Chicago Weekend Citizen 12-19-2018

Citizen

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS HONORS ‘FAIRNESS AND EQUALITY’ ACROSS THE STATE — PAGE 2 Week of Dec. 19, 2018

| Vol. 49 | No. 51 | www.thechicagocitizen.com

CHICAGO WEEKEND

The Cook County Land Bank Authority will soon be announcing the winner of their second annual Home Giveaway Lottery. Photo Credit: Cook County Land Bank

COOK COUNTY LAND BANK AUTHORITY PREPARES TO GIVE AWAY FULLY REHABBED HOME The Cook County Land Bank Authority (Land Bank) will soon be announcing the winner of their second annual Home Giveaway Lottery.

The winner will receive a fully rehabbed move-in ready home located in the Village of Maywood. The purpose of the give away is to draw attention to the Homebuyer Direct program that the Land Bank offers. PAGE 2

BUSINESS

ENTERTAINMENT

Don’t Let Small Dollar Loans Ruin Your Holidays

Chicago Park District and Chicago Blackhawks Team Up to Offer Free Ice Hockey Clinics at Six Neighborhood Ice Rinks

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NEWS briefly EDUCATION

CITGO AWARDS 20 STUDENTS THROUGH INNOVATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM CITGO Petroleum Corporation recently presented twenty scholarships to the recipients of its inaugural CITGO Innovation Scholarship Program, an initiative within the CITGO STEM Talent Pipeline. Each student will receive a $2,000 scholarship for undergraduate study. The awards may be renewed for up to three additional years, or until undergraduate studies are completed.

Each recipient was selected on the basis of academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, an essay, unusual personal or family circumstances, and an outside appraisal. Of the 20 recipients, 16 are the first in their family to attend college.

HEALTH

CHARITABLE DONATION HELPS SUPPORT EFFORTS TO SERVE 180,000 MEALS IN 5 AMERICAN CITIES The Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation (APTQI) recently announced its support for Rise Against Hunger, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger by 2030, by donating $25,000 to help feed Americans in need. The donation will be used to support one of Rise Against Hunger’s signature Meal Packaging Events in 5 cities. “As advocates for good health and wellness, we are proud to help address hunger, an issue that impacts individuals and families across the globe,” said Nick Patel, executive director of APTQI. “The APTQI is proud to support Rise Against Hunger’s Meal Packaging Events to continue our commitment to charitable giving.”

Rise Against Hunger operates meal packaging locations in 25 cities throughout the U.S. and five international locations in South Africa, Malaysia, the Philippines, Italy and India. In the past year, more than 398,000 volunteers from corporations, churches, schools and civic organizations packaged Rise Against Hunger meals.

LAW & POLITICS

TAX REFORM LAW MAKES CHANGES TO EMPLOYEE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RULES The IRS is reminding employers that last year’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made changes to several programs that can affect an employer’s bottom line and its employees’ deductions. This includes employee achievement awards.

Under previous law, employers could deduct the cost of certain employee achievement awards. Deductible awards were excludible from employee income. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, there is now a prohibition on cash, gift cards and other non-tangible personal property as employee achievement awards. Special rules allow an employee to exclude certain achievement awards from their wages if the awards are tangible personal property. The new law clarifies that tangible personal property doesn’t include cash, cash equivalents, gift cards, gift coupons, certain gift certificates, tickets to theater or sporting events, vacations, meals, lodging, stocks, bonds, securities, and other similar items.

Cook County Land Bank Authority Prepares To Give Away Fully Rehabbed Home Continued from page 1

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

The Cook County Land Bank Authority (Land Bank) will soon be announcing the winner of their second annual Home Giveaway Lottery. The winner will receive a fully rehabbed move-in ready home located in the Village of Maywood. The purpose of the give away is to draw attention to the Homebuyer Direct program that the Land Bank offers.

The Land Bank was founded in 2013 and since then, has worked to provide local developers, community groups, and potential homeowners with the tools they need to transform the vacant properties and lots in their communities.

“What we do throughout the year as an agency is we acquire foreclosed, vacant, and abandoned homes and that’s what the Cook County Land Bank does at its core. We acquire vacant, abandoned, and distressed real estate and we wipe out things like back taxes, old water bills, and anything that would hinder the property from being transferred

from one party to the next. We remove all that red tape and those barriers and then we sell these properties to developers, investors, homeowners, and nonprofits at below market price,” said Rob Rose, executive director of the Cook County Land Bank Authority.

The home that will be given away this year is a property that the Land Bank already had in their inventory and was specifically chosen to represent the type of homes and homeownership that are made possible through the Home Buyer Direct Program.

“The give away is really a chance for us to promote our homeownership program that we call the Homebuyer Direct Program. During this time of year, we thought giving away a home would be a great way to call attention to the program and to the benefits of homeownership in general,” said Rose. “We wanted to bring attention to the program that we have and to find a way to promote homeownership which we see as the cornerstone of how we are able to stabilize and rebuild neighborhoods.”

Through the Homebuyer Direct Program, prospective homebuyers can affordably buy a home and renovate it to meet their specific needs. Properties that are eligible for the Homebuyer Direct Program typically run between $30,000 and $180,000 and are listed on the Land Bank’s website along with answers to the homebuyer’s frequently asked questions. The Land Bank helps qualified homebuyers find a home and guides them through the development process which includes connecting with contractors, designing their new home, and understating the renovation timeline, according to information provided by the Cook County Land Bank Authority.

The winner of this year’s Home Giveaway Lottery will be announced on Dec. 21 “It is extremely rewarding to do this because we know that we are transforming someone’s life and that the winner is actually getting the sort of breaks that we all dream of and that there is something transformational happening here that can change the trajectory of their life. We know that this house is going to have that effect,” said Rose.

Illinois Department of Human Rights honors ‘Fairness and Equality’ across the State The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), in partnership with City Colleges of Chicago, recognized organizations, cities and universities from across the state that went above and beyond in promoting fairness, equality and human rights in Illinois.

IDHR Director Janice Glenn presented the 2018 Human Rights Day Award to seven organizations, cities and universities from across Illinois recently.

Each organization, city and university has demonstrated a commitment to promoting fairness, equality and human rights throughout the year.

“Today marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document that proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being,” said IDHR Director Janice Glenn. “I can think of no better day to honor organizations from across the state for their efforts, than on this historic day. As the year draws to a close, we are proud to continue this great campaign into 2019. We have come a long way since 1948, but we still have a long way to go to ensure that the rights of every human being are protected and upheld. It is my hope that IDHR’s Fairness and Equality campaign aids in reaffirming not just our State’s commitment to hu-

man rights but Illinois citizens’ and leaders’ commitment to promoting and protecting human rights.”

The honorees are: The City of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) for their outstanding commitment to the Fairness and Equality Campaign, a campaign that sought to secure the participation of local units of government interested in reaffirming Illinois’ rich history of valuing diversity, promoting inclusion and conscientiously working to end discrimination. All three of awardees provided exemplary support for the campaign, going above and beyond to make this campaign a great success.

Peace School, for their extraordinary efforts in promoting peace and for helping people of all ages practice peace in everyday life through its numerous meditation exercises.

Peace School coordinates the Chicago Build the Peace Committee,

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responsible for organizing the largest annual Peace Day celebration in Illinois, drawing hundreds of people, schools, and international consulates to its downtown event in Chicago since 1978.

John Marshall Law School’s Fair Housing Legal Clinic for its dedication to educating the public about fair housing law and providing legal assistance to individuals facing discriminatory practices and private or public organizations working to promote fair housing practices in their communities.

University of Chicago’s Pozen Family Center for Human Rights for supporting innovative interdisciplinary teaching and research initiatives that critically explore the theory and practice of global human rights. The Center provides students with great exposure to human rights issues through its internship opportunities with non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and international human rights bodies in the U.S. and across the world.

TRICAMEX Chicago: The Northern Triangle of Central America and Mexico in Chicago for its vision and efforts to providing consular support and protection to fellow nationals living in Illinois.

TRICAMEX is comprised of the three Central American countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Sal-

vador, as well as Mexico. Through TRICAMEX, these consular offices are better able to address pressing issues in migrant communities by sharing information and best practices in a respectful and constructive way.

The celebration took place at Harold Washington College in Chicago, Illinois. It kicked off with a performance by the Harold Washington College Jazz Band.

Jill Hopkins, host of the Morning Amp on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM, was the emcee and keynote remarks were given by Juan Carlos Linares, chairman of the Illinois Advisory Committee to the US Commission on Civil Rights and executive director, LUCHA. During the event, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations issued a proclamation in support of IDHR’s Fairness and Equality Campaign. This event was part of the campaign which will continue on into 2019. As part of the campaign, IDHR is asking 200 local units of government across Illinois to pledge their support for the Department’s core values of fairness, equality, inclusion and non-discrimination.

For more information about IDHR’s Fairness and Equality Campaign or to pledge your support, visit the Fairness and Equality Campaign page on IDHR’s website.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

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NEWS

Mayor Emanuel, City of Chicago Submit Comment in Opposition to President Trump’s ‘Public Charge’ Rule Change Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently announced that the City of Chicago submitted a comment to the federal government in opposition to the Trump Administration’s proposed “public charge” rule change, stating it would cause harm to the city and its immigrant residents. The City of Chicago and the City of New York also led a coalition of more than thirty local governments in submitting a separate comment to explain why they think the proposed rule is unlawful.

“Chicago is and will remain a welcoming city that works to provide its residents with resources, not stand by while they are taken away,” said Mayor Emanuel. “This proposed rule is just the latest example of the Trump Administration’s unlawful attempts to unfairly target and endanger the most vulnerable among us; we will continue to oppose this and any action that would make it more difficult for immigrants to adapt to their new lives and contribute to the social and cultural fabric of Chicago.”

On October 10, 2018, the Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security published a proposal to expand the test that it applies to determine whether an immigrant is likely to become a “public charge.” Under longstanding policy, a “public charge” is an immigrant who is primarily dependent on the government for subsistence. The proposed rule seeks to greatly expand the definition of “public charge” to, for the first time, include non-cash benefits such as food stamps, medical care and housing assistance. The use of these benefits would be considered to not only determine which immigrants may be barred from entry into the United States, but also those lawfully present who wish to become permanent residents.

As outlined in the comment, the City of Chicago has more than 500,000 foreign-born residents from all over the world who are lawfully living and working within its communities. This change would likely result in many of these immigrants and their families withdrawing from federal assistance programs, or choosing not to enroll, even if they are eligible.

In addition, immigrants who are exempt from the “public charge” determination, including refugees and those who have sought

President Donald Trump Photo by Gage Skidmore

asylum, may also decide to opt out of receiving public services based on confusion or fear of jeopardizing the immigration status of themselves or of a family member. The comment explains that Chicago is already hearing reports of a chilling effect based on the proposed rule.

Chicago’s Department of Family & Support Services has reported that some of the city’s delegate agencies, including providers of Head Start, Early Head Start, and SNAP benefits, are seeing declines in enrollment and participation.

The comment also explains that the proposed rule’s inclusion of federal medical

insurance programs in the “public charge” determination would have negative health consequences and would shift health care costs to local governments such as the City of Chicago. As immigrants stop using available federal health programs, they will look to local programs to fill this gap or refrain from seeking basic health care services altogether, causing a rise in more expensive, emergency care for unmanaged chronic conditions, or other conditions that could have been detected through routine exams.

The effects of the proposed rule would

extend beyond the immigrant community; a rise in untreated communicable diseases could affect the health of Chicagoans citywide. In addition, the loss of revenue from federal aid programs would be felt by local business owners and service providers.

The comments were prepared by attorneys in Chicago’s Affirmative Litigation Division, which represents the city in a broad range of investigations and litigation matters in both federal and state courts to protect the interests of the city and the rights, health and safety of its residents.

NLRB Issues Strategic Plan for FY 2019 to FY 2022 The National Labor Relations Board is issuing its Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2019 through 2022, which is required under the Government Performance and Results Act of 2010.

The Strategic Plan contains four mission-related goals to support the vision of NLRB Chairman John Ring and General Counsel Peter Robb.

These four mission-related goals include: (1) achieving a collective 20% increase (5% over each of four years) in timeliness in case processing of unfair labor practice charges, (2) achieving

resolution of a greater number of representation cases within 100 days of the filing of an election petition, (3) achieving organizational excellence and productivity, and (4) managing agency resources efficiently and in a manner that instills public trust.

To achieve these stated goals, the Strategic Plan calls for an annual, Agency-wide 5% reduction in case processing time for unfair labor practice charges.

This reduction includes not only case handling in the regional offices, but also the time between issuance

of an Administrative Law Judge’s decision and a Board Order, and issuance of a Board Order and closure of a case.

Over the years, the amount of time it takes for cases to be processed and for resolutions to be reached has increased and backlogs of cases have developed. This initiative has been developed to reverse these trends.

In support of the Strategic Plan, the General Counsel has issued Memorandum GC 19-02, Reducing Case Processing Time, discussing how these goals affect the NLRB’s www.thechicagocitizen.com

Divisions of Advice, Legal Counsel, Enforcement Litigation, Operations-Management and the Regional offices.

Established in 1935, the National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that protects employers and employees from unfair labor practices and protects the right of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve wages, benefits and working conditions.

The NLRB conducts hundreds of workplace elections and investigates

thousands of unfair labor practice charges each year. The Office of the General Counsel is independent from the Board and is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of unfair labor practice cases, for the conducting of secret ballot elections to determine whether employees desire union representation, for the overall supervision of field offices around the country, and for the general oversight of the Agency’s administrative, financial, personnel and human capital operations.

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BUSINESS

Don’t Let Small Dollar Loans Ruin Your Holidays MONEY MATTERS

BY CHARLENE CROWELL

In this wonderful time of the year when family and friends gather in good cheer to celebrate the holidays, nearly everyone has a number of lists. From greeting cards to shopping for gifts, decorations and more, lists are made and reviewed to keep pace with the barrage of seasonal activities.

But if holiday lists seem bigger than budgets, turning to a highinterest, “small dollar” loan can turn joy and merriment into a financial quagmire. The good news is that holiday financial hangovers that predatory lenders give, do not need to be a part of your celebrations.

Just keep walking or drive past the brightly-colored signs advertising high-interest, small dollar loans. Both payday and car title loans can provide quick cash; but the harms these loans create will likely linger well past the winter’s cold. In truth, these predatory loans often lead to consumers paying more in interest and fees than for they money borrowed.

Research by the Center for

High-interest, “small dollar” loans can turn holiday joy and merriment into a financial quagmire.

Responsible Lending (CRL) has found that predatory payday loans drain $4.1 billion in fees from consumers annually -- borrowers who typically are unable to fully repay the original loan, usually in two weeks’ time. With average annual interest rates averaging 391 percent, 75 percent of all payday loans go to borrowers with more

than 10 loans a year.

Like payday loans, car title loans are often marketed as an easy way to get cash without a credit check – but with interest rates that tend to be 20-30 times higher than that of credit cards. The average car title loan of about $1,000 can only be secured by signing a personally-owned car as collateral. Further, the loan may only

PAYING PR AGENTS TOO MUCH FOR PUBLICITY?

Charlene Crowell is the Communications Deputy Director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at: Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.

REAL ESTATE

Fannie Mae Offers Certainty To Lenders That Use LoanBeam Technology

Instead use LG Consulting’s “pay as you go” press release service. Reach over 400,000 consumers with your message.

Visit lgpr.biz Click on press releases Make an appointment And start sharing your story today!

be a fraction of the marketable value of the vehicle. While the lender holds on to a car title, the borrower is faced with triple-digit interest and, in one of five cases, a whopping 20 percent, the loss of personal transportation.

As harmful as payday and car title loans are, other seemingly harmful small dollar transactions can also cause financial havoc.

If you believe pre-paid cards will always avoid financial rip-offs, think again.

Before paying cash for this convenient form of plastic, read all of the fine print that explains the terms and fees that come with its usage. Terms and options can and do vary significantly. Many include

a range of fees from activation, to learning your current balances, reloading monies and in some cases fees for inactivity. By the time all applicable fees are assessed, the amount of money actually available on that prepaid card can shrink and shortchange how far it can help on purchases.

Similarly, the convenience of debit cards can easily trigger overdraft charges for consumers with slim or no checking account cushions. CRL research has shown that although overdraft fees vary by institution, the average $35 overdraft fee on a debit card is double the amount of the overdraft itself. Banks engage in a range of unfair and deceptive tactics to maximize these fees, which can amount to hundreds of dollars over the course of just a day or two--talk about a holiday damper. Too many overdrafts can lead to involuntary account closures.

This holiday season try adding a full measure of practical sense to help your dollars preserve the spirit and joy of the season – it only comes once a year!

LISETTE GUSHINIERE Owner, LG Consulting

Fannie Mae and LoanBeam recently announced an innovative enhancement allowing mortgage lenders to enjoy a consistent and reliable process for calculating income for self-employed borrowers.

By year-end, LoanBeam customers will be able to use LoanBeam's FNMA SEI 1084 workbook to simplify the self-employment income calculation process and enjoy enhanced certainty knowing the calculation aligns with the Fannie Mae Selling Guide.

"LoanBeam is excited to work with Fannie Mae on this solution," said Kirk Donaldson, LoanBeam's chief executive officer. "We are proud that Fannie Mae committed to aligning the FNMA SEI 1084 workbook to the Selling Guide. It is a great win for our customers," he continued.

"We always put our customers at the center of what we do. Our customers asked us to innovate around self-employed income and we listened," said Henry Cason, Fannie Mae's Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Products. "We are excited to deliver this solution to the market so quickly."

Lenders who want to learn more about using LoanBeam's FNMA SEI 1084 workbook can contact their Fannie Mae Relationship Manager or support@ loanbeam.com (current LoanBeam customers) or sales@loanbeam.com (lenders new to LoanBeam). www.thechicagocitizen.com

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

*To be eligible for the down payment assistance of 3% of the home’s purchase price, up to $3,600, the property must be in one of the following eligible states: MI, IN, IL, KY, TN, OH, WV, NC, GA, FL and either located in a low Income Census Tract or borrower must meet the low income limit threshold based on the qualifying income per FFIEC website. Down payment assistance may be taxable as income and reported to the IRS. Consult your tax advisor. Not available with all loan products.

Loans subject to credit review and approval. Prices and programs subject to change without notice. Fifth Third Mortgage Company, 5001 Kingsley Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45227, 1-877-841-7511, an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act and by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurances. Fifth Third Mortgage Company d/b/a Fifth Third Mortgage Company Incorporated and licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department. Fifth Third Mortgage is the trade name used by Fifth Third Mortgage Company (NMLS #134100) and Fifth Third Mortgage-MI, LLC (NMLS #447141). Fifth Third Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

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CITIZEN ON THE GO! Farewell To The Queen of Jazz Nancy Wilson JEROME PHOTO MRMAGRIOT@AOL.COM

Nancy Wilson died this week after a lengthy illness in her home in California at the age of 81.

Wilson had a long relationship with appearing at the Crown Propeller Lounge 866 E 63rd St. There she met Ramsey Lewis, and most likely Sid McCoy a prominent Jazz DJ who named her “the baby” for his audience. In my opinion her landmark album was with Cannonballl Adderly.

Wilson’s’ landmark hit “Guess Who I Saw Today” is still a jazz icon, Wilson was the recipient of 3 Grammy Awards. Wilson was married twice and had 3 childrens.

Wilson became the host of National Public Radio’s “Jazz Profiles,” a documentary series featuring jazz legends and comJerome Simmons Citizen’s Photographer L-R TV Personaility Merri Dee, Ramsey Lewis, Nancy Wilson and the and Nancy Wilson Ramsey Lewis during mentary. late radio personalty Yvonne Daniels recording of their National Public Radio Show. .

SUPREME COURT JUSTICE P. SCOTT NEVILL SWEARS IN NEW LAWYERS

Supreme Court Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr., will preside over the afternoon ceremony. .Guests of the second First District ceremony will include Illinois State Bar Association Second Vice President Dennis Orsey, Urie Clark, president of the Cook County Bar Association; Radhika Lohia, president of the Asian American Bar Association; and Thomas Clancy of the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar. Stephen D. Phillips will move for admission of the class. John S. Mrowiec will second the motion.

Supreme Court Justice P.Scott Neville presided over 1 of 5 swearing in ceremonies at which 1,200 new lawyers became members of the Illinois Bar Association There were two sessions held at McCormick Place recently. There are 96,000 lawyers in Illinois.

Supreme Court Justice P..Scott Neville.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

L R Melanie Anewishki CEO Keith Stanley O’Connor, Andrea Middleton, Samuell Miller Jr. Heidi Jones and Stacey Anewishki COO The four in the middle retiired after20 years at Featherfist a social service organization..

Rev Joseph Gordon Pastor of Carter Temple C.M.E. is joined by breezy Clause and Dianna Doss.

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IT’S NOT THE

THE LEADING LADY GETS HER CLOSEUP.

Call 1-800-xfinity, visit an Xfinity Store or go to xfinity.com

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Xfinity On Demand requires Xfinity TV service. ©2018 Comcast. All rights reserved.

T:13”

S:12”

The best connections have always been wireless, and you can stay connected this season with Xfinity. Watch Netflix and YouTube right on your TV. Even stream your holiday favorites on any device with the Xfinity Stream app, powered by the best WiFi experience. Plus, save money when you switch to Xfinity Mobile. That’s how Xfinity makes the holidays simple, easy, awesome.

8 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

RCA Inspiration Celebrates Two 2019 Grammy Award Nominations for Koryn Hawthorne and the Walls Group RCA Inspiration celebrates two GRAMMY® Award nominations in the categories of Best Gospel Performance/Song and Best Gospel Album for the 61st GRAMMY® Awards, with nods for their chart-topping releases from Koryn Hawthorne and The Walls Group. Koryn Hawthorne garners her first-ever GRAMMY® Award nomination, with her recordbreaking #1 smash “Won’t He Do It” nominated for Best Gospel Performance/Song. The Walls Group are nominated for Best Gospel Album for their #1 hit album The Other Side (Fo Yo Soul/RCA Inspiration), marking their third career GRAMMY® nomination. Additionally, multiple GRAMMY® winning Fo Yo Soul/RCAI artist Kirk Franklin receives his 23rd career GRAMMY® nomination as an artist and songwriter, for his featured performance with Tori Kelly on her song “Never Alone,” which is nominated for Best Gospel Performance/Song, Phil Thornton, RCA Inspiration SVP and General Manager says, “Congratulations to Koryn, The Walls Group, and Kirk on their GRAMMY® nominations! We appreciate the recognition from The Recording Academy honoring their impact on Gospel over this past year with these nominations.”

The 61st Annual GRAMMY® Awards will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, February 10th, 2019 on CBS.

The Walls Group

Kirk Franklin

Koryn Hawthorne

Chicago Park District and Chicago Blackhawks Team Up to Offer Free Ice Hockey Clinics at Six Neighborhood Ice Rinks

The Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Park District are partnering again this winter to offer free hockey clinics at six neighborhood ice rinks across the city.

The Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Park District are partnering again this winter to offer free hockey clinics at six neighborhood ice rinks across the city.

Parents of children, ages 5 to 12 years old, are encouraged to enroll their young ones in this year’s clinics.

The free Blackhawks clinics will take place Wednesdays and Saturdays and are going on now through Feb. 6, 2019.

Skates and equipment will be made available to participants for free. Upon arriving at the rinks for their scheduled clinics, participating kids will also receive a keepsake Chicago Blackhawks jersey.

“The Chicago Park District is excited to team up with the Chicago Blackhawks for yet another year of offering our children access to instructors, equipment and facilities with the goal of teaching them how to play the sport with pride,” said Chicago Park District Superintendent & CEO Michael P. Kelly. “This longstanding partnership has allowed us to continue to grow www.thechicagocitizen.com

the presence of the sport in neighborhoods citywide.”

Online registration is required before attending one of the clinics. Parents are also encouraged to arrive 2030 minutes before the clinic begins to better facilitate the distribution of equipment and jerseys. For more information and to register, parents should visit www. chicagoblackhawks.com/cpdclinics.

Earlier this year, the Chicago Park District, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Blackhawks opened a Hockey Rink at Norwood Park in Chicago’s 41st Ward.

The new 75’ x 160’ rink features a SportCourt surface for both street and roller hockey use, creating accessibility across multiple seasons. The rink, located at 5801 N. Natoma Avenue, will serve as a public park amenity and will be programmed by the Chicago Park District. While the Chicago Blackhawks may hold occasional clinics and camps at the rink, its primary purpose is for residents to use at their own discretion.

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Holiday Season News

Great Holiday Gift Ideas for Music Lovers (StatePoint) Shopping for some music lovers this holiday season? Here are some great gift ideas to help your favorite musicians play and compose music.

Music Composition Tools Assist both aspiring and accomplished songwriters in their efforts with music composition tools. You can choose to go analog or digital, depending on the style of your gift recipient. For traditionalists, consider a beautiful leather-bound music composition book. For a modern music maker, consider composition software that assists in the creation and sharing of music notation.

Instruments For both beginner or seasoned musicians, consider the gift of a portable keyboard to help hone their skills at home or on-the-go. Wherever your gift recipients are on their musical journey, and no mat-

ter what budget you have to work with, you shouldn’t have to compromise on sound quality. For instance, for a modest sum, you can gift the CT-X700 from Casio, which features the AiX Sound Source, 600

life-like instrument tones, hundreds of built-in rhythms and effects for a full band sound, and a lesson system that displays proper fingering and notation. A six-track recorder allows musicians to capture their inspiration, a great feature for songwriters.

Rehearsal Time Know someone in a band? A soundproofed rehearsal space can be a dream come true for musicians (and their neighbors). Gift your recipient a rehearsal space rental. Whether you pay for one session or several months’ worth of rehearsal time, this is a thoughtful way to support a musician’s efforts.

By gifting the instruments, tools and space needed to learn, write and practice music, you can show a musician you care this holiday season.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Pixelot / stock.Adobe.com

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

(StatePoint) We’ve all been there before. Procrastinated or overscheduled our holiday season to the point where we leave ourselves little to no time to shop for loved ones. But great gifts don’t necessarily need to be planned months in advance.

These last-minute ideas will bring cheer to the season for gift-givers and recipients alike.

• A Gift Basket: A gift basket is easy to prepare and, if created by you, won’t feel last-minute at all. With a few customizations for an individual’s preferences, this is an extremely thoughtful gift. Shopping for a person with a sweet tooth? Hit up the candy aisle and get most of your items from there. (StatePoint) ‘Tis the season of friends, family Shopping and entertaining! If you’re planning on hosting for a food- guests -- whether for an entire week of family ie? Prepare a basket of interesting herbs and spices from around fun or a one-night celebration -- now’s the time to get your home in the holiday spirit. the world. The possibilities are endless. After you’ve arranged “Preparing a home for the holidays doesn’t the items nicely, spiff it up with a few bows and flourishes in your have to require adding extensive decorations gift recipient’s favorite colors. or undergoing a total remodel to update • A Timepiece: If you’re stumped for a gift for that pragmatic, favorite spaces,” says Jennifer Kis, director of stylish someone that will be appreciated for both its beauty and marketing communications for Progress its functionality, consider a great timepiece in a classic design Lighting. “Small changes through lighting can create a festive and comfortable environment that will complement a variety of styles, such as those from with minimal effort and investment.”

Casio’s Vintage Timepiece Collection. Featuring stainless steel Here are three easy tips to try: bands in such different metallic color combinations as gold and Update Entryways and Foyers. Your entryblack, and rose gold and silver, they are equipped with an LED- way is your opportunity to make an exceptionlit display face, a countdown timer, a 1/100th second stopwatch, al first impression and set the tone for the rest offer functional features during the holidays as well as a daily alarm, hourly time signal and auto-calendar. of the interior. Add drama to your foyer with a and beyond. Added illumination will improve grouping of striking, oversized pendant lights This throwback accessory is both useful and fashionable, adding safety and enhance security, while bringing a in lieu of a traditional chandelier. new bold look to the front of your home. To a bold, retro-inspired look to any outfit.

Pay Attention to Shared Spaces. Popular create instant curb appeal, hang a large • Movie Night: Everyone loves a trip to the movies, and these spaces where friends and family are likely to lantern on either side of your front door, or days, it’s easier than ever to send a loved one to the theater gather most during the holidays include great install a post lantern at the front of your walkagain and again. With a MoviePass membership of just $9.95 a rooms, living rooms and dining areas. A large way. month, you can give the gift of unlimited theater-going to your statement chandelier in a common living For more design inspiration and to view space creates a focal point and also ensures favorite cinephile. on-trend lighting collections, visit proThis holiday season, don’t show up empty-handed or re-gift there is enough illumination for card games, gresslighting.com. movies and coffee and cocoa by the fireside. something generic lying around the house. There are plenty of In a few easy steps, you can light up your Illuminate Walkways to Enhance Curb home for a warm and welcoming holiday seathoughtful gifts that can be prepared at the last minute and your Appeal. Simple outdoor lighting techniques son. recipient will be none the wiser. can improve a home’s appearance and also PHOTO SOURCE: (c) evgeniykleymenov / stock.Adobe.com

3 Easy Ways to Illuminate Your Home for the Holidays

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

© 2018 The Coca-Cola Company. All Rights Reserved.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

Coke Holiday - 10x13 - Joy Chicago Citizen_Watts Times

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11

JOY

Job 401213097_04a Client Name: Coca-Cola Description: HOLIDAY

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12 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

NEWS

Santa with family at Thornton Township Christmas Toy Giveaway. Photo credit: Ernst Lamothe, Thornton Township Public and Community Relations Manager

Thornton Township Christmas Toy Giveaway A Success, Hundreds Attend South Holland, IL. - Thornton Township President Frank M. Zuccarelli and its Board of Trustees made hundreds of families happy with a huge toy giveaway on Saturday, December 15, 2018. Trustee Joyce M. Washington, Chairman of the Thornton Township Human Relations Commission and Santa’s helper said, “There were so many children attending the event. Lines of parents and children began to form early Saturday morning, they were so excited. We were wishing them all Merry Christmas. The event was well attended.”

Several township trustees, township officials, and others volunteered. Food and snacks were provided.

Alexandra Muse, Thornton Township Special Projects, headed up the Christmas Care Program. Children were entertained with a special visit from Santa.

Think

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Santa’s helpers. Photo credit: Ernst Lamothe, Thornton Township Public and Community Relations Manager

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CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

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13

NEWS

ESSENCE® Beauty Carnival Hits the Road in 2019 World’s Largest Beauty Experience for Black Women Reimagined as Multi-City Tour Tickets On-Sale Now for Kick-Off in New York City April 27-28, 2019 NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2018 / PRNewswire/ - The ESSENCE®

Beauty Carnival ™, recognized as the world’s largest beauty experience for Black women, is hitting the road in 2019—newly reimagined as an expanded, multi-city tour. Tickets are on-sale now for this epic celebration of Black beauty—convening a community of enthusiasts, experts and influencers at New York City’s Pier 36 on April 27-28, 2019.

“As the leading global destination for Black women, ESSENCE® celebrates diverse beauty and inspires inclusivity in a way that only we can,” said ESSENCE Fashion and Beauty Director Julee Wilson. “With the expansion of our Beauty Carnival, we are embracing our unique journey and curating our programming to share a very special experience with beauty aficionados from city to city.”

Inspired by the brand’s original Beauty Carnival which takes place during the annual ESSENCE Festival and attracts more than 10,000 fans per day from around the world, the tour will return to New Orleans this summer, making the 25th anniversary ESSENCE Festival its second stop. The Beauty Carnival’s final destination will be in Texas October 2019. Details to be announced at a later date.

The ESSENCE Beauty Carnival tour will deliver a globally inclusive and immersive experience featuring up-close access to exciting moments, such as expert tutorials, engaging conversations, exclusive interviews with today’s beauty icons, live podcasts and special guest performances. Highlights include: l ESSENCE’s new museum of Black beauty, documenting key historical and cultural moments, classic products and archived video to bring to life ESSENCE storytelling around Black beauty l Curated “Shop ESSENCE” beauty marketplace

“AS THE LEADING GLOBAL DESTINATION FOR BLACK WOMEN, ESSENCE® CELEBRATES DIVERSE BEAUTY AND INSPIRES INCLUSIVITY IN A WAY THAT ONLY WE CAN.” JULEE WILSON ESSENCE Fashion and Beauty Director l Extensive product sampling and special brand activations l Premier pampering services, gift bag, light bites and sips, and celebrity/influencer meet and greets for VIP level ticket-holders in our Beauty Bungalow For more on the ESSENCE Beauty Carnival tour and to purchase tickets, visit Essence. com/BeautyCarnival. Share your experience on your social platforms using the official hashtag #EssenceCarnival.

ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS INC. Essence Communications is the number one media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 17 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival. Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures, an independent Black-owned, technology-driven company focused on merging content, community and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color.

SOURCE Essence Communications Inc.

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14 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

NEWS

Not everyone is sad to see Urban Prep is closing

Urban Prep Academy High School students celebrating after "National Signing Day 2018," a day when graduating seniors announce which college they will attend in the fall. (Photo by Wendell Hutson)

By Wendell Hutson Contributing Writer Students and parents at Urban Prep West Academy High School said they are not surprised that Chicago Public Schools plans to close the charter school next year.

"I think it's good the school is closing because teachers here do whatever they want to us [students]," alleged Keonte Macon, a 14-year-old freshman.

"When parents are around, the teachers put on a show, but behind closed doors they curse at us," she further alleged.

And Kemon Dean, a 15-year-old freshman, said he is not sad to see the school close either.

"I really don't care what happens to Urban Prep West," said Dean.

At a Dec. 3 Chicago Board of Education meeting, CPS recommended closing Urban Prep West, 1326 W. 14th Place, largely due to poor, academic performance. The all-boys school opened in 2009 and has about 200 students who are mostly black.

Some parents said they are hoping the school remains open.

"When I heard about the school closing I was very disappointed. I think Urban Prep is the best school for African American males," said Austin resident Marleen Collins. "My son is a freshman at Urban Prep West and my nephew is a senior. I remember telling my nephew when he was in sixth grade that he was going to Urban Prep and he doubted me, but now he loves it."

But CPS officials insisted that the

school has not made enough improvements (academically) to stay open.

"Urban Prep West failed to provide students with a high-quality education, and it was in the best interest of students to revoke the school's charter and help families find high-quality school options in the area," contends Michael Passman, a spokesman for CPS. "CPS' mission is to ensure that every public school in every neighborhood offers a high-quality education that prepares students for success."

He added that based on the school district's "charter accountability policy" and the renewal criteria for contract schools, Urban Prep West failed to meet the contractual condition to successfully implement a remediation plan and improve enough to be removed from the academic warning list. And that Urban Prep West has had a Level 2 rating for the past four years.

Urban Prep West Principal Cory Cain declined to comment.

But Tim King, founder and chief executive officer of the nonprofit Urban Prep Academies, said he is opposed to closing the campus.

"This decision is shocking and confounding. After all, CPS just renewed the West Campus' charter last year," explained King. "The West Campus provides a curriculum with double the English credits and more core-courses than traditional public schools, an extended school day, robust after-school programs, and daily mentoring."

King said the school has maintained a 100 percent college acceptance rate, "despite reduced enrollment caused by

CPS moving our campus from the East Garfield Park community (to the Near West Side), and despite financial challenges caused by reduced funding and increased expenses (including CPS charging the West Campus $1.3 million in 'rent' over the past five years)," according to King.

Passman noted that charter schools located on a CPS-owned property are not charged rent costs by the district.

"Rather, they must cover the costs of maintenance and service provided by the district," added Passman.

Starting in January, CPS will hold

meetings with parents to provide them with a transitional plan for their students as well as other educational options available. CPS is the nation's third largest school district with 361,000 students and 644 schools.

Urban Prep will continue to operate its two South Side campuses in Englewood and Bronzeville, and King said, "We will pursue every avenue available to us to continue to serve our West Campus students."

Students at Urban Prep Academy West High School walk the halls after school ends on Dec. 14, 2018. The halls could soon be empty permanently following a recent announcement by Chicago Public Schools to close the charter school in 2019. (Photo by Wendell Hutson)

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CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

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CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

SERVICE

grow. Filled with fascinating stories of how plant roots and leaves communicate with their neighbors and how flowers use color and scent to interact with the creatures around them, this is an introduction to the mysterious inner workings of the plant world.

• For children who can’t get enough wildlife, consider “An Anthology of Intriguing Animals,” a compendium of the facts, stories and myths behind more than 200 of their favorite animals. Whether it’s how the koala got its name or which animal the ancient Egyptians thought rolled the sun across the sky, readers can learn fun facts while poring over photographs, including detailed close-ups.

• “Robot,” a book for kids, covers artificial intelligence (AI) throughout history, including automata created by Leonardo Da Vinci all the way through to modern-day androids. Discover cutting edge robotics, where science, technology, mechanical engineering and computing meet. Bright graphics and photography help readers learn how robots work, how they are made, and how they help and hinder modern society.

This holiday season, stock the shelves of those you adore with fascinating books on topics they love. _______________________________

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HOLIDAY SEASON Shopping for the Holidays?

Book Ideas for Everyone on Your List (StatePoint) No matter who you’re shop-

ping for this holiday season, books can make great gifts. Here are five engaging volumes to consider.

• “Writers: Their Lives and Works” features more than 100 biographies of the world’s greatest writers, from Shakespeare to Toni Morrison. Biographical entries trace the friendships, loves and rivalries that influenced each writer, while placing their works into historical context.

Illustrated with portraits, photographs and paintings of writers’ homes, studies and personal artifacts, along with pages from original manuscripts, first editions and correspondence, this book introduces the key themes and literary techniques of its subjects, revealing the imaginations and personalities behind some of the world’s greatest novels, short stories, poems, and plays.

• From its origins at court and the first national ballet companies, to the contemporary scene and the extraordinary venues that stage productions, “Ballet: The Definitive Illustrated Story” provides an invaluable overview of the history of ballet.

Readers can discover more than 70 of the most famous ballet dances, learn the stories behind renowned companies, explore the lives and achievements of dancers across centuries, and meet composers and choreographers. Filled with rarely seen photographs, this book is wellsuited for ballet enthusiasts.

• “Flora: Inside the Secret World of Plants” invites you to explore the plant kingdom from the ground up, and from root to leaf tip. This elegant introduction to botany from DK is packed with photos and illustrations explaining the mechanics of photosynthesis, why leaves change color, how cacti store water, and how seeds know when to

(StatePoint) We are in the midst of the holiday season, and if you are like many people, you’ve probably already spent more than you anticipated.

More consumers are looking to use a credit card this season to pay for gifts, and they plan to take longer to pay it off than in previous years, according to a recent NerdWallet survey. In fact, more than 39 million Americans are still carrying some of last year’s holiday balance on their cards today.

While credit card use is common during the holidays, the key is making sure you use the right card, are aware of common fraud tactics and have a plan to pay off debt quickly. Here are some helpful tips from The United Services Automobile Association (USAA): • Pick the right card. The average American has 2-3 credit cards. During the holidays, make sure you use those cards that won’t leave you with financial regret afterward. Balance the benefits of reward points, zero percent APRs, or special deals, with the long-term cost of borrowing money. For example, store credit cards give exciting discounts at the time of purchase but often charge higher APRs than a card you already have in your wallet. Take a moment to think about how you will pay after the fun of holiday spending is over, and don’t forget to review the fine print associated with making big purchases.

• Be smart and safe. If you are shopping online, make sure the website starts with ‘https://’ to ensure it’s a credible site before making a purchase, and be sure to turn off Wi-Fi auto-connect and Bluetooth when you’re out and about this holiday season.

Connecting to public Wi-Fi is dangerous and less secure than connecting to your mobile network. In addition, think twice before sharing your logon information over the phone or clicking on random links in emails from unknown sources, such as “track your package,” “open your holiday greeting” or “free gift card.” Fraudsters often impersonate credible companies to get you to share your logon information or click links.

Now is also a great time to consider changing your account passwords and enrolling in multifactor authentication (MFA) where available. Using MFA, creating unique passwords, responding to fraud alerts and monitoring your accounts are critical steps during the holiday season.

• Start planning to pay it off now. Be sure to keep track of your spending so there are no surprises in the new year. Decide when you want to have your card paid off, and calculate the best plan of action based on your lifestyle and finances. Utilize your bank and credit card companies’ resources to create a realistic timeline that still allows for your everyday and monthly expenses.

Many financial institutions, such as USAA, offer free financial tools to help.

For more tips and resources to help stay on track, spend responsibly and avoid cybercrime this holiday season, visit usaa.com.

By approaching the season responsibly, you can make the holidays fun and exciting -- not stressful. __________________________________

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16 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of Dec. 19, 2018

Make rent a thing of the past.

With a down payment as low as 3% for modest-income buyers, Bank of America makes affording a new home easier than ever.1 To get started call 1-800-641-8603 or visit your local financial center.

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Available for fixed-rate purchase loans with terms of 25 or 30 years and on primary residences only. Certain property types are ineligible. Borrower(s) must not have an individual or joint ownership interest in any other residential property at time of closing. Maximum purchase loan-to-value is 97% and maximum combined purchase loan-to-value is 103%.

For loan-to-values >95% any secondary financing must be from an approved Community Second Program; ask for details. Homebuyer education may be required. Restrictions apply regarding co-borrowers. Maximum income and loan amount limits apply.

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Equal Housing Lender Š2018 Bank of America Corporation. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. AR98CFM5