donating to Girls on the Run, an organization dedicated to Dairy milk is an excellent nutritional partner for both

FENDER HONORS BRUNO MARS WITH ARTIST SIGNATURE STRATOCASTER® GUITAR HOLLYWOOD, Calif., PRNewswire -- Fender Musical nated music charts with the hit single “Uptown Funk,” Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announces the launch of which took home three GRAMMY Awards, including the Bruno Mars Stratocaster®, a limited-edition celebration Record of the Year. In 2022, Mars and Anderson .Paak of the chart-topping artist, multi-instrumentalist, performer, his Silk Sonic counterpart, took home four GRAMMY songwriter and producer Bruno Mars. awards including Record Of The Year The Bruno Mars Stratocaster® guitar (“Leave The Door Open”), Song Of The pays tribute to his trailblazing career, Year (“Leave The Door Open”), Best dazzling showmanship, and mastery R&B Performance (“Leave The Door of genre through the power of guitar.

Open”), and Best R&B Song (“Leave Bruno Mars’ catalog is defined by air The Door Open”). Additionally, Mars tight songwriting, stunning musicianbecame the first male and third act overall to have at least three top 5 Hot ship and a fearlessness in the face of 100 hits from each of his first three genre and at the foundation of this albums, following only Mariah Carey iconic body of work is a fundamental and Beyoncé. Honorably, Mars is one appreciation of versatile musicality. of the few artists to have written and The Bruno Mars Signature Stratocaster® has classic appeal with highly op- P R N e w s f o t o / F e n d e r M u s i c a l produced all of his No. 1 hits and has had a No. 1 song on the Hot 100 from timized features that keep the modern Instruments. each of his first three studio albums. player in mind. Mars envisioned an The Bruno Mars Signature Strainstrument with class that could still appeal to the most technically driven shredders—and tocaster® is meticulously crafted with songwriters and this signature guitar is just that. performers in mind. It’s a guitar that empowers artists to Fourteen-time GRAMMY Award winner and unleash their creativity and self-expression. Featuring thirty-time GRAMMY Award nominee Bruno Mars is a the newest addition to Fender’s vibrant library of colorcelebrated singer, songwriter, producer, and musician ways, the all new Mars Mocha Heirloom™ nitrocellulose who has sold over 200 million singles worldwide, maklacquer finish, and Heirloom™ Aged Gold Hardware, gives this signature Strat® a worn-in feel straight out of ing him one of the best-selling artists of all time. The the case. An accurate recreation of Mars’ beloved 1969 17x Multi-Platinum has earned an astonishing eight Stratocaster® neck shape, the Bruno Mars Signature No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot 100. In 2015, Bruno domi-

Stratocaster® features sleek, vintage elements, designed to be both played and admired. The 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo and Deluxe Locking Tuners provide enhanced tuning stability with modern convenience and the worn-in, Heirloom™ finish as well as the subtle leopard print accents, are nods to two of Mars’ guitar playing heroes—Jimi Hendrix and Prince. Finally, the model comes loaded with a set of custom-voiced Bruno Mars pickups that will allow players to emulate Mars’ buoyant tone and singing leads. With this Stratocaster® design and sound, guitarists everywhere have access to unlock endless creativity that helped turn Mars the artist, producer and songwriter he is today.

In true tradition, Fender’s Artist Signature Series honors iconic musicians through product progression and storytelling, creating instruments inspired by the unique specifications of the world’s greatest guitarists and bassists.

Crafted from resonant ash, this guitar features sculpted American Ultra body contours for unmatched comfort and seamless access to high notes, watch Artur Menezes the Limited Edition Bruno Mars Stratocaster for a test drive.

Bruno Mars Stratocaster® Guitar ($2,999.99 USD, £3,149.00 GBP, €3,599.00EUR, $5,199.00 AUD, ¥431,200 JPY) Get ready to channel your inner 24K Magic with the irresistibly elegant Bruno Mars Stratocaster®. For technical specs, additional information on new Fender products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fender. com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender.

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HydWeekend Park,| Week Chgo Weekend and South Suburban Classified of November 22, 2023

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REAL ESTATE DON'T LOSE YOUR PROPERTY TO FORECLOSURE. Put money back into your pocket. Here is how you can win. CALL US AFTER 10am AT (708)378-7324 ASK FOR DIANA (ILLINOIS HOUSING SERVICE.INC). _______________________________

TECHNOLOGY

‘Tis the Season for Scams: 5 Ways to Protect You and Your Family Customers who want even more protection can download the Scam Shield app or dial #662# from their T-Mobile smartphone to enable Scam Block, which automatically blocks any calls that match the database of scam calls.

Take that, tricksters. To learn more, visit t-mobile.com/scamshield.

4. Shop Smarter Online: According to Statista, 57% of holiday shoppers plan to use their smartphone to make holiday purchases this year, and scammers are onto them, ramping up activity during the two weeks before Christmas. To minimize any cyber Grinches trying to steal your personal info, monitor your financial accounts regularly for suspicious charges and sign up for your bank or credit card company’s text or email notifications to stay on top of fraudulent activity.

5. Use Secure Tools: Safeguard your online accounts with Multi-Factor Authentication, which requires users to enter two different

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LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC 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.

Registration Number: Y23011126 on October 24, 2023. Under the Assumed Business name of ALL 4 HIS GLORY with the business located at: 454 SPRINGFIELD ST., PARK FOREST, ILLINOIS 60466. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name KENNETH LEONARD PHILLIPS Complete Address 454 SPRINGFIELD ST., PARK FOREST, ILLINOIS 60466, USA and SUZETTE RENE’ PHILLIPS Complete Address 454 SPRINGFIELD ST., PARK FOREST, ILLINOIS 60466, USA _______________________________

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PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Tero Vesalainen / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(Statepoint) In today’s hyper-connected digital universe, cyber criminals have more information than ever before, with the ability to reach you through unsecure public Wi-Fi, your email inbox, via text message, and more.

According to a Scam and Robocall Report from T-Mobile, Americans lost an estimated $39.5 billion to phone scams in 2022. Lucky for you, there are several ways to protect and safeguard your personal information to help prevent scammers from scammin’ this holiday season.

1. Avoid Public USB Ports: Traveling by plane this holiday season?

The FCC warns that cyber criminals can download malware to public USB charging ports to gain access to your information. Prevent this by using an AC power outlet instead.

2. Beware of Charity Scams: It’s the season of giving, but the FCC warns many cyber criminals take advantage by creating fake charities staged as real nonprofit organizations

to gain access to your payment information. Woof. To prevent this, don’t click on suspicious email or text links and verify the organization is registered at the National Association of State Charity Officials or Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance before donating this holiday season.

3. Screen Your Calls: Scammers are continuously upping their game, with total robocall attempts up 75% from 2021 to 2022. Detecting whether an incoming call is a potential scam isn’t always easy, but T-Mobile’s Scam Shield app makes it simple. Free to all T-Mobile customers, Scam Shield enhances your scam-blocking protections so you can say goodbye to scam calls. In 2022 alone, Scam Shield identified or blocked 41.5 billion scam calls in the T-Mobile network. That’s a whopping 1,317 calls identified or blocked every second. With Scam Shield, when the network detects a potential scam call, it is flagged and displayed as “Scam Likely” on your device.

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

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kinds of information to log in, like a password and one-time PIN code. It’s like having a digital bouncer to make sure only you get into your accounts.

Another protection is a password manager, giving you the ability to securely store passwords across multiple platforms and websites. The tool also provides an autofill password function and a new password generator.

To learn more about the industry’s top fraud trends and how to stay protected from scammers year-round, check out T-Mobile’s Scam Shield Report found at t-mobile.com/news.

While cyber threats are on the rise, you can sleigh scams by staying vigilant and incorporating these best practices into your life this holiday season.

12 | Weekend | Week of November 22, 2023

WEEKEND