MC Digital Edition 12.7.22

Ron Carter:

Roots. A3

Michigan Chronicle

Prevention is Key in Keeping Michigan Schools Safe

By Sherri Kolade

The Oxford High School shoot ing last year left in its wake four people dead and countless emo tionally scared as this senseless tragedy was sadly not the end of school-related violence. Two Henry Ford High School students were shot on Monday, November 21 while leaving the Detroit school located on the northwest side, during dismissal time the Detroit News reported.

The shooting was reported to be an “act of retaliation” by indi viduals involved, Detroit Police Chief James White said in the ar ticle. The teenage victims’ injuries were not life-threatening.

Police are searching for three suspects allegedly involved.

“We know who we’re looking for,” said Detroit Police Chief James White said in a FOX 2 De troit article.

Clintondale schools in Clinton Township were also facing threats, too – four in the last month includ ing school shootings, an airsoft gun found in a student’s back pack, and a bomb threat.

By Sherri Kolade and Andre Ash

Michigan’s Historic Win: What's Next for Kyra Bolden?

thinking about their possibilities and I’m just honored to be selected to serve,” Bolden said.

Countless school shootings and other forms of violence are keeping students and parents on high alert with what to do to keep safe in varying threats of danger. What’s the answer to surviving gym class?

While there is not a threat around every corner, there is still an apparent problem. According to Campus Safety Magazine, every day 12 children perish from gun violence in America while another 32 are shot and injured.

What is going on with school threats and violence in America?

It’s no surprise that more and more young people are facing unseen, and evident, challenges as the pandemic has taken a toll on this population segment at a high rate and making them more anxious, upset, and then some.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a troubling trend is emerg ing among today’s youth since the lockdown in March 2020 with sui cide risk rising sharply for Ameri cans, especially youth, across the board. The rise in suicide cases, though, was most noticeable among the nation’s youth.

“Since the World Health Orga nization (WHO) declared COVID19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020,

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently made a historic appointment by selecting State Rep. Kyra Harris Bolden to a notable post at the Michigan Supreme Court. Bolden will become the first Black woman to serve on the state’s top court beginning early next year.

Bolden would fill the seat left vacant by former Chief Justice Bridget McCor mack who announced retirement in Sep tember.

Bolden ran for the Supreme Court in the mid-term election but finished in third place. She is currently a state law maker and a licensed lawyer.

Bolden will be officially appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court in January by Whitmer when her term in the House legislature expires.

Bolden gave an interview with the Michigan Chronicle recently on her his toric appointment, which she describes as “wonderful.”

“I am just so honored and grateful for this appointment to the Michigan Supreme Court,” Bolden said. Bolden is a lifelong resident of her hometown of Southfield, and currently serves House District 35 (communities of Southfield, Lathrup Village, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, and Franklin).

Bolden added that she gets to be a “representation of what’s possible” on the highest court of the state of Michi gan, and during her campaign trail, she has seen children who look like her cheering her on (as she cheers them on) every step of the way.

“I say this a lot but it’s hard to be what you cannot see – I think representation absolutely matters when children are

By Rasha Almulaiki

On November 14, the City of Detroit submitted a proposal for $57.6 million in additional flood relief funding that was awarded in March 2022 by the U.S. De partment of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The funding is being distrib uted under HUD’s Community Development Block Grant - Di saster Recovery (CDBG-DR) to 10 local governments and 13 state governments that received par tial CDBG-DR funding following the disastrous 2021 flooding, including areas of Southeastern Michigan.

The city’s Housing and Revi talization Department will ad minister the funds supporting the goal of Housing and Protec tive Infrastructure in the hardest hit communities.

“What happens is that we have

Rep. Bolden sits on the Insurance and Judiciary committees. She also serves as vice chair of the Joint Committee on Ad ministrative Rules.

A graduate of Southfield Public Schools, Bolden received her bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State Univer sity and later attended the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, according to her website.

After receiving her Juris Doctorate, Bolden became a civil litigation attorney. She is an active member of her commu nity, serving as a member of the Nation al Congress of Black Women-Oakland County, the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and as a commissioner of the Total Living Commission for the city of South field.

Bolden has received several awards including the 2020 Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 honor, the 2021 Legislative Economic Development Champion Award and the 2021 Michigan Credit Union League Legislator of the Year award.

“She will bring a unique perspective to our high court as a Black woman — and as a new, working mom — that has too long been left out,” Whitmer said in a De troit News article. “Kyra is committed to fighting for justice for generations, and I know she will serve Michigan admirably, building a brighter future for her new born daughter and all our kids.”

Bolden, an experienced attorney and bipartisan lawmaker, connected with constituents across the state during her campaign for the Michigan Supreme Court earlier this year.

“I am honored to have been selected by Governor Whitmer to serve the won derful state of Michigan and ensure great er trust and justice for generations,” said Bolden. “This is an important time for Michiganders, and I am grateful for the continued support to bring a fresh per spective to our highest court. This is a court that will ultimately have the final word on many items that will affect not only our lives, but our children’s, and their children’s lives for generations to come. I’m excited and ready to get to work!”

While working in Lansing, she advo cated for Michiganders as a member of the Judiciary Committee and focused her work on criminal justice reform, crafting and passing pieces of critical bipartisan legislation into law, including the “Med ically Frail” prison reform package, the revision of the Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act, and the “Address Confidentiality for Survivors of Domestic Violence” package.

First Plan of Action

Bolden said that when she gets in office her first plan of action is to take it all in.

“A lot of people will have grand plans and when I start something new even… I believe it is important to be a sponge and not be the loudest person in the room. I am very much aware that there is going to be a learning curve. My objective going in is to build relationships with my col leagues, other justices – get as much in formation as I can from them about how they see things. What is their perspec tive.”

She added that it is important to know the space one is in to contribute the most

See KYRA BOLDEN

ters in 2021 and to support the development of comprehensive resilience to climate change.

The aid package is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to equitably im prove disaster relief response and climate change crises. In the wake of the flooding disaster in June 2021, Detroit was desig nated as a one of the “most im pacted and distressed qualifying disasters” by HUD.

to go through a set of steps to ac tually apply,” said Nicole Wyse, chief operations officer at the De troit Housing and Revitalization Department.

“It’s not like applying in a tra ditional sense where we’re in a competitive application, but we do have to submit for the money. That’s what we’ve been doing over the past couple of months

with the $57 million. We sub mitted documentation to HUD, looking at their regulations on what type of activities will qualify for DR (Disaster Relief), propose activities and then we have to do public outreach.”

On November 3, HUD an nounced the allocation of $1.447 billion in CDBG-DR funds to help communities recover from disas

A state of emergency was de clared last summer as more than six inches of rain fell in Detroit and surrounding Wayne County, flooding streets and freeways, and overloading sewer systems. The storm caused power outag es to an estimated 40,000 homes and businesses.

Detroit received an allocation of $57,591,000 and was required to use the funds specifically for

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State Rep. Kyra Harris Bolden is tapped to be the first Black woman to serve in Michigan’s top court in 2023.

A residential street in Detroit is flooded following the severe storm June 25-26, 2022. Photo courtesy of City of Detroit.

How to Handle Seasonal Depression as Holidays Approach

By Sherri Kolade

With winter approaching and the holiday season well under way, it can be easy to get lost in the blur of turkey legs and Christ mas lights along with wishing ev eryone a “Happy New Year.”

For those not feeling so festive, it can be disheartening to let over whelming emotions of sadness take over what is marketed as the most wonderful time of the year.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the “winter blues” can occur as a form of depression (or bipolar disorder), which happens seasonally around the winter and touches about 5 percent of the U.S. population. According to Medline Plus, it occurs in 0.5 to 3 percent of individuals in the general pop ulation; impacts 10 to 20 percent of people with major depressive disorder and can influence about 25 percent of people with bipolar disorder.

Not to mention SAD can be compounded by grief, family con flict and other stressful emotions on high from the holidays.

SAD and grief.

Fischer, the executive direc tor of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Michigan, wears many hats, and as the leader of the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the mil lions of Americans, he lives and breathes helping others during the holidays and beyond.

Fischer, also the CEO of EVERYBODY-VS-STIGMA, a men tal health advocacy organization, told the Michigan Chronicle that the holiday season brings a flood of emotions for many who need extra grace this time of year.

“This seasonal issue ... can wreak havoc on the emotions,” Fischer said, adding that SAD is a real diagnosis that people should not take lightly.

He added that his wife has the winter blues because she does not

Ron Carter: The World’s Greatest and Most Recorded Bass Player

or six decades – and counting - three-time Grammy winner and Detroiter Ron Carter has been called the most original, prolific and influential bass player ever. Many jazz aficionados consider him the undisputed G.O.A.T (greatest of all time) on the upright acoustic bass. According to Guinness World Records, Carter is the “World’s Most Recorded Bass Player,” having appeared on more than 2,200 studio re

PBS recently aired an exhilarating documentary on the jazz icon titled “Ron Carter: Finding the Right Notes.” The 120-minute documentary, which took six years to com plete, chronicles the life, music and legacy of Carter, often referred to as “the gentle Pianist and composer Jon Batiste interviewed Carter on a wide range of topics including his philosophy for maintaining the relentless drive to reach the pinnacle of recording and performing.

One of the documentary’s highlights was Carter, now 85, reflect ing on playing with Miles Davis in what jazz enthusiasts called Davis’s “Second Great Quintet.” The group, played from 1964 to 1968, and featured Davis (trumpet), Carter (acoustic bass), Herbie Hancock (piano), Wayne Shorter (tenor saxophone) and Tony Williams (drums). Numerous video clips of the group’s past per formances intertwined with Carter methodically recalling the magic moments of yesteryear.

Carter went on to record and perform with most of the great est names in jazz, including Sonny Rollins, Bill Evans, Dexter Gordon, Wes Montgomery, Lee Morgan, Cannonball Adderley, Freddie Hubbard, McCoy Tyner, Grover Washington Jr., Donald Byrd, Alice Coltrane, Gary Bartz, and more.

Beyond jazz, Carter’s indelible bass fingerprints can be found on studio recordings in R&B, pop, blues, and classical. Such non-jazz artists who Carter has recorded with include Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, James Brown, Gil Scott-Heron, B.B. King, Paul Simon, Jeffer son Airplane, A Tribe Called Quest, Grace Slick and Billy Joel.

In addition, Carter’s style of playing has influenced thousands of bass players over six decades.

“I have the greatest respect for the many great bass players,” said four-time Grammy winner, bass player, and Philadelphia native Stanley Clarke. “However, the bass player that influenced me the most on acoustic bass was Detroiter Ron Carter. I studied him to become more educated on the bass. To me, pound-for-pound, he’s the best.”

Born in the Detroit suburb of Ferndale, Carter began

Joe Louis Greenway Moves Towards Completion

By Rasha Almulaiki

The city of Hamtramck prepares for their section of the Joe Louis Greenway, the long-awaited non-motorized Metro-Detroit regional pathway connecting three other cities.

In late October, Mayor Duggan, Congressional leaders, and other state and city offi cials held a ribbon-cutting cer emony to celebrate the latest completion of the first one-mile stretch of the greenway from Joy Rd. to Warren Ave.

“Today we celebrate the completion of the first leg of the Joe Louis Greenway, as we con tinue our mission to turn blight to beauty here in the City of De troit,” said Mayor Mike Duggan in a press statement.

“Thanks to the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation and our partners at the state and federal levels, we are seeing this vision become reality. Today marks the first of many celebrations to come as we continue this transformational work in our neighborhoods.”

With the 27.5-mile Joe Louis

Kevin Fischer, a man with a big heart for the hurting, knows all too well about

Kevin Fischer is the executive di rector of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Michigan.

“We’re so excited this first mile of the Greenway has just been so embraced by the com munity,” said Dara O’Byrne, Chief of Parks Planner. “Part of the reason we started In this area of the Greenway, of the 27 miles, is based on the advo cacy of the community. They

wanted to see the transforma tion of this formerly blighted rail corridor. We removed over 13,000 tons of debris that was in people’s backyards and we’re cleaning the soil and laying out this beautiful trail.”

Greenway, citizens will be able to safely ride from McNichols to the riverfront without using a car thanks to a combination of new trails, on-street protected bike lanes, and connections to already-existing trails like the Dequindre Cut and the River Walk.

The Dearborn, Hamtramck, and Highland Park cities are part of the greenway, which connects them to bigger trail networks that traverse the entire state and go through five council districts.

Debris and dumping cleanup is the first preparation for the groundwork of the Joe Louis Greenway. Pictured is a before and after photo of an abandoned property at 12385 Cloverdale (adjacent to the greenway). Photo courtesy of City of Detroit.

like the cold, dark months of the

“She just wants to hibernate, you know, and if she could from October to April she would be in the bed with the covers over her head,” Fischer said, adding that if it gets to a point where SAD gets to be too much it’s time to reach out to a professional behavioral health care consultant.

From getting more exercise to buying sunlight-mimicking lamps for indoors – there are an abundance of options people can employ when dealing with SAD.

He adds that breaking down bar riers in the Black community and talking about SAD is important, too.

“Mental illness does not discrim inate – neither does SAD,” Fischer said, adding that people sometimes keep their symptoms secretive be cause “we don’t want anybody to think we’re crazy,” but it’s time out for that. “We have an unfortu nate way of normalizing trauma and mental illness – what we should be doing is exactly the opposite. We should acknowledge it; we should seek treatment for it.”

Fischer added that he, too, has felt depressed around the holidays for a different reason.

Fischer and his wife started the EVERYBODY-VS-STIGMA brand after their son Dominique Fischer committed suicide after his brief battle with serious mental illness at the age of 23.

“It came as a complete surprise to our family,” the father of three said, adding that his own depression and thoughts of suicide came on strong for him as he navigated the holidays. “I don’t just have good and bad days -- I literally have good and bad mo ments. It’s been 12 years and it’s still very much like yesterday to me and his birthday is New Year’s Day so that kind of ties into the holiday season. … Therapy has been tre mendously helpful for me.”

One of the most effective ways to eliminate stigma begins with the public display of unity and support to normalize the conversation about behavioral health disorders and treatment, their organization says, with which Fischer wholeheartedly agrees.

“We should not be ashamed to get help. Whether it’s SAD, depression, anxiety,” he said. “You should abso lutely not be ashamed of it.”

For more information or resourc es visit EVERYBODYVSSTIGMA.com and nami.org.

playing cello with aspirations of becom ing a classical cellist. At 13, Carter and his family moved to Detroit. He ulti mately attended Cass Tech High School where he began playing the upright acoustic bass. After graduating from Cass in the mid-1950s, Carter earned a bachelor’s degree in music from the Eastman School of Music (1959) and a master’s degree in music from the Man hattan School of Music (1961). In 1961, Carter also released his debut album titled “Where?”

The documentary’s title rings true for the jazz legend, as he does what he has always done in music: boldly and adven

turously searching and finding the right notes to play for recordings and live per formances.

“My favorite thing is trying to find the right notes to get to a different level,” Carter said in the documentary. “Notes are very important to what we do. Notes make what we do happen. The order of the notes does a lot of things coming in the form of a song, coming in the form of chord progressions and coming in the form of developing skills. These notes we look for are the essence. Now, I found some notes, but I’m looking for more every night.”

The documentary further explores Carter going through the tough times of racial discrimination and the personal loss of one of his sons. Yet, through all

of life’s challenges, the common denom inator for Carter has been the music and finding the right notes for recordings and the many live performances across America and abroad, including Brazil, France, Japan, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria and Norway.

“He’s creating his legacy every day,” Stanley Clarke said in the documentary. “And every bass player today, whether they know it, like it, or whatever, when you play jazz bass, there’s a bit of Ron Carter in everyone.”

To learn more about where to see the PBS documentary “Ron Carter: Finding the Right Notes,” log on to www.pbs.org/ show/ron-carter-finding-right-notes or www.roncarterjazz.com.

From

When everything is done, more than 40,000 people will be able to walk from their houses to the greenway in less than 10 minutes.

After a years-long, multiphased planning process, the city of Detroit, in col laboration with community partners and resident-led working groups worked on an extensive Joe Louis Green way Framework Plan.

Five themes stood out to guide the vision of the gre enway’s construction and utility: environmental sus tainability, equitable growth historic and cultural signif icance, bike and pedestrian infrastructure and safety, health and fitness, and con nectivity and accessibility.

“One of the things you’ll see off the bat is that the bicy cle and pedestrian pathways are separated and that was something we heard directly from the community,” said O’Byrne.

“There are a lot of walk ing clubs and seniors in the community, and they want to feel safe and comfortable. Security was one of the prior ities. Lighting was also very important, call boxes and cameras. We really did a lot of engagement to make sure that we had that balance, pro viding security but also not being so intrusive.”

As groundwork contin ues to be laid, the greenway will see other community-in

formed concepts including more naturalized meadows and less-pristine landscape designs, and the alignment of on-street segments of path in certain areas.

To complete the greenway planning process in collabo ration with the City and the community, the SmithGroup team was chosen to take lead.

For over 15 years, the archi tecture design firm’s flagship office in Detroit has worked on many local projects, in cluding the Hamtramck Sta dium, various university buildings, and non-motorized projects for Dequindre Cut and the Detroit River Walk.

“Resident involvement is really the heart of the proj ect,” said Brian Charlton, principal and landscape ar chitect at SmithGroup.

“This project came out of what could benefit the city, particularly communities and neighborhoods that haven’t seen investment for decades. This project essentially ex tends into the neighborhoods, where otherwise we’ve seen similarly intensive projects that don’t, such as the Detroit River Walk which is for all in tents and purposes, a down town project…There’s been a whole series of coordination and direct involvement to inform the concept, like high level features including the dual pass system for bikes and pedestrians.”

What’s up next for Joe Louis Greenway?

O’Byrne said the first pri ority is cleaning up an “un believable amount of debris

from decades long dumping.” There will be ongoing clean up through this Fall and next Spring and preparations for the soil removal, remediat ing the site and replacing the soil.

Hamtramck has begun taking lead on their portion of the greenway.

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) awarded the City of Hamtramck a planning as sistance grant for $40,000 to create the alley section of the greenway.

“We are excited to make the Joe Louis Greenway real for Hamtramck and its resi dents,” said Brad Dick, group executive, Services & Infra structure in a press state ment.

“We want to thank the City of Hamtramck and the com

munity organizations who are helping to move the greenway forward.”

The Wayne County Com mission recently approved $27M for segments outside Detroit, including Highland Park and Dearborn.

Most of the Joe Louis Greenway investment comes from ARPA funding, which needs to be spent by 2026 and allocated to off-street segments. On-street con struction is expected to begin in 2028.

O’Byrne said residents can expect to see a new trails around this time next year. The full greenway is projected to take between 7-10 years to complete.

To follow the progress of the Joe Louis Greenway project, check out detroitgre enways.org/projects/joe-lou is-greenway/

Money.

Property Is Power!

Fix and Flip Loans for Newbies

What are Fix and Flip Loans?

If you are “flipping a house,” that is, buy a home for less, fix it up, and then resell for more, you would need a Fix and Flip loan. These loans are for invest ment prop erty and are also called rehab loans or renovation loans.

How Much Loan Can I Get?

Though the best terms are usu ally reserved for experienced investors with excellent credit and high down payment, you don’t need to have a history of successful real estate invest ments to get this kind of loan. Our loans are available for both experienced and beginner inves tors. The loan amounts are typ ically between $100,000 and $1 million.

The loan amount is based on the estimated after-repair value, called ARV in short. We fund 75% of standard rehab and 70% of extensive rehab costs. The costs can include hard (con struction) or soft (e.g., permits) costs. These are short-term 12 to 24 months with interest-on ly payments and fixed interest rates. The title can be held in individual and entity (corpora tions, LLC) names.

Fix and Flip Loans with Bad Credit

A minimum credit score of 620 is required. You can get hard money or bridge loans with a lower credit score but typical ly at a significantly higher rate and closing costs. A hard money loan can carry an interest of 10% to 15% or even higher. A credit check is required irrespective of the loan type.

Another great option is the FHA 203k loan which allows for a credit score as low as 580, and you can borrow between $5,000 and $35,000. These loans are for primary residence only, and you can put down as little as 3.5%.

Eligible Property

The property has to be non-own er occupied (investment proper ty). Single Family Home, Town homes, 2-4 units, Multi-family, and Mixed-use, are all eligible property types.

Money Moves: How to Brace for Potential Nationwide Layoffs

By Sherri Kolade

Between May 2021 and May 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers jumped to 8.6 percent — the largest 12-month hike since Decem ber 1981, nearly 40 years ago.

As the year comes to an end on the heels of record-high in flation, there comes another possibility of economic woes that financial organizations are flagging early.

Money Management Inter national (MMI), a nonprofit organization, reports that lay offs are looming, especially come 2023 and it’s time to do a financial health assessment and make plans for uncertain times as more economists and business leaders predict an impending recession.

With record-high infla tion and surging gas prices, there’s no better time to get one’s financial house in order.

According to the National Fi nancial Educators Council, the average estimated mon ey lost due to a lack of per sonal finance knowledge was $1,389.06.

“As situations change and needs change, it’s really im portant for everyone to regu larly look at their finances,” said GreenPath CEO Kristen Holt.

The 2021 TIAA Insti tute-GFLEC Personal Finance Index illustrates a significant disparity in finan cial literacy among African Ameri cans, exacerbated by the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pan demic. GreenPath Financial Well ness, one of the largest nonprofit financial counsel ing agencies in the nation, stresses the need to period ically review your finances and seek help navigating budgeting, managing debt, and building up savings. GreenPath’s In clusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) learnings show how strengthening financial literacy among people of color will help close the wealth gap and build financial resiliency.

Setting one’s self up for fi

nancial success ahead of the ball is critical.

Forbes reported recently that in the coming months, white-collar workers are look ing at layoffs across the board while tech layoffs are predict ed, too.

MMI advises before things get really bad, to pay down debt as much as one can, especially when credit card interest rates hit all-time highs.

According to Jackie Boies, se nior director of Partner Relations at MMI, “If you’re already having trouble paying off debt, you’re likely to find it even hard er during a reces sion. Start now to implement the necessary adjustments.

MMI advises paying off credit cards and bills with high-interest rates first. Avoid incurring new debt if at all possible.

“My best suggestion is to call out to a nonprofit coun

seling agency … to work with a counselor and design a plan that works for you if you owe numerous creditors, have sig nificant outstanding balances or just feel overwhelmed with all of your debt,” Boies adds. Should the Pink Slip Arrive Money will be quite tight until you find new work, even with unemployment bene fits. Credit card payments are sometimes one of the first expenses to suffer during a financial crisis as necessary needs like food and housing take precedence.

Get ahead of the problem by telling your creditors that you have lost your job by getting in touch with them person ally. Numerous lenders have short-term hardship programs that may drastically lower or momentarily stop your payments. However, interest might keep building up. If you fall behind on payments, you might not be fined, but your balance might keep rising.

Honestly evaluate your fi nancial situation. How much money do you have saved up?

Setting Boundaries During the Holidays

By Sherri Kolade

“When you decide to put yourself first, you make a choice to live authen tically. You can nurture yourself, which in turn gives back more to the world. As you become the priority, you start to make choices based on what is right for you at that moment, not what is right for the rest of the world,” Michelle Zawaski, entrepreneur, coach and author of “Real Success Choices,” once said.

One can never be last putting them selves first, at least when it comes to holidays and setting boundaries.

Now while that may make the bound ary-setter seemingly the villain in this real-life Christmas tale as old as time, ‘tis the season to be the holiday hero of your own story for once. Why not start now, during this too-often rushed, busy and underappreciated holiday season?

Between baking Christmas cook ies, wrapping presents and hav ing get-togethers with family and friends, remember to not go overboard into debt, and miss the season totally with too many requests (no matter how reasonable) from others.

Multi-hyphenate author Tamela Todd, a Detroit-based certified mental health coach, encourages people to set bound aries all year long in her book, “Healthy Boundaries: How to Say NO Without Feeling Guilty,” which covers tips on how to create emotional fences for your self and your mental health.

Todd told the Michigan Chronicle that she of all people knows about setting boundaries during the holidays with her birthday in December, as her time off is for her.

“My birthday is in a couple weeks,

so during this season I set a schedule where I’m only working on three busi ness days,” Todd said. “That’s just what works for me. Everybody can’t do that but I work on my business for three days and then the rest of the time I’m doing family activities… and then also I’m putting myself first… for my time.”

Honoring oneself during the holidays also looks like spending money wisely and not going for broke.

Per the financial group Fortunly, in 2018, U.S. households spent an average of $1,536 during the Christmas season. In 2019, the typical amount spent was reduced to $1,496. Just about a third

of that portion makes up the average amount spent on Christmas gifts and gift cards, which is $511.

Christmas spending went up last year and it doesn’t appear to be letting up.

According to investors.com, recently the National Retail Federation (NRF) pre dicted holiday sales to be up 6 percent to 8 percent in the United States.

Todd says her plan to not overspend but set feasible limits and think of cre ative ways to give gifts (think concert tickets or a vacation) this year or just simply spend less.

“Do you really want to do that [spend money] or would you rather invest your money to make more money?”

Todd added that experiences over gifts, for the most part, for small chil dren can make a difference, too.

“They will remember the time and I tell (people) like, your pres ence, not presents,” she said.

Credit financial counseling service GreenPath Financial Wellness agrees that when it comes to gifting generously do it without breaking the bank. From opening a 529 savings plan for kids to taking a family portrait – ideas are end less for simple gifts that keep giving in the long run.

Also, think out of the box and give a non-traditional gift of volunteering in someone’s name.

“Volunteer at a friend or loved one’s favorite charity or provide a contribution on their behalf,” GreenPath suggested. Traditional volunteering at local food pantries, community centers, humane

Anthony O. Kellum

GreenPath CEO Kristen Holt.

Holiday Boundaries

From page A-5

societies, or nonprofit organi zations doesn’t hurt either.

Beyond finances, it’s time to talk about setting limits on others’ expectations and not even attending functions where discomfort awaits.

“If it is uncomfortable to be in their presence why am I put ting myself in an uncomfort able situation to celebrate the holiday?”

Todd says to be so bold as to set firm boundaries even at Christmastime.

“I think a lot of times we put ourselves in uncomfortable situations to keep the peace,” she said. “I have a home that I’ve been blessed with and I can make my own traditions at my home. … Your mental health is non-negotiable.”

Former Detroit City Council man Roy McCalister Jr. agrees.

“Mental health is life,” he told the Michigan Chronicle. “All things that we do sur round it and it affects every one around us in some form or fashion. If your mental health is not taken care of we are lim ited in our daily functioning when it comes to work, school, taking care of our families and, most importantly, ourselves. Continued functioning in these areas inspire me to want Black people to do better at caring for themselves, and in order to do these things, ensuring their mental health is taken care of is paramount”.

Therapy For Black Girls en courages mental health prior itization with a little holiday mindset help.

“Allow yourself space to feel whatever you feel. There is of ten this expectation that holi days are a time of celebration and excitement, and there’s of ten a feeling of, “What’s wrong with me,” if we don’t feel that way for one reason or another,” they say.

Remember, before saying “yes” to one’s mile-long hol iday to-do list and requests -say yes to yourself and let that spirit of putting yourself first guide you into the new year.

Layoffs

From page A-5

What are the costs of living?

Where can you make savings?

It’s crucial to make a thorough inventory of your financial re sources and ongoing obliga tions, as well as to develop an emergency spending plan to get you through your jobless state.

As you look for new employ ment, “I would also establish an inventory of your skills,” advised Lindberg. “I wished I had returned to my prior line of work while looking for a new position.“

There will be factors in un employment that you can in fluence and factors that you cannot.

While it’s normal to worry about things beyond our con trol, try to concentrate your time and attention on the things that you can manage.

Holt recommends five steps to boost your financial health in the pending reported layoffs:

• Review your budget and spending.

• Understand where you are fi nancially -- how much money is coming into the household and how much money is go ing out.

Take care of the essentials first – housing, medicine, food,

JPMorgan Chase Announces Bre Mills as new Midwest Area Manager

Bre comes into the Midwest Area Man ager role with over 17 years of financial services and entrepreneurial expertise, most of that spent working with Busi ness Banking clients. For the past two years in the Minority Entrepreneurs divi sion, Bre has been a multi-award winning Sr. Business Consultant dedicated to the growth of both her clients & market with a specific focus on the racial equity commitment, business expansion, expo nential revenue growth, and synergistic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

Bre earned her undergraduate de gree from Central Michigan University in Business, Psychology & Communi cations and has over 13 years of experi ence as an entrepreneur in both product & service-based industries. She is also a

utilities, childcare, and trans portation.

• Keep a journal of all spend ing to uncover ‘invisible’ ex penses such as that morning latte. See if housing expenses equal 25-35 percent of your monthly income, if about 20 percent of your monthly in come is spent on food/vari able purchases, and 10-20 percent of one’s monthly in come on debt payments.

• Pay yourself first by automat ically transferring funds reg ularly from your paycheck into your checking or sav ings account.

• Leverage your tax refund. It’s tax season. Use your tax re fund to grow your savings, catch up on past-due bills, or pay-down high-interest debt.

• Check if you should increase your withholdings (the amount that your employer deducts from each paycheck for taxes) so that you don’t have to pay a large tax bill at the end of the year.

Guide the next generation

Model positive money be havior and share concrete steps with your kids on how to manage money. Play games like Monopoly or Life to help your child learn the impor tance of budgeting and plan ning for the future. Have your child rank 10 things they want from most important to least important and strategize how they can achieve their wishes.

graduate of the 2022 Business Banking Leadership Development program and the Women On the Move Fast Forward program. She has previously served on the Business Banking Advisory Board and as an Ambassador for the D E & I council.

In her spare time, Bre is dedicated to her son Christian, 11, and loves to spend time with him at academic games events, traveling with family, and planning for her upcoming 2023 nuptials. She is in credibly passionate about the economic development and empowerment of mi nority communities and channels this through serving on the board of Detroit Urban League, The Detroit Bar Associa tion Foundation, & her graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorpo rated.

Teach money management while grocery shopping with your child and actively explain your decision-making process.

Check out GreenPath’s “Fami ly Lessons About Money” pod cast, where clients share tips and challenges for raising fi nancially healthy kids.

Don’t go it alone

Reach out to a trusted nonprofit financial counsel ing organization like Green

Path. Everyone who contacts GreenPath receives a free ini tial financial counseling ses sion with certified counselors who lend an emphatic ear, can look at your entire financial picture, and help you develop a personalized plan. Contact GreenPath at 866-648-8122 or visit www.greenpath.org.

In a financial challenge? Find help at 866.864.8995 or go to MoneyManagement.org.

Bre Mills

L ife

9 Tips to Save on Holiday Shopping

(Family Features) Between navigating stores, searching for items at the top of wish lists and preparing for inevitable de lays and last-minute requests, shopping for the holidays can make the most won derful time of the year one of the most stressful times as well.

Even though the holidays seem to creep up faster and faster every year, and inflation adds an additional worry, there is still hope for your budget this season. To help reduce stress and avoid overspend ing on gifts, consider these money-saving tips from Regina Conway, consumer ex pert for Slickdeals, a one-of-a-kind online community of shoppers working together to shop smarter and save more.

Avoid procrastinating. Due to shifting shopping habits, there may be excess inventory in certain categories such as home goods. While it’s possible catego ries with extra inventory may see deep discounts later in the holiday season, don’t expect every item you want to be available at the last minute.

Set your budget with hidden costs in

Detroit Jit Dance Movement Makes New Waves

By Sherri Kolade

mind. When setting budgets, many peo ple stop at the number they think they’ll spend on gifts alone. Make sure to factor in additional costs such as child or pet care services, shipping fees and travel costs so there are no surprises.

Tap into technology. Whether shop ping for toys and technology or travel and home goods, starting your search by visit ing a site like Slickdeals can help you find the best deals this holiday season. Deals from top retailers are vetted and voted on by a community of 12 million shoppers working together to save to help ensure you’re getting the best products at the best prices. You can also set Deal Alerts to be notified when a deal matching your criteria gets posted.

Buy online, pick up in-store. Where available - including at many big box re tailers - shopping online then picking up your purchases in-store (or curbside for even more convenience) can help you avoid paying shipping fees and confirm your items will arrive on time. Some re tailers even offer exclusive discounts for curbside or in-store pickup.

Take advantage of membership pro grams. If you haven’t been a member before, many retailers that offer mem berships allow for free trials to test the perks, which often include free shipping. However, remember to cancel the trial be fore it auto-subscribes you for a full year. If you’ve previously done a trial, consider

For some, the embodiment of De troit is identified by its vibrant resi dents, colorful community or enchant ing, ever-expanding downtown that draws everyone into the epicenter of what’s possible in the city.

For others, like native Detroiter Michael Smith, the city, to him, is encompassed in a throwback dance movement that is none other than the Jit. Detroit Jit, to be exact, which he is helping bring back to the forefront – although it never left and more than likely never will.

“It’s been a big thing,” Smith, found er of the dance school, Jit Masters, LLC, told the Michigan Chronicle re cently. “It’s been a big thing – the style of dance is from the ‘70s as well as the art of dance itself in Detroit was a dy ing art.”

Smith said that the quick-on-yourfeet choreographed dance movements that also feature accompanying rhyth mic hand motions grew in popularity in the city throughout the 1980s.

“A lot of people were doing this dance and, in Detroit at least, knew somebody who knew how to do it,” he said, adding that the dance originat ed from the 1930s and 1940s Jitter bug, which was a couple-led ballroom dance.

Smith, who moved his school to the Southfield Motor City Dance Factory, said that people of all ages practically from “7 to 70 years old” can take his

classes and workshops, and partici pate in performances throughout the city. The ultimate goal of his dance school is to bring even more cultural ties to Detroit back to the youth who might have missed the memo on the dance movement, which slowed down in the early 2000s.

“It kind of died out,” he said, adding that the youth are a big element of his dance school, which he is more than happy to bring back after his daughter inspired him and he taught her years earlier. “That style of dance is a very powerful street dance in Detroit.”

Now more than ever, it’s critical for today’s youth to have a creative out let as mental health needs are being prioritized post-COVID, according to national reports, as young people are facing higher rates of anxiety, depres sion and suicidal thoughts since 2020. Intentional movement, dancing and other forms of expression remain vital to lower stress, anxiety and depression levels according to reports.

Smith, in his 40s, said back in his youth the Jit dance helped keep him out of trouble, too.

“I would say it saved not only my life but a lot of people’s because it kept a lot of people out of trouble,” he said, adding that with the dance people had to learn it, study it, and train and they didn’t have time to be on the streets. “I grew up on the eastside…I didn’t grow up in the best neighborhood and I used this dance to lead me into a performing arts school.”

He’s helping other youth also by ex posing them to the world’s stage. His class has already performed on Ameri ca’s Got Talent and some of the biggest stages in Michigan and Detroit.

“I focus on that and try to gear that towards the youth..what they’re doing now is phenomenal,” he said.

Native Detroiter Lee Wright, 45, told the Michigan Chronicle that he started Jitting back in the early 1990s at dance parties, talent and hair shows and wherever else he could. He also had a Jit group called the Unseen Danc ers, which derived from another dance group called Ghosts.

“I just loved the craft of it,” he said.

Wright, cousins with Smith, said that Smith was one of the “fastest learners” he taught how to Jit.

“He was diligent and he tried hard,” he said, adding that it would take some people years to learn and to now see him teaching others, inspiring youth, and most importantly, bridging the gap between the youth and the dance and the community that built it. “It’s just love. It’s like all of us jitters when we get together are like one big family.”

Smith adds that when the old heads start to Jit during different dance class es – or when they see youth dancing –it brings them joy, and for good reason.

“They are just excited that we are preserving the art and it is very encour aging for me to keep it going,” he said.”

For more information visit jitmas ters.com.

Samuel Adams Awards Detroit’s Jetta’s Gourmet Popcorn 10K

Last Thursday, six founders of some of Detroit’s greatest new food and drink companies pitched their ventures to a pan el of expert judges for Samuel Adams’s “Brewing the Amer ican Dream & Build Institute Pitch Room Competition.”

Hosted at the Redford The ater, each selected business vied for a chance to win a $10,000 business grant and one-on-one unlimited coaching from Sam Adams experts.

“We’ve been coming to De troit since 2015 and we’re re ally proud to partner with such an amazing group like BUILD,” said Jennifer Glanville, a brew er and the Director of Brewery Programs at Sam Adams. “De troit has such a vibrant food and beverage community. So, we’re really excited to be here for this live pitch.”

Since 2008, Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream has helped regional food and beverage entrepreneurs around the country with access to cap ital, networks, and business coaching. The first Pitch room Competition was launched in 2013 to provide food and bev erage craftspeople with how to master the art of the sales pitch while receiving criticism from high-profile industry judges.

Brewing the American Dream also collaborates with non-profit lenders, such as Ac cion Opportunity Funds, who provide various loan products and expertise. The program has provided $91 million in loans to 3,900 small businesses, coached more than 14,00 busi

ness owners across the U.S., and helped create an estimated 9,000 local jobs.

“We were really impressed by the pitches tonight, we do 10 to 15 of these a year and it was really obvious the passion from these entrepreneurs today,” said Glanville.

Each company owner cho sen to participate in this year’s regional competition in Detroit had two minutes to exhibit their product to a panel of dis tinguished judges representing some of the city’s most admired retailers, business experts, and media professionals.

This year’s panel of judg

The judges chose a win ner based on the strength of the presentation, innovation, enthusiasm, and viability of the idea after hearing inquiries and giving participants comments on their presentations. Judg es provided feedback to each business on constructing their brand’s identity, marketing and e-commerce, packaging, sales and distribution, and business

Ultimately,

corn won the judges over with her dedication since 1997 to craft a unique recipe for her product and express a clear message and vision for her business to expand locally and regionally.

For decades, Magita has pro vided Southeast Michigan with delectable goodies as a self-de scribed fun food enthusiast.

“I feel amazing! When you work so hard, all those years and you can look back and just see the fruits of your labor,” said Barbee. “Working days and nights where I was super tired and didn’t have the energy in me, but what was in me kept me going.”

es included Jennifer Glanville from Brewing the American Dreams; AJ Williams, managing editor of Michigan Chronicle; Lyndsay Green, food critic at Detroit Free Press dining; and Kit Wanty Lambert, president of O&W Distributing.

Michael Smith of Jit Masters, center, and his students.

From

buying just a one-month membership to take ad vantage of the benefits during the holiday shop ping season.

Abandon your shop ping cart. When shopping online, add items you’re interested in to your cart, go through the check out process to the point where the retailer has your email address then simply close the browser or tab. Often, if you have not shopped from the site previously, the retailer will send you a discount code or coupon to incen tivize your purchase deci sion.

Stock up on discount ed gift cards. Taking ad vantage of discounted gift card sites is a simple way to save some cash on hol iday purchases. Not only can you give a gift card you bought at a discount as a gift, you can also use it to shop. Just be sure

not to overbuy or you may end up wasting unused cards.

Ask for a price match or adjustment. If you bought something and find a lower price within a week of that purchase, ask the retailer for a price adjustment. While this typically won’t work with special promotions, many stores, both online and brick and mortar, will price match during the holiday season. If you’re shopping in-store, take your smartphone with you and ask for the retail er to match online pric

ing, which can sometimes be a better deal. Asking for this match can save you time and money on shipping fees you might incur ordering online.

Check return policies. Many retailers offer ex tended return windows during the holiday shop ping season. Make sure you look at the details of retailers’ policies to en sure you understand how much time you have to make returns and don’t have to pay return ship ping or other unexpected costs.

Find more tips to get the best deals on holiday gifts at Slickdeals.net. michiganchronicle.com

DeckedOutDetroit.com

BE A PART OF THE

Your Downtown Family Playground!

The Monroe Street Midway is decked out for its first-ever winter season! There’s outdoor fun for everyone, with an arctic slide, winter bumper cars, puck-putt, an arcade, food favorites and visits from Santa – all located in downtown Detroit, across from Campus Martius Park from Nov. 11 to Jan. 29. Entry is free, so bring your family and friends!

With Merrill, the bull always has your back.

Merrill believes the future is bullish, even in the most unpredictable of markets, because we’ve been here before. And when you get matched with one of our advisors, you get years of financial planning experience and a goal-oriented plan — all designed to help you through the uncertainty.

Match with an advisor and get your complimentary consultation at ML.com/Bullish

At this year’s holiday gatherings, you can put together a showstopping menu from the beginning of the party to the final bite with mouthwatering recipes that bring guests back for more. It all starts with beef, a versatile, beloved ingredient that can be used in appetizers, sides and main courses alike.

Consider these holiday favorites from Beef Loving Texans, including a must-have main course like Classic Beef Wellington. Perfect for a family get-together, this traditional dish combines tender chateaubriand roast with a homemade glaze of earthy mushrooms, red wine and Dijon mustard wrapped in a golden-brown puff pastry.

If you’re serving a group, Top Sirloin Roast with Herb Garlic Peppercorn Crust is ideal for sharing and provides an eye-catching centerpiece at the dining room table.

Before bringing out the main course, however, there’s an important aspect of seasonal parties that calls everyone to the kitchen: savory appetizers. You can invite your guests to share an option like Holiday Mini Beef Meatball Skewers with Cranberry Barbecue Sauce, a festive, easy-to-make favorite that can tide the cravings of a hungry crowd.

Find more beef-inspired holiday dishes at BeefLovingTexans.com.

Holiday Mini Beef Meatball Skewers with Cranberry Barbecue Sauce

Recipe courtesy of Beef Loving Texans

Total

Total time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Servings: 4

1 teaspoon olive oil, divided 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided 1 chateaubriand tenderloin roast 8 ounces mushrooms

1 large shallot 2 tablespoons dry red wine

tablespoons Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves flour 1 sheet puff pastry

In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1/2 teaspoon oil until hot. Combine salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Press evenly onto all surfaces of roast. Place roast in skillet; brown evenly. Remove roast from skillet.

Heat oven to 425 F.

In food processor, pulse mushrooms and shallot about 10 times until finely chopped. Do not overprocess.

Place same skillet used for roast over medium-high heat and heat remaining oil until hot. Add mushrooms and shallot; cook 4-6 minutes until tender and all liquid is evaporated, stirring often. Add wine; cook 2-3 minutes until all liquid is evaporated. Stir in mustard, thyme and remaining pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes. Remove from skillet to medium bowl; cool.

Line rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place in oven. On lightly floured cutting board, unfold pastry dough. Roll pastry out to 12-by-9-inch rectangle; lay dough with shortest edge toward you. Spread mushroom mixture onto pastry dough, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges. Place roast in center of mushrooms. Fold pastry dough neatly around roast, stretching dough if necessary. Cut off excess pastry dough; press to seal overlapping edges.

Remove baking sheet from oven and dust lightly with flour. Place pastry-wrapped roast, seam-side down, on baking sheet. Cut four (2-inch) vents in top of pastry.

Bake 35-50 minutes, or until golden brown and instant-read thermometer inserted into center of roast registers 135 F for medium-rare or 150 F for medium.

Transfer roast to carving board. Let stand 10 minutes. Temperature will rise about 10 F to reach 145 F for medium-rare or 160F for medium.

Carve into slices and serve.

FAMILY FEATURES

Classic Beef Wellington

Classic Beef Wellington

Recipe courtesy of Beef Loving Texans

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) is soliciting RFP for No. 23-3713 for Sludge & Waste Water Removal. RFP forms may be obtained beginning, December 7, 2022 from http://www.mitn.info. RFP is due by 3:00 PM ET, January 13, 2023.

NOTICE OF OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR DETROIT ACHIEVEMENT ACADEMY

2024-2025 school year

Open enrollment online at www.detroitachievement.org/enroll

from December 14th, 2022 until May 1st, 2023

8a-6p M-F & April 22nd 7000 W Outer Dr, Detroit, MI 48235

If a lottery is necessary it will occur at 6pm May 5th, 2023 by a 3rd party at the above address.

NOTICE OF OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR DETROIT PREP

2024-2025 school year

Open enrollment online at www.detroitprep.org/enroll

from December 14th, 2022 until May 1st, 2023

8a-6p M-F & April 22nd 8411 Sylvester, Detroit, MI 48214

If a lottery is necessary it will occur at 6pm May 5th, 2023 by a 3rd party at the above address.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is seeking proposals for hard construction subcontractors under 23-0146 – 2022 Capital Improvements – John R King. Pre-bid conference will be held at John R King Academic and Performing Arts Academy, located at 15850 Strathmoor St., Detroit, MI 48227, starting at 4:00 pm on December 8, 2022.

To obtain bidding documents visit detroitk12. org/procurement and click on the “Bids, Requests, and Proposals” link in the upper right corner.

All questions are to be directed to the Owner’s Representative. No direct contact with the Owner or Architect is requested. All questions must be in writing and submitted to Jon DePew II at jon.depew@plantemoran. com, no later than December 9, 2022 at 4:00pm.

The due date for Proposals is December 16, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. All submissions must be submitted electronically via Demandstar. All proposals will be publicly opened A virtual Public Opening will occur at 2:00 p.m. on December 16, 2022.

Call-In#: 1 313-462-2305 Conference ID: 325 129 411# https://tinyurl.com/339bnnhj

All bids must be accompanied by a sworn and notarized statement disclosing any familial relationship that exists between the submitting company and any employee of DPSCD. DPSCD shall not accept a bid that does not include this sworn and notarized disclosure statement. A bid bond per the specifications detailed within the bid package is also required.

If you have questions, please contact the Procurement Department at (313) 873-6531.

automation controls incl machining eqpt &cutting tools, load, unload, washers, robotics, material handling, parts sorting, conveyors, AGVs, heat treat syss, mfg process eqpt, &automation controls technologies incl CNC, PLCs, HMIs, 3D machine vision syss, error proofing syss, &plant floor networks, using AutoCAD &ePlan tools for HW &Siemens Step 7, TIA Portal, Studio5000 &VisionView tools for SW. Required travel in U.S., Canada, &Mexico, to supplier plants to evaluate progress of CNC &PLC-based machinery builds, &to GM transmission &DU plants to evaluate/improve mfg processes/facilities layouts, &support launches, 2-4 wks PA. Bachelor, Electrical, Automotive, Mechatronics, or Electronics Engineering. 36 mos. exp as Engineer, designing or optimizing automation controls incl machining eqpt &cutting tools, robotics, conveyors, AGVs, heat treat syss, &automation controls technologies incl CNC, PLCs, &error proofing systems, or related. Mail resume to Ref#3066, GM Global Mobility, 300 Renaissance Center, MC:482-C32-C66, Detroit, MI 48265.

6 Pains of Holiday Shipping - Solved

(StatePoint) Unlike Santa, most of us don’t have elves to take care of properly packing up holiday packages. With shipping deadlines coming up quickly, it’s time to start thinking about getting those presents in the mail. If you don’t know where to begin with sending gifts across town or around the world, read on for the most common holiday headaches and solutions to help you “get your ship(ping) together” early!

1. Packages arriving af ter the First Noel. No one wants to be the person whose gifts arrive after the holidays. That’s probably why over a third of respondents to a re cent survey conducted by Shurtape Technologies said that the biggest aggravation when it comes to holiday ship ping is packages arriving at their destination in a timely manner. Avoid this issue by taking note of shipping dead lines. This year’s USPS ship ping deadline for standard ground shipping for arrival by Christmas Day is December 17.

2. Festive fragile items be ing damaged. Leg lamps aren’t the only “fra-gee-lay” items being delivered during the holidays! Duck brand Original Bubble Wrap Brand Cushioning is the key to items arriving in one piece. Air Lock Technology maintains consis tent cushioning and long-last ing protection to keep objects intact. And of course, you’ll want to mark the box as frag ile.

3. Costs so high, you think you’re on the naughty list. Between purchasing materi als and paying postage fees,

shipping costs can feel skyhigh. Prepare to mail presents by factoring these expenses into your holiday budget. To start, create a list of how many gifts you’ll need to send, the anticipated size of each and what materials you already have on hand. However, when using what you already have, you’ll want to ensure that these items are the proper size for the gift being shipped so you don’t overpay for box size or weight.

4. Too much time away from the tree. Mailing gifts to their destination isn’t just pricey – it’s downright time consuming. Spend less time transporting and more time merrymaking by planning ahead to avoid last-minute rushes to the post office –the closer to the holidays you mail, the longer those lines will be.

5. Materials you can’t find under the mistletoe. ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the store, not a shipping supply was found, not even one box

more. Last-minute shoppers should get ahead of the game and purchase necessary tools as soon as possible to ensure they can secure their pre ferred products. Stock up on your shipping supplies early. 6. Poor packing tape that would never make it out of the North Pole. Don’t let packing tape that rips and tears make you a Scrooge this holiday season! Duck brand EZ Start Packing Tape is made with Frustration-Free technology, so it always un rolls smoothly, easily and qui etly. Its strong adhesion pro vides a long-lasting hold, and its unique design eliminates the annoyance of losing the tape end, so you can pack up your gifts and leave the stress behind.

For more holiday shipping tips and supplies, visit duck brand.com/products/mail ing-shipping.

Don’t let shipping be a source of stress this holiday season. Use these tips to pack and mail your gifts like a North Pole pro.

How to Keep Pets Happy and Healthy this Holiday Season

(Family Features) The holiday season means fun and festivities for all, but getting wrapped up in all the ex citement and celebrations can lead to forgetting about safety and precautions, especially for pets.

Consider these seven tips to help you spot potential hazards around the holidays and keep your pets healthy and happy.

Food for Thought: Sweet treats and savory bites are treasured holiday pastimes for humans, but that can also mean things like chocolates, nuts and animal bones should be supervised carefully so your pets don’t ingest something toxic or harmful. Other human foods to put on the do-not-share list include garlic, on ions and grapes. It’s also wise to keep your trash in a tightly sealed container or hidden somewhere your pet can’t access.

Keep Calm and Carry On: The holiday season brings people together for milestones and celebrations, but all the hoopla can be stressful for pets. From the loud mu sic and new visitors to kids running around or fireworks going off, some pets can become overwhelmed. To help keep your pets comfortable and calm, try turning on a TV or some soothing music in a quiet room away from the noises or let them curl up on their favorite bed with a toy or treat to distract them. You can also try intro ducing a calming supplement like Zesty Paws Calming Bites for Dogs that may help with normal stress, ner vousness and hyperactivity during stressful situations.

Watch Out for Tree Trimmings and Poisonous Plants: While poinsettias and festive fir trees are hol iday classics, they can also be extremely hazardous to pets. It’s important to be careful about what you’re bringing inside your home. Many holiday plants like hol ly, lilies, amaryllis and even pine needles from trees can be toxic if ingested. If ingestion does occur, contact a pet poison hotline or your veterinarian. If it’s after hours or in the event of an emergency, find your nearest 24hour emergency veterinary clinic.

Watch the Weather: Changing temperatures and harsh conditions can wreak havoc on human skin, so it’s no surprise it can also affect pets’ skin and coats. You can try reducing their bathing frequency, keeping up with brushings and providing extra hydration to keep them feeling their best. Another way to keep your pet’s

skin and coat healthy is to add supplements that con tain essential fatty acids. A fish oil, like Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, provides omega-3s for dogs to help nourish their skin and coats.

Stick to a Routine: Pets thrive on routines for feeding, potty breaks and exercise, so be conscious of how your holiday plans may shake things up. Try to stick to your regular schedule as closely as possible or consider ask ing a friend or relative to help if you’ll be away during regular feeding or outdoor break times.

Spend Some Quality Time: In addition to providing companionship and love, spending time with pets can also reduce stress, anxiety and depression; ease lone liness; and encourage exercise and playfulness. Even though you may be traveling or partying with friends, be sure to spend some quality time with your fur babies this holiday season, too.

Give Them Gifts: Humans aren’t the only ones who love to get gifts. Few things beat the look on dog’s faces when you pull out a new toy or treat for them to enjoy. Whether it’s a new leash, ball or cozy bed, be sure you have a little something to give your furry family mem bers this holiday season as well.

For more information and ways to keep your pets happy and healthy, visit ZestyPaws.com.