New York Trend NYC: December 16-22, 2021 by Teresa WIlliams

NEW YORK TREND Serving New York City, Nassau & Suffolk Counties

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December 16th, 2021 - December 22nd, 2021

NEW YORK CIT Y POVERTY RATE R E AC H E S H I ST O R I C LOW Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity today released the annual New York City Government Poverty Measure Report, which shows that both the poverty rate and the near-poverty rate reached historic lows in 2019. The 2019 poverty rate and near poverty rates are the lowest since the NYCgov poverty measure series began in 2005. In 2019 there were about 521,000 fewer New Yorkers in poverty or near-poverty than there would have been if the poverty rate had remained at the 2013 level. The report shows a drop in the nearpoverty rate to 40.8 percent in 2019 from 2013’s rate of 47.2 percent, a 13.6 percent decline. The report also demonstrates that the rate of New Yorkers in actual poverty has declined from 20.5 in 2013 to 17.9 in 2019, a decline of 12.7 percent. The low poverty rate in 2019 coincides with the first year the minimum wage reached $15 in New York City, gradually rising from $7.25 per hour in 2013. The report also highlights the City’s many initiatives aimed at increasing equity and fairness. These programs include Pre-K for All; paid family leave and paid sick leave; increased units of affordable housing and tenant protection measures; and educational and job training initiatives.

"Reducing poverty has been a central priority of this Administration, and the progress achieved reflects a citywide commitment and structural policy change," said Matthew Klein, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office for Economic Opportunity. "There is always more work to do, but this historically low poverty rate represents an important milestone in the effort to make upward mobility more broadly available to all."

These initiatives are further highlighted in “The Tale of a More Equal City” report, which details the impact of the Mayor’s policies to redistribute wealth and decrease income inequality over two terms. "My mission for the past eight years has been to make our city a fairer

“The historic low of the NYCgov poverty measure is an important milestone. It shows the importance of a measure that can track multiple aspects of New Yorkers’ progress towards security and economic wellbeing,” said Christine D’Onofrio, Director of Poverty Research,

place to live for those who had been left behind for too long," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "These reports reveal that progressive policies from the $15 minimum wage to Paid Sick Leave to Universal Pre-K are actually working to redistribute wealth, cut poverty and uplift low-income New Yorkers across our city."

Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. The Poverty Report data reflects conditions before the COVID-19 pandemic. As New York City recovers from the pandemic related damage to the city’s economy there is every indication that federal COVID relief polices are averting a poverty crisis.

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Since 1989

C E L E B R AT I N G

30 YEARS! Community Survey and is augmented by the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity. The NYCgov poverty measure was developed to provide a more precise portrait of poverty in New York City than the official U.S. poverty measure. It takes into account the cost of

“Reducing poverty has been a central priority…” - MATTHEW KLEIN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MAYOR'S OFFICE FOR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Photo Credit: Bob via flickr

Stimulus payments, extended unemployment and SNAP benefits and the expanded Child Tax Credit payments have assisted New Yorkers as the City moves towards a recovery.  About the NYCgov Poverty Measure The City’s NYCgov poverty measure is updated annually. This year’s report uses the most recent available information from the Census Bureau’s American

living in New York City, including the higher cost of housing, and counts as income those programs that supplement New Yorker’s income, such as tax credits and SNAP benefits – elements that are not taken into account in the federal poverty measure. Additionally, the calculation of the U.S. official poverty measure has remained largely unchanged for over 50 years. New York City is the only U.S. city that calculates its own poverty rate using this more precise measure.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

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N AT ION AL C A T H E D R A L O F S T. J O H N T H E D I V I N E C E L E B R A T E S W I T H C H R I S t M A S E V E A N D C H R I S T M A S D AY S E R V I C E S The Cathedral of St. John the Divine celebrates the season with festive holiday services on Friday, December 24 at 4 and 10 pm and Saturday, December 25 at 10:30 am at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue (at 112th Street). This year’s cherished holiday festivities at the Cathedral begin with a service of Lessons and Carols at 4 pm. A recent but now classical element of Anglican liturgy, Lessons and Carols was first instituted for Christmas Eve 1880 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Truro, and has been a beloved part of the Cathedral’s Christmas Eve offerings for many years. Featuring classic Christmas music performed by the Cathedral Choir, the service is a spirited entry to the night of the Nativity. The Cathedral’s Christmas Eve Festal Eucharist, offered at 10:30 pm, is a joyous celebration of the birth of the Light. The Right Reverend Andrew ML Dietche, Bishop of New York, and The Right Reverend Clifton Daniel III, Dean of the Cathedral, will welcome congregants from

near and far in the spirit of the Christmas season. Christmas Day is celebrated with a 10:30 am service in the Cathedral. At the culmination of the holiday, the Cathedral Choir will sing and the Dean preside as the Cathedral rejoices in the birth of the Christ Child. After an all-virtual Christmas celebration in 2020, the Cathedral is glad to welcome back the public this year, though with additional precautions in place. Both Christmas Eve services will be held in person

and offered via livestream on the Cathedral’s website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel. The Cathedral’s Christmas Day service will be held in person only. All visitors to the Cathedral are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination and wear a mask for entry. For more information on Christmas services at the Cathedral, visit the Cathedral’s website. The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is the Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of New

York. It is chartered as a house of prayer for all people and a unifying center of intellectual light and leadership. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cathedral has responded to changing needs in the local community and across the city and state. People from many faiths and communities worship together in daily services held online and in person; the soup kitchen serves roughly 50,000 meals annually; social service outreach has an increasingly varied roster of programs to safely provide resources and aid to the hardest-hit New Yorkers; the distinguished Cathedral School prepares young students to be future leaders; Advancing the Community of Tomorrow, the renowned preschool, afterschool and summer program, offers diverse educational and nurturing experiences; the outstanding Textile Conservation Lab preserves world treasures; concerts, exhibitions, performances and civic gatherings allow conversation, celebration, reflection and remembrance—such is the joyfully busy life of this beloved and venerated Cathedral.

C H I L D R E N E N J OY A N N UA L H O L I D AY PA R T Y

On Saturday, December 11th, PAL children, ages five to 12, from PAL After School programs enjoyed a festive holiday party at PAL’s Harlem Center. Hosted by PAL Board Members John and Margo Catsimatidis, the party was filled with entertainment, arts and crafts, carnival games, prizes, music, dancing, gifts, face-painting, raffles and a DJ dance party. In addition, the PAL Holiday Party included participation by: NYPD Officers; Dermot Shea, NYPD Police Commissioner & Honorary PAL President; Juanita Holmes, NYPD Chief of Patrol, and David Arena, PAL President. A visit from Santa Claus added to the joy of the holiday season! 2 | NewYorkTrendnyc

Photo Courtesy of PAL

The PAL Annual Holiday Party in Harlem is one of many PAL holiday celebrations throughout the city bringing happiness

and toys to thousands of youngsters at PAL centers and police precincts in their own communities. PAL celebrations

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are made possible by the generosity and holiday spirit of hundreds of caring New Yorkers including John and Margo Catsimatidis. New York City’s Police Athletic League is the first and finest civilian-run PAL in the country. Founded in 1914, PAL has served the city’s young people for over 100 years. PAL provides recreational, educational, cultural and social activities to 20,000 boys and girls annually. It is also the city’s largest, independent, nonprofit youth organization. For more information, please visit www.palnyc.org.

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NEWS D O N AT E A N E W U N W R A PPE D TOY A N D G E T A F R E E T I C K E T T O A N O F F - B R O A D W A Y S H O W ! The Off-Broadway League today announced its annual OFF-BROADWAY TOY DRIVE has begun and will benefit children at The Row, a NYC Department of Homeless Services family shelter in Times Square. Last year over 218 toys were donated! This year’s goal is to raise at least 125 presents for kids aged six months to 18 years old. Toys can be donated by bringing them to a participating theater or by purchasing on Amazon.com, Wal-Mart.com or any other online retailer and shipping it directly to Off-Broadway Toy Drive, c/o The Theater Center, 210 West 50th Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10019. Donate a new, unwrapped toy worth $10 or more and you will receive a voucher for a free ticket to a participating Off-Broadway

show of your choice. Those donating a toy through Amazon, Walmart or any other online company should e-mail the confirmation to offbroadwaytoydrive@gmail. com and in return, you will be emailed a voucher enabling you to redeem one free ticket to any participating Off-Broadway show in 2021-2022. Participating shows include: PERFECT CRIME, THE OFFICE! A MUSICAL PARODY, LOVE ACTUALLY…? A MUSICAL PARODY, ANIMAZE X, A MUSICAL ABOUT STAR WARS, CHASING JACK, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNESTLY LGBTQ+, LITTLE CHRISTMAS MIRACLES, SWAN LAKE ROCK OPERA, and more shows added everyday! Check our website for the most up-to-date

participating shows! offbroadwaytoydrive. com The Theater Center will also accept in person drop offs for those in the local area. Toys can be dropped off on Mondays through Fridays between 10:00AM – 6:00PM or on Saturday and Sunday between 10:00AM - 8:00 PM. Here’s how it works:  PURCHASE a toy online.  SHIP IT: Off-Broadway Toy Drive c/o The Theater Center, 210 West 50th St. 4th floor, New York, NY 10019  E-MAIL your purchase confirmation to: offbroadwaytoydrive@gmail.com and a voucher will be sent back to you within 3 business days

NEW HOME-VISITING SERVICES OFFERED WITH FOCUS "Becoming a new parent can be overwhelming, and many families need help and support to raise healthy and thriving children,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “The New Family Home Visits program will offer critical support to underserved families and help reduce the persistent inequities in maternal and infant health in our city.” The New Family Home Visits program was initially slated to launch in February 2020, but the rollout was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last spring, as part of the City’s COVID-19 recovery plan, Mayor de Blasio announced $28.4 million in funding for the program, including a system for intake and referrals and enhanced capacity for community partners. The program will focus on neighborhoods hardest hit by COVID-19 and with the greatest health and social burdens—for example, overcrowded housing, prevalence of chronic disease, and the number of people experiencing poverty. At full rampup, the program will serve first-time parents in the 33 neighborhoods identified by the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity (TRIE); families living in NYCHA in the TRIE neighborhoods; and families citywide who are engaged with ACS. The program is entirely voluntary and free to all families regardless of immigration status or income. The goal is to reach 7,000 new families by June 30, 2022.

Families who enroll in the New Family Home Visits program will receive evidencebased services based on their unique needs. For example, a family who has a two-month-old infant and needs a safe crib and supplies for the baby would be referred to our Newborn Home Visiting Program for a connection to a diaper bank and the non-profit Cribs for Kids for a free portable crib. The program will leverage the City’s existing home-visiting initiatives— namely the Nurse-Family Partnership and the Newborn Home Visiting Program—and build new connections to community-based organizations and health care providers. The Newborn Home Visiting Program has increased the number of Baby-Friendly designated maternity facilities in New York City from three to 24 over the past seven years. Families participating in Nurse Family Partnership have been shown to have increase rates in breast-feeding, safe sleep practices, compliance with immunizations as well as screening for developmental delays and depression and anxiety.

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Currently, eligible NYCHA families and families who are engaged with ACS can enroll in New Family Home Visits. The program will be phased in the 33 TRIE neighborhoods, starting with the following 11:  Bedford Stuyvesant  Brownsville  Bushwick  Central Harlem  Concourse/Highbridge  East Harlem  East Tremont  Hunts Point  Morrisania  Mott Haven  University Heights/Morris Heights The remaining 22 neighborhoods will be added over the next 3 months. Families who are eligible can call 311 to enroll. “The New Family Home Visits Program is a win-win for New York City, as it will better connect some of our most vulnerable first-time families to much-needed homevisiting services and support, while promoting healthy childhood development and improving the well-being of our youngest New Yorkers. ACS is delighted to partner with DOHMH on this program and we will continue to make sure New York City’s children and families have access to the tools they need to succeed,” said David A. Hansell, Commissioner of the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS).

"The comprehensive array of services now available to new mothers and young parents as a result of this expansion will improve public health outcomes and ensure that the next generation of our residents are able to grow up in a safe and stable home environment," said NYCHA Chair & CEO Greg Russ. "We applaud the Health Department for bringing this vital program to NYCHA campuses." "The 'New Family Home Visits' program serves to help reduce the disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality," said Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Chair of the New York State Assembly Task Force on Women's Issues. "Nationally, Black women are 243 percent more likely to die from pregnancy- or childbirth-related causes than women of other races, and the mortality rate for infants born to Black women is also 2.3 times greater than the infant mortality rate for non-Hispanic whites. Unfortunately, I experienced these disparities firsthand when I lost my infant son in 2016, following

a preterm labor that also threatened my life. As a national beacon of progress and equity, our City should strive to spare other people and families of color from such systemic failures in the health care system. I look forward to the near-term rollout of this program in Flatbush, Brooklyn and surrounding areas." “The New Family Home Visits program represents the sort of community-focused

EQUITY

 The Nurse-Family Partnership The Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is an evidence-based home visiting program that connects first-time expectant parents with trained nurses to promote healthy pregnancy outcomes, child development, and economic self-sufficiency and independence. Pregnant people are eligible if they have never parented before and if they qualify for WIC or Medicaid. NFP serves families in all five boroughs, regardless of age, immigration

Photo Credit: Bonnie Kittle via Unsplash

investments we need to be making in order for families throughout the five boroughs to thrive,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Hospitals. “By offering a range of home care – from mental health screenings to doula services – this program will bring critical resources to families who need them most.”

"We are enormously grateful for this funding from the NYC DOHMH," said Carol Odnoha, Director of the VNSNY NurseFamily Partnership. "In addition to helping first-time mothers in the Bronx have healthy pregnancies, births and a great start in life, this generous support will make it possible for the VNSNY NFP to provide many more child care items and household necessities to Bronx families in need, including diapers, formula, groceries, breast-feeding items, face masks, infant feeding supplies, clothing and strollers." The New Family Home Visits program builds on the City’s existing home-visiting initiatives, which are offered in partnership with ACS, NYCHA, NYC Health + Hospitals and community-based home visiting programs:

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status or gender identity. Pregnant persons are enrolled before the 29th week of pregnancy and can remain in the program until the child turns two. Under the New Family Home Visits Program, NFP is expected to offer services to an additional 500 birthing families by June 2022.  The Newborn Home Visiting Program Newborn Home Visiting Program (NHVP) provides educational home visits to address breast-feeding, safe homes, and safe sleep and connecting families to social services that are essential to the wellbeing of mothers, children, and families. Now under the New Family Home Visits Program, NHVP will be expanding to include enhanced mental health and chronic disease screening. It will also provide a multi-disciplinary approach supported by nurses, lactation consultants, and social workers and offer referrals to ongoing clinical services for those who might need extra support so children can experience supportive, responsive relationships with caring adults early in life.

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COMMUNI T Y CALL ISSUED TO BIDEN FOR INCREASED CONTRACTS BL ACK-OWNED FIRMS The Biden Administration has announced a set of reforms to the federal procurement process to increase the share of small and disadvantaged businesses (SDBs) in the federal contracting base. The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) has called for a number of these changes in its annual BLACKprint and worked with the Administration to realize new policies that open federal doors to Black business owners. Among those include a commitment to ensuring 15% of all federal contracts go to SDBs by 2025, releasing Small Business Administration (SBA) disaggregated racial and ethnic data on small business contractors, and making improvements to the category management system. The SBA’s data on federal contracting opportunities for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) show that, in 2020, Black-owned small businesses only received 1.67% of all federal contracts, whereas white-owned small businesses received 15.64%. This disparity underscores the continued need for additional support for Black-owned small businesses to gain access to federal contracting opportunities to remain competitive in today’s economy. Ron Busby, President and CEO, USBC, said the following about the initiatives to reform the federal

contracting system: “The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. applauds this long-awaited initiative both at the White House and at the SBA to uncover the demographic breakdown of federal contracts awarded to Black-owned firms and increase equity and access to the federal contracting

accountability and intentionally. This data and commitment from The Administration allows us to address each of those. We will remain the active voice for small Black contractors to ensure a continued increase in the percentage of contracts they are able to secure, moving

Photo Source: blackenterprise.com

system. For years we've asked 'How can you promise increased spending with Black and minority businesses when you don't know the numbers?' While unsurprised that Black-owned firms were only awarded 1.67% of all federal contracts in FY20, we finally have the data in hand to demand measurable improvements. The USBC has called for transparency,

forward. The USBC recognizes this initiative as a catalyst for lasting changes towards increasing racial equity and parity in the federal contracting sector.” The USBC is the leading advocate for Black business contracting opportunities, recognizing the immense economic opportunity behind federal procurement

opportunities in the United States. In addition to procurement advocacy at the federal level, USBC further champions and helps to facilitate procurement opportunities through its ByBlack platform. ByBlack is both an extensive national database and certification platform for Black-owned businesses. ByBlack certification is unique in that it is the first certification specifically designating that a business is Black owned. The directory component allows large corporations and entities across the public and private sectors to source diverse suppliers to fulfill their business needs – from IT infrastructure to marketing to consulting and more. The USBC hopes that the transparency of the data released today, coupled with the initiative to reform the contracting system, will work to increase accountability in the federal contract system when deciding to support Black and minority-owned businesses nationwide —creating increased economic opportunity, the creation of Black wealth, and financial stability for Black contractors. The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) is the national voice of Black business and a top advocate for resources and policies that impact Black business owners. To learn more visit: usblackchambers. org.

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Together with small businesses, we’re helping bring hope to the streets.

Small businesses are the heartbeat of every community. They make our neighborhoods vibrant places to live, work, and raise families. Here are just a few ways Wells Fargo is giving hope a hand: • Providing nonprofits with roughly $420 million through our Open for Business Fund to help small businesses • Helping nearly 282,000 small businesses keep 1.7 million people at work through Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding* • Pitching in to help beautify local business districts in cities nationwide • Working together with more than 3 million small businesses to help them get back to thriving Join us in bringing hope to the streets by shopping local. Learn more at wellsfargo.com/impact. * PPP data from Program inception in 2020 through 06/09/2021. © 2021 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. IHA-7112904

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E VENT S N E W E D I T I O N ‘ C U LT U R E T O U R ’ A N N O U N C E D F O R 2 0 2 2 Veteran R&B group New Edition headlines an iconic lineup with the legendary Charlie Wilson, along with special guest, Jodeci, the bad boys of R&B. The Culture Tour kicks off a 30-city tour February 2022, in Columbus, Ga., with stops in Los Angeles, New York, and New Edition’s hometown of Boston. In 1983, New Edition released their debut single Candy Girl off their self-titled album, hitting No.1 on the Billboard Hot Black Single Charts, jumping ahead of Michael Jackson’s Beat It. Since then, New Edition has released more than six studio albums, received multiple Soul Train and American Music Awards, and a Grammy Award nomination. In 2017, BET Network released their three-part Biopic: The New Edition Story, airing over three consecutive nights. The mini-series attracted 29 million total viewers. That same year, the network honored them with the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing the group as one of the innovators of R&B. They have remained one of the most influential R&B groups of the last 30 years and counting, catapulting the solo careers of Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, and Ralph Tresvant, and Bell Biv DeVoe. Viewers experienced a sense of nostalgia during the American Music Awards in November 2021, when New Edition performed alongside 80’s boy band, New Kids on the Block. Often credited as the creators of the modern-day boy bands,

Representing the sound that shaped 90s R&B, the iconic group Jodeci joins the tour as a special guest. The group debuted their first album, Forever My Lady, in 1991 and have sold more than 20 million records worldwide. They have been the soundtrack to many music lover’s most memorable moments for over 30 years with hit songs "Forever My Lady,” "Stay,” and "Come and Talk To Me." After a several year hiatus the group has reunited and are ready to show fans why they reign supreme as one of the most iconic R&B groups of all time.

New Edition will attract fans old and new. Starring all six members, Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill, this is the group’s first tour since 2014. With a career spanning over four decades, Charlie Wilson also known as “Uncle Charlie,” is one of the few names in music that resonate with multiple generations of music lovers. Beginning as the cofounder/lead singer for The Gap Band (“Outstanding, “Burn Rubber On Me,” “Yearning For Your Love,”) Wilson later embarked on a successful solo career garnering himself thirteen Grammy

awards nominations, eleven NAACP Image Awards (including two wins), the BMI Icon Award in 2005, and the 2009 Soul Train Icon Award. His #1 solo hits include “Charlie, Last Name Wilson,” “There Goes My Baby,” and “You Are” to name a few. In 2020 and 2009, he was named Billboard Magazine's No. 1 Adult R&B Male Artist and remains the Top Adult Male Artist with the most #1s in three decades. He was honored by BET with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 with an all-star tribute by Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, and Snoop Dogg.

In partnership with The Black Promoters Collective, a 100 percent Black-owned promotions company composed of veteran live entertainment promoters, The Culture Tour tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, Dec. 17, 10am local time. American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets in select markets before the general public beginning Tuesday, December 14 at 10am local time through Thursday, December 16 at 10pm local time. For more information, visit https:// www.neweditionlegacy.com/. The Black Promoters Collective (BPC) is a coalition of six of the nation’s top independent concert promotion and event production companies. As a 100% Black -owned business, their mission is to be the world’s leading producer and provider of culturally relevant live entertainment experiences. To learn more, visit http:// www.blackpromoterscollective.com.

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New Opportunities to Save on Health Care Coverage Learn about new financial help to keep you and your family healthy!

If you lost your health insurance during the pandemic or have been unable to pay for coverage in the past, you may now be eligible to save money on your health care. Over 362,000 New Yorkers ages 50-64 may qualify for premium tax credits. Because of changes in the law, you could now pay as little as $0 for your premiums, or you could save up to thousands of dollars a year. You can enroll or change your coverage through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, an online platform that offers insurance plans to individuals, families, and small businesses.

To learn more call 1-888-OUR-AARP or visit aarp.org/acany.

Behind South Florida’s cloudless sky and golden light exists a fragile community that is facing issues of class, race, climate change and gentrification. Starting on November 20, Oolite Arts kicks off Feels Like 97°, a lens-based exhibition where artists look beyond the city’s dreamlike imagery and into the area’s diversity and socio-economic

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Scan the QR code or visit aarp.org/acany to learn more about the ACA special enrollment period.

divide. Curated by renowned visual artist Michelle Lisa Polissaint, Feels Like 97° features the work of 10 artists who provide their perspective on South Florida’s way of life and ecosystems by analyzing varied regions of South Florida including the

December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

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PROFILE S CHERYLE HARRISON H E A D OF B O U N C E Cheryle Harrison has been appointed the head of Bounce, the nation’s popular entertainment television network serving African Americans. Harrison has served in various roles at Bounce since it was launched in 2011 as the first Katz network. She will now be responsible for the overall strategic vision for Bounce, including brand strategy, programing, marketing, social media, digital and community relations. She is based in Atlanta and reports to Lisa Knutson, President of Scripps Networks. “Cheryle has been a driving force in Bounce’s development, growth and success since its beginning,” Knutson said. “She is a talented, well-respected leader at Scripps and within Scripps Networks and the right person to guide Bounce through an important and exciting new future as we strive to continue serving Black audiences on TV and beyond.” Harrison has more than 30 years of experience in broadcasting and digital media. Prior to joining Scripps when it acquired Katz in 2017, she served in ascending positions with Turner Broadcasting. She has been recognized with awards from the National Black Chamber of Commerce and Cynopsis Media, which

named her “One of the Top Women in Digital Media.” “Our goal is that Bounce will become the meeting ground for Black culture, communities and creators building the most valued Black media brand in the world, and for the world, with authenticity and purpose,” Harrison said. “I’m excited to lead Bounce into the future.” Bounce is the country’s most accessible African American network, available free over-the-air in 98 percent of the U.S. and on the recently launched BounceXL FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) channel, which can be found on Samsung TV Plus, Pluto, Xumo and TCL. Bounce (@bouncetv) programming is seen over-the-air, on cable, on DISH channel 359, over-the-top on Roku, on mobile devices via the Bounce and Brown Sugar apps and on the web via BounceTV.com. Bounce features a programming mix of original series, docuseries and movies, off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports, and events and more. Bounce is one of nine national networks that make up the Scripps Networks division of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP). The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on

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creating a better-informed world. As the nation’s fourth-largest local TV broadcaster, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of 61 stations in 41 markets. The Scripps Networks reach nearly every American through the national news outlets Court TV and Newsy and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Grit,

Laff, Court TV Mystery, Defy TV and TrueReal. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.”

Keisha Taylor Starr has been hired as chief marketing officer for Scripps Networks, effective Jan. 3, 2022. Taylor Starr will set the vision and lead marketing strategies across the portfolio of the nine Scripps national networks as well as direct the marketing, brand strategy, and creative for each network. She will be based in Atlanta and will report to Lisa Knutson, President of Scripps Networks. “Keisha is a remarkably talented executive whose multi-faceted experience marketing top brands and programming across multiple platforms will be a tremendous asset for us as we connect consumers with the news, information, and entertainment they’re seeking,” said Knutson. The Scripps Networks, a division of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP), reach nearly every American household through national news outlets Court TV and Newsy and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Grit, Laff, Court TV Mystery, Defy TV, and TrueReal. Taylor Starr has more than 20 years of media experience across news, sports, and entertainment. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations for the digital news outlet The Recount. She led the brand’s expansion into new content verticals and the go-tomarket strategy for the company’s various products. Taylor Starr previously oversaw marketing for Learfield IMG College, including graphic design, research and analytics, client insights, and innovation, and events as the Senior VP of integrated marketing. She was an integral member of the executive leadership team and collaborated with colleagues and partner brands in supporting revenue generation and business development initiatives. “As a graduate of Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, the opportunity to serve as a member of the senior leadership team for a division of the E.W. Scripps Company is a full-circle moment for me,” said Taylor

Starr. “Given the dynamic range of the networks’ programming across news and entertainment, I look forward to developing marketing campaigns that deliver both cultural and business impact.” Taylor Starr spent a decade with WarnerMedia (formerly Turner Broadcasting), leading award-winning teams across entertainment (TNT/tbs) and news (CNN) networks. Before joining WarnerMedia, Taylor Starr began her career as an assistant account executive for BBDO ad agency in Atlanta. She was selected as a 2017 “Game Changer: Women in Sports Business” by the Sports Business Journal, and her work has been highlighted in Advertising Age’s list of the “Top 15 Global Marketing Stunts.” Taylor Starr holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications/media studies from Hampton University. She has served on several industry diversity councils and committees. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

Ab out Scr ip ps  The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As the nation’s fourth-largest local TV broadcaster, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of 61 stations in 41 markets. The Scripps Networks reach nearly every American through the national news outlets Court TV and Newsy and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Grit, Laff, Court TV Mystery, Defy TV, and TrueReal. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of the broadcast spectrum. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades the motto, “Give light, and the people will find their own way.”

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HE ALTH FITNESS Meet advisor to Hollywood actor and sports stars Eszylfie Taylor, who stars in the upcoming docuseries “Mind. Body. Money” where he navigates the challenges of working fitness and finance with top athletes and Hollywood celebrities while also being a ‘girl dad’ at home to his three daughters. As a long-time yoga instructor, he is also a new face of lululemon and maintains a daily practice, and teaches at some of LA’s most popular yoga studios. Eszylfie has defied the odds to become the country’s top African-American financial advisor and will take you on a journey through his professional & personal life, including his new fitness & financial lifestyle app of the same name: Mind. Body. Money. Eszylfie was also recently chosen as the face of LinkedIn, where he was featured for his remarkable story in national commercials

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FINANCE

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DOCUSERIES STAR his career at age 22 with New York Life Insurance Company, where he soon reached the ranking of #1 Broker in Los Angeles and #1 Agent for the company’s African-American market.

and billboards. Eszylfie’s new app Mind. Body. Money. brings together video content to help people open their minds, move their bodies, and grow their money. Their affirmation tool is scientifically backed, replaying your affirmation to you at a frequency and speed that has the optimal cognitive effect, allowing people to reach their full potential. With a client roster that includes Hollywood celebrities and legendary Hall of Fame athletes, Eszylfie can speak to his success and advise on how individuals from every generation can overcome current obstacles to end up on top. Eszylfie has achieved his unprecedented success at such a young age due to a combination of education, motivation, a positive outlook, and a deep desire to help others improve their lives. He began

He currently sits on the board of three non-profit organizations dedicated to business empowerment, children’s health, and social services. He mentors upcoming youth as the founder of the non-profit Futures Stars Camp for kids, dedicated to providing basketball training and life coaching skill in his free time. In addition to his passion for business, he is raising three daughters in Pasadena, CA, where he still resides.

Photo Courtesy of Eszylfie Taylor

P U B L I C H E A LT H R E L E A S E S N E W R E P O R T Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has released a new report showing that while food insecurity in Los Angeles County had trended downward prior to 2020, deep racial and economic disparities in access to and affordability of healthy food persisted. The report also shows that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many households in the county experienced

Southern California, highlights of the report include:  In 2018:  Among households in Los Angeles County with incomes less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (incomes less than $73,000 a year for a family of four), 26.8% or 516,000 households experienced food insecurity.  Households with children had higher

As a long-time yoga instructor, he is also a new face of lululemon and maintains a daily practice, and teaches at some of LA’s most popular yoga studios.

FOOD INSECURITY

Asians (28%), and Non-Hispanic Whites (21%).  Between 14.7% and 26.7% of Los Angeles County households were likely to be eligible for CalFresh but were not enrolled in the program as of July 2020.  Individuals who experienced food insecurity were almost twice as likely to have been infected with COVID-19 (11.6%) as those who were food secure (6.4%). “The COVID-19 pandemic exposed many of the existing flaws in our food system that prevent access to affordable, healthy, and nutritious food,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “While many Los Angeles County residents experienced food insecurity in the past year, low-income communities and communities of color continue to be disproportionately affected on an ongoing basis. We must embrace innovative programs and policies to ensure a more equitable, sustainable and effective food system.”

Photo Credit: Katie McCloskey via flickr

food insecurity, with communities of color hit the hardest. The report includes forward-thinking strategies for reducing food insecurity and improving food equity in Los Angeles County. Food insecurity – defined as having limited or uncertain access to enough affordable and nutritious food to live an active, healthy life – is a serious public health concern associated with some of the costliest diet-related chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and many forms of cancer. Experiencing food insecurity during childhood can lead to delayed development, diminished academic achievement, anxiety and depression, and early-onset obesity. Drawing on data from the 2018 Los Angeles County Health Survey (LACHS) and more recent data from the Los Angeles County component of the Understanding Coronavirus in America study conducted by the University of

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levels of food insecurity (28.1%) than households without children (26.1%).  Among those living in food insecure households, 67.3% were Latino, 13.9% were White, 11.9% were African American, and 6.2% were Asian.  The prevalence of obesity (36.9%), type 2 diabetes (17%), hypertension (30.4%), high cholesterol (30.4%) and depression (23.9%) were higher among adults living in food insecure households than those living in food secure households (29.6%, 11.8%, 24.2%, 25.6% and 8.4%, respectively).  In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic:  34% of all households in Los Angeles County, including those in all income groups, experienced food insecurity at some point between April and December.  Latinos experienced the highest prevalence of food insecurity (40%), followed by African Americans (39%)

Recommended strategies from the report for reducing food insecurity and improving food equity in Los Angeles County include:  Promoting health equity by understanding and addressing the important relationship between food equity and racial equity.  Shifting the focus from “food security” (having access to sufficient calories or quantities of food) to “nutrition security” (having access to quality and nutritious food).  Identifying and implementing additional innovative strategies to increase participation in proven nutrition assistance programs such as CalFresh and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).  Investing in food recovery systems throughout Los Angeles County to increase food resources and assure food equity for all.  Leveraging data sharing across county social service programs to increase enrollment in CalFresh and WIC.  Expanding nutrition incentive programs

December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

that can help stretch CalFresh and WIC dollars while increasing access to quality food resources for low-income families.  Supporting a social safety net program for individuals who are undocumented and/or from mixed status households.  Engaging the health care sector to expand food insecurity screening and linking patients to nutrition assistance, including produce prescription programs and food distribution efforts throughout Los Angeles County. The release of the report comes after a virtual Food Day Summit hosted by Public Health that brought together public health professionals, policymakers, communitybased organizations, and advocates for food justice to discuss the root causes of food insecurity as well as future directions and promising community-driven strategies to ensure everyone has access to affordable, sustainable, nourishing, and nutritious food. To view the full report, visit http:// ph.lacounty.gov/nut/media/ nutrition-physical-activity-resources/ LA_County_Food_Insecurity_ Report_2021_508Compliant.pdf. The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and wellbeing for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,500 employees and has an annual budget of $1.2 billion. To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, please visit www. publichealth.lacounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/lapublichealth, facebook. com/lapublichealth, instagram.com/ lapublichealth and youtube.com/ lapublichealth. Source: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

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TRAVEL H O L I D AY Travelers can step out of their homes and into a land of sugar plum fairies with a stay at these upscale hotels—all decked out for the holiday season. From East Coast to West, we’ve gathered the best warm-weather and winter wonderland spots to enjoy the holidays surrounded by grand Christmas trees, extravagant light displays, gingerbread visions, and more. And we’ve paired them with suggested outings to can’tmiss holiday attractions nearby that make these destinations an all-around

DÉCOR

ice-skating rink (with complimentary skates to borrow), sip hot cocoa next to a cozy fire and admire the magnificent display of holiday lights while watching the snow fall. Nearby Attractions: Shred Whiteface Mountain’s 86 trails that stretch over 22 miles and three glorious peaks or enjoy a wintertime stroll down Lake Placid’s festively decorated Main Street for big-city shopping in a small mountain town.

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Nearby Attraction: It’s not the holiday season without a performance of The Nutcracker. Pebble Beach guests can catch the timeless classic in nearby Carmel-by-the Sea, where the Monterey Peninsula Ballet Theatre will perform at the Sunset Center.  Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney’s Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley, Arizona Lay out all day in the sun then warm up in the evenings by a cozy outdoor fire

Salt River Fields or the World of Illumination in nearby Glendale and Tempe.

 Crabtree’s Kittle House in Chappaqua, New York Just a short drive or train ride from New York City, Westchester County’s historic Crabtree’s Kittle House Restaurant and Inn transports visitors to the timeless elegance of holidays past in charming Chappaqua. Classic decorations throughout the 1790 property, world-class dining and an

Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, New York Photo Courtesy of Whiteface Lodge

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney’s Resort & Spa, Paradise Valley, Arizona Photo Courtesy of Sanctuary Camelback Mountain

Pebble Beach Resorts, Pebble Beach, California

Crabtree’s Kittle House, Chappaqua, New York

Photo Courtesy of Pebble Beach Resorts in Pebble Beach

win for the season.  Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, New York The all-suite luxury Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid is the most wonderful place in the Adirondacks to spend the most wonderful time of the year. Set against a snowy white backdrop and a rustic timber design that evokes the Adirondack great camps of the 19th century, Whiteface Lodge’s extravagant holiday décor brings winter wonderland dreams to life. Holiday guests can take a spin on the resort’s

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Photo Courtesy of Crabtree’s Kittle House

 Pebble Beach Resorts in Pebble Beach, California The crown jewel of California’s Golden Coast, Pebble Beach Resorts is a bucket-list-worthy destination all year long, but especially during the holiday season. Guests will find holiday decorations around every corner, including grand Christmas trees, light displays, gingerbread houses, and more. The Lodge at Pebble Beach is outlined in lights, giving the already grand appearance an even more impressive glow.

at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain. Picturesque Christmas trees and garlands strewn with jingle balls and bows are among the holiday touches that surprise and delight guests at every turn. Pro move: Host a dinner party at the resort’s premier restaurant, elements, helmed by celebrity chef Beau Macmillan. His inspired holiday menu, plus the gorgeous dining set up, will be the talk of the table. Nearby Attractions: For holiday light shows and grand drive-thru experiences, guests can check out Scottsdale’s Holiday Lights at

December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

award-winning wine cellar all make for an extra-merry escape. Warm up with an evening glass of wine by the fireside and enjoy complimentary breakfast in the dining room each morning. Nearby Attractions: Guests should check out the Grand Holiday Illumination at Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, where more than 100,000 lights and holiday music transform the Walled Garden for the holiday season, or head to Kensico Dam Plaza for Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, a dazzling, 1.2-mile drivethrough holiday light display.

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END NO TE S

HONORING LEGACY OF JOSEPHINE BAKER

M U S I C I A N AND M O M G E T N O M I N AT E D FOR G R A M M Y AWA R D S

OneUnited Bank, the largest Black owned bank in America, is sponsoring Le Art Noir on December 2, 2021 and will purchase the first “From Paris with Love” non-fungible token (NFT) created by internationally acclaimed artist Addonis Parker, which pays tribute to renowned entertainer and civil rights activist Josephine Baker. The “From Paris with Love” NFT collection will premiere at the Le Art Noir event during Miami’s Art Basel week. Josephine Baker represented #BlackGirlMagic long before Black Twitter made the term popular. Born in 1906, the year Black Wall Street was founded in the Greenwood district of Tulsa, Oklahoma, she was the first Black woman to become a world-famous entertainer. Her important works also include being a wartime hero, spy, and civil rights activist for Black Americans, including being the only official female speaker at the March on Washington, standing at the side of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In 1951, Ms. Baker was offered $10,000 by the Copa City Club in Miami Beach, but she refused to perform for segregated audiences. The Copa eventually met her demands. Her insistence on mixed audiences helped to integrate live entertainment shows in Miami, Las Vegas, and other cities throughout the U.S. On November 28, 2021, the painting by internationally acclaimed artist Addonis Parker, “From Paris with Love,” will be exhibited in the French Consulate in Miami after a one-night only special unveiling at the National Hotel on Miami Beach. On November 30, 2021, Ms. Baker was celebrated in Paris, France. She was honored at the Pantheon monument with a cenotaph and a plaque, the first Black woman to

Photo Source: https://mirror.xyz/addonis.eth

receive one of the highest honors in France. On December 2, 2021, the “From Paris with Love” NFT collection premiered at Le Art Noir, a unique multicultural exhibition of artists from around the globe during Art Basel Miami, at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center in Liberty City, Miami. OneUnited Bank will purchase the first NFT from the collection, with additional renditions made available to the public. The NFT premiere taking place in Miami is particularly significant as Josephine Baker is celebrated for her work in desegregating Miami clubs. “I admire Josephine Baker’s strength at such a young age and how she stayed focused on her mission during her life. I’m motivated by the freedom that OneUnited gives me as an artist to protest for social change,” states Addonis Parker. “Josephine Baker’s civil rights activism is an inspiration,” states Teri Williams, President and COO of OneUnited Bank. “We are proud to honor her legacy and build the new Black Wall Street.”

BEAR CUBS EMERGE FROM DEN AT QUEENS ZOO Two Andean bear cubs (Tremarctos ornatus) born at the Queens Zoo are making their public debut. The cubs, a male and a female, have yet to be named. They were born this summer to dam, Nicole, and sire, Bouba. This is the third successful litter for Nicole and Bouba, who have now produced five offspring. After spending their first months in a den nursing and bonding with their mother, the cubs have now started to venture into the zoo’s outdoor bear habitat and are actively exploring their new surroundings. Queens Zoo guests can now see the cubs, but exhibit times will vary as they continue to acclimate to their exhibit. The Queens Zoo is breeding Andean bears as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative breeding and management program administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to maintain genetic diversity and demographic stability in zoo populations. “The Queens Zoo has a successful breeding program for Andean bears and has been an integral participant in the SSP for several years,” said Mike Allen, Queens Zoo Director. “Andean bears face significant challenges in the wild due to habitat fragmentation and poaching. It’s important for us to invest both in conservation programs to protect them in their native habitat and to maintain a healthy insurance

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population in zoos. These youngsters will surely captivate our guests and help people make a connection with the species.” Andean bears are the only bear species native to South America. They are also known as spectacled bears due to the markings on their faces that sometimes resemble eyeglasses. They have characteristically short faces and are relatively small in comparison to some other bear species. As adults, males weigh between 250-350 pounds while adult females rarely exceed 200 pounds. Andean bears are classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Estimates indicate that there are fewer than 18,000 remaining in the wild. Wildlife Conservation Society scientists work actively to monitor and protect habitat for Andean bears and a host of other species throughout the Andes. The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Queens Zoo – Open every day of the year. Admission is $9.95 for adults, $7.95 for seniors 65 and older, $6.95 for kids 3-12, free for children under 3. Zoo hours are 10am to 5pm weekdays, and 10am – 5:30pm weekends, April through October; and 10am – 4:30pm daily, November through April. The Queens Zoo is located at 53-51 111th Street in Flushing Meadow’s Corona Park in Queens. For further information, call 718-271-1500 or visit www.queenszoo.com.

Photo Courtesy of Pierce Freelon

By Pierce Freelon This morning, my wife and I were glued to the TV, as we watched the Recording Academy announce the nominees for the 64th Grammy Awards with bated breath. The room erupted in celebration when Jon Batiste declared that my album Black to the Future earned a Grammy nomination for Best Children’s Music album. We were also thrilled that “All One Tribe” — a collective of 24 Black children’s music artists, which I am part of, was also nominated in the same category. The highlight of my day came about 20-minutes later when I learned that my mother, Nnenna Freelon’s album “Time Traveler” was nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album.

As soon as I heard her name, I turned into a puddle of tears. I was almost 10-years-old when my mother earned her first Grammy nomination and distinctly remember how my father beamed with pride when he looked at her. I could feel his presence strongly and wept tears of joy for both of us. Both of our albums are about family. “Black to the Future” features the love and light of four generations, including my grandma, parents, siblings and children. “Time Traveler” is my mom’s love letter to her late husband. I couldn’t be more proud to be a member of the Freelon family and look forward to celebrating the legacies of love, which have inspired my music, this holiday season.

J E M E L E H I L L I S ‘ U N B OTH E R E D’ BY ANN BROWN

Recently on Jemele Hill is Unbothered, actress and singer Andra Day joins Jemele to discuss her awardwinning, groundbreaking role as Billie Holiday in the critically-acclaimed movie, “The United States vs Billie Holiday.” Andra explains her extensive preparation, which included losing 40 pounds, speaking with recovering addicts and picking up smoking. Andra also shares why she’s chosen to be abstinent and the story of how music icon Stevie Wonder discovered her. Jemele returned with a new episode featuring wellness coach and actress A.J. Johnson to discuss her new show, “Life Therapy,” how she went from being a premed student to an actress, and how the death of her parents fueled her to further her passion for health and wellness. A.J. also reflects on her friendship with director

John Singleton, her iconic role as Sharane in “House Party,” and she explains why she wasn’t part of the “House Party” sequels.

December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

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WHEREVER YOU’RE HEADED, ROLL IN THE VIP SEATS All New 2022 Equinox RS

The all-new 2022 Equinox RS adds flavor to life in the fast lane. Designed with a stylish trim, striking black interior and sporty red accents, the Equinox RS is always the hottest seat in the house.

FI N D N E W TR E N DS, F IND NE W RO ADS

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December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021