Chatham-Southeast Citizen 3-22-2023

Chicagoans mourns the passing of Black businessman & Chicago civic trailblazing giant EDWARD GARDNER

COMMUNITY ORGANIZER SERVING ON NEW POLICE DISTRICT COUNCILS

THE CANDIDATE SPEAKS…

In an Q & A interview with the Citizen, candidate for the City of Chicago Mayoral Race Brandon Johnson took time to speak with us about where he stands of key issues that are top of the mind with voters as we plan to take to the polls on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

Joseph Williams, Executive Director and Founder of Mr. Dad’s Father’s Club, was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. He is a husband, and father to six children. He was recently elected to the 7th District for the Police District Councils

Joseph Williams, founder of Mr. Dad’s Father’s Club is a member of the 7th District for the Chicago Police District Councils.

PROVIDED BY JOSEPH WILLIAMS.

CONGRESSWOMAN ROBIN KELLY CELEBRATES THE INCLUSION OF CTA RED LINE EXTENSION INVESTMENTS IN PRESIDENT BIDEN’S BUDGET

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Robin Kelly celebrated the inclusion of the long-awaited CTA Red Line extension in President Biden’s budget proposal. This $350 million investment in the south side of Chicago will bring much-needed transportation access and economic opportunities to many historically under-resourced communities.

Rep. Kelly secured $1.5 million to fund workforce development efforts to support the CTA Red Line extension in 2021.

President Biden’s budget prioritizes People Over Politics, building on the economic gains made over the last two years, lowering costs, and creating good-paying jobs. The inclusion of the CTA Red Line Extension in President Biden’s budget is a welcome investment in the people of the Second District of Illinois. This investment will not only improve transportation access but also create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen communities.

“I am thrilled that President Biden recognized the importance of expanding transit access to the south side of Chicago,” said Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02). “For communities that too often feel forgotten, President Biden’s budget shows that this administration will not allow our district to be left behind. This extension will accelerate economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen our neighborhoods. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the administration to ensure that our communities have the resources they need to thrive.”

CHICAGO BLACK DANCE LEGACY PROJECT

PRESENTS: SANS PAREIL

Sat, Mar 25, 7pm / Sun, Mar 26, 2pm (Youth Show) & 6pm

Logan Center Performance Hall / 915 E 60th St [map]

Tickets: $25 General | $10 Students and Seniors (62+)

Following sold out shows at the Logan Center, Millennium Park and more, the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project returns with Sans Pareil, a dazzling display of the power of Black dance our city.

Sans pareil: French for “unparalleled.” Join the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project for the first concert from its second cohort. Ten dance companies present signature and new choreographic works on the Logan Center Performance Hall stage. Juxtaposing forms ranging from ballet to modern to tap to traditional African dance, to Chicago-born footwork and more, the concert promises to live up to its name delivering an incomparable demonstration of the depth and breadth of Chicago’s Black dance community. Named with a nod to Chicago’s first non-indigenous settler – the Haitian fur-trader, entrepreneur, and proponent of multi-culturalism known as the founder of Chicago, Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable — this concert will combine dance and technology to evoke Chicago Black dance’s past, revel in its present, and shine a light toward its bright future.

The 2023 cohort includes: The Chicago Multicultural Dance Company, Deeply Rooted Dance, Forward Momentum Chicago, Joel Hall Dancers & Center, M.A.D.D. Rhythms, Move Me Soul, Muntu Dance Theatre, NAJWA Dance Corps. Praize Productions, and The Era Footwork Collective. Learn more about the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project and the 10 companies involved at ChicagoBlackDanceLegacy.org.

Community organizer serving on new Police District Councils

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BY TIA CAROL JONES

Williams was also a member of the Local School Council, starting when he was 21-years old. He is transitioning into different roles to continue his engagement in the community.

With the Police District Councils, three members will serve in each of the 22 Police Department Districts. District Councils and the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability were created by an ordinance, which passed in July 2021, that created a new model for public safety, police oversight, and accountability. The elected members elected to the District Councils in February will serve a fouryear term.

The roles of the District Councils include: Building stronger connections between the police and the community at the district level; Collaborating in the development and implementation of community policing initiatives; Holding monthly public meetings; Working with the community to get input on police department policies and practices; Working to develop and expand restorative justice and similar programs in the police district; Ensuring that the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability gets input from the community; and Nominating members of the Community Commission.

“The ultimate goal for the District Council members is to really find a better way of building relationships between community and police on the ground level,” Williams said, adding that the members are bringing the community voice to the table when it comes to holding police accountable and implement policies.

Williams wants his role as a member of the Police District Councils to be one that helps create a space where police know the people they serve. He believes police officers should know the people in the community where they serve. “There’s no reason why we should have folks in our community who don’t have a relationship with us,” he said.

The 7th District for the Police District Councils covers five wards: 15th, 16th, 17th, 6th and 20th Williams added, District Councils, Community Alternative Policing Strategies (CAPS) and the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability are all ways to improve public safety, with District Councils being people from the community, and CAPS being the police, community and other stakeholders.

Williams wanted to run for the 7th District Councils because of the work he already does in the community. He believes there is power and is excited about the possibilities of the role. “I think this can be a position that we can take to a new level to not only educate folks in our community about the power they have and really finding ways to build relationships,” he said.

Within what Williams believes is possible, he would like to see what can happen when police officers come in schools and read books to children, what would happen if police knew the people they served in communities, and what would happen if police officers were more intentional at crime scenes and considerate of families during crime scenes. Williams has seen what can happen when the police and community engage with one another. He wants people to bring more ideas to bring better opportunities for the community and police to work together.

Williams has made an impact as a member of the LSC and sees being part of the District Councils as a way of building community and building relationships. He knows it will take trust and building relationships for the District Councils to be effective. He sees it as a way to bring people together.

Williams believes government would be more effective if there was a more concerted effort to get the voice of the people. “All people want to know is that you are listening to them and that you hear their concerns,” Williams. “If we did more of that in government, so many things would be different.”

For more information about the District Councils, visit Chicago.gov.

Chicago Public Schools Seeks Honorary Student Board of Education Member for 2023-24 School Year

CHICAGO - Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is now accepting applications for the next honorary student member of the Board of Education. Each year, an honorary student board member represents the interests and perspectives of all CPS students on a Board that makes decisions and shapes policies for the nation’s fourth largest school district.

“Becoming an honorary student board member is an amazing opportunity for students as they are the most important part of our school system,” said Board President Miguel del Valle. “They provide invaluable insight for our Board as we work to best serve and support all students.”

The application process for the one-year term remains open through Friday, April 28. All CPS students who will be in 11th or 12th-grade during the 2023-24 school year are encouraged to apply through this Google form on the Board of Education’s website.

“Elevating student voice is fundamental to the District’s commitment to student-centered education and preparing our youth to be engaged members of their community and our Democracy,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “Student board members play an integral role in elevating student issues and student voices to the Board of Education and I encourage our rising juniors and seniors to apply so they can enjoy a front row seat to this unique educational opportunity.”

If selected, the honorary student board member will: Represent the CPS student body at the Chicago Board of Education’s monthly meetings; Serve as an appointed member on a District-level

student committee; and

Receive a $1,000 scholarship towards their education at a two- or four-year college or university.

Current honorary student board member and Jones College Prep junior, Emmanuel Ofosuhene, says his time serving in this role had real benefits and has helped him prepare for his future education and career endeavors.

“As a student board member, I’ve learned so much about city government and being a global citizen,” said Ofosuhene. “My time on the Board will propel me on to bigger and better things.”

The honorary student board member position was created by the Board in 1995 in recognition of the importance of student voices and the Board’s responsibility to the quality of education for the youth of our community.

Former honorary student board member, Aysha Ahmad, credits her time on the Board with helping prepare her for her rigorous college coursework. Ahmad, now a senior at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign majoring in molecular and cellular biology, strengthened her resolve to be an advocate for others as she considers pursuing medical school or a PhD in biological sciences.

“Serving as an honorary student board member was an eye-opening experience,” said Ahmad. “Board members encouraged me to share my perspective and gave me a chance to provide input on important issues in our schools. Communicating my concerns from a student point of view helped hone my leadership skills and gave me the confidence to pursue a career where I can be an advocate for my future patients.”

Honoring the Life & Legacy of A Great Chicagoan and Black Business Giant Edward G. Gardner Passes Away at 98

Edward G. Gardner was a humanitarian, a philanthropist, and a successful businessman, who loved the city of Chicago and Chicago loved him in return. Edward Gardner passed away peacefully Monday March 20, 2023, surrounded by family, and loved ones. He was 98 years old.

Ed Gardner was a well-known and admired businessman. In 1964, he left a career as a popular teacher and assistant principal to start haircare company, Soft Sheen Products, Inc. with his wife Bettiann. He often stated his primary reason for establishing Soft Sheen Products, Inc., was to create employment opportunities for young Black and Brown

men and women. In that same spirit, he continued his commitment to support the livelihood of professional cosmetologists by ensuring that his most popular product system, Care Free Curl, was solely available for purchase and application by them. Throughout his ownership of the company, he continued to offer exclusive products for his beloved salon customers.

From a young age, his four children, Gary, Terri, Guy, and Tracy, along with his wife Bettiann, were intricately involved in the business. Soft Sheen Products, Inc. based on Chicago’s South Side, evolved into one of the nation’s largest Blackowned businesses.

innovations and new ideas propelled Soft Sheen’s remarkable success, yet, while keeping an eye on his business, his heart was always with the people – especially the youth.

Often a newspaper article would touch his heart. Whether it was purchasing a home for the family of a young Chicago girl who was victim to gun violence, to pitching in after a tragic event in The Robert Taylor Homes, to giving tens of thousands to causes like the Atlanta child murders, he was there, making a difference in the lives of people in need.

HARRIS MEASURE TO IMPLEMENT DIVERSITY REPORTS TO IMPROVE SMALL BUSINESSES

HARVEY – State Senator Napoleon Harris is leading a measure to require insurance companies to submit diversity reports.

“Small businesses should have the support they need to accurately reflect the diversity of the state,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “There are many veteran-, minority-, and women-owned businesses throughout Illinois and we must ensure they are fairly and accurately represented.”

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“He was my father, my hero, my teacher. I looked up to him” Gary Gardner stated on Wednesday. “I feel blessed to have had Ed Gardner as my father. He was the embodiment of the hard-working, family-focused, responsible Black father. He taught me the value of a strong work ethic. He got up early in the morning, telling us “We’re not going to make it this way” meaning let’s get to work. If he wasn’t at work, he was home with family. If you saw Ed Gardner out after work or on weekends, he had us, his children, in tow. As the oldest, I think I spent the most time with him as a child. He taught me to fish. He taught me to garden. He taught me how to build, how to fix things, how to drive, and how not to drive. At twelve, he took me to work with him on Saturdays, where I learned to make hair products. I was his assistant when he made product deliveries. He also taught me how to make mistakes. Most importantly, he taught me how to engage all people with humanity and humility,” said Gary Gardner.

Continued Gary Gardner, “Yes, he was a distinguished role model and businessman, as well as prominent civic organizer. A mentor to me and countless others. He enjoyed sharing his views that responsibility was the definition of manhood. His exceptional work ethic was one of his greatest gifts and I have passed that on to my sons.” New products, new

Ed Gardner’s greatest contribution to the city he loved was doing everything he could to help Chicago elect its first Black Mayor, Harold Washington, in 1983. He loaned his creative staff, along with significant advertising dollars, to create the signature voter registration campaign, “Come Alive October 5”.

Blitzing the city with banners, print and radio advertisements, the campaign registered over 200,000 new voters and helped secure Harold Washington’s victory. In 1992, his in-house communication agency, led by his daughter Terri, created a second highly successful voter registration campaign in partnership with Project Vote, led by Barack Obama.

According to Terri Gardner, “One of my dad’s greatest qualities was his perseverance. He believed in himself and his ability to not just hope things worked out, but to make sure things worked out. It’s an entrepreneurial quality that allowed him to create a business despite the challenges of institutional and individual racism. Unfortunately, those challenges never went away - - in spite of his tremendous business success.”

She emphasized his values. “He knew that our community needed to use its muscle to affect positive social and political outcomes in Chicago. He believed in the power of our vote and funded efforts to register people in record numbers.”

Adds Terri, “His goals for the business always included a social goal. He saw the untapped potential of his community. He challenged every employee to “do their job so well,

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Senate Bill 2381 requires licensed or accredited insurance companies within the state to submit a diversity program report annually. This report would provide insight to how many companies accept or recognize minority-owned, women-owned, or veteran-owned businesses. The diversity report would help determine ways to improve and better serve various groups of businesses.

“As someone with experience in the insurance industry, I know how necessary it is to prop up small and diverse businesses with the resources needed to thrive in this economy and dismantle disparities,” said Harris. “I am committed to making an effort to support the research to do just that.”

Senate Bill 2381 passed the Senate Insurance Committee last Wednesday and will head to the floor for further deliberation.

JOYCE ENCOURAGES JOB SEEKERS TO APPLY FOR SEASONAL CONSERVATION WORK

To help job seekers find employment, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging people to apply for seasonal conservation work at Kankakee River State Park in Bourbonnais.

“As the weather is warming up, we see a need for more workers in our state parks,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This is a great opportunity for local residents or college students to take advantage of temporary work, while working in a beautiful natural environment.”

Conservation workers perform routine maintenance and custodial duties, such as mowing, landscaping, painting, cleaning, loading and unloading vehicles, cutting firewood and more. Other responsibilities include assisting in preparing locations for hunting and fishing, preparing sites for programs, assisting in the care of cover crops and food plots, maintaining tools and equipment, and performing basic vehicle maintenance.

Kankakee River State Park is surrounded by both sides of the Kankakee River that sits six miles northwest of Kankakee, consisting of approximately 4,000 acres. Illinois Route 102 lies north of the park, and Route 113 frames the south side of the park. More information about Kankakee River State Park can be found here.

“These are excellent summer jobs for people who enjoy being outdoors and are excited to help visitors enjoy Illinois’ beautiful state parks and historic sites,” said Paula Martel, director of IDNR’s Office of Land Management. “Seasonal workers gain valuable professional experience and a unique understanding of what it takes to operate these sites.”

To learn more about the positions, qualifications, deadline for applications, and instructions for applying, visit https://bit.ly/ IDNRjobs.

Edward G. Gardner

Laguna Candles Celebrates 20 Years As Global Luxury Supplier

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., PRNewswire -- Twenty years ago, Laguna Candles opened for business, fueled by a love for the calming effects of beautiful home fragrance and a desire to be on the cutting edge of a growing consumer appetite for cleaner burning candles. Founded by Sharie Hendricks, the company had humble beginnings in her family’s kitchen and garage, a hub for experimenting with various fragrances, wax blends, packaging and more. Before long, Laguna Candles emerged as a premiere Black and woman-owned business, now enjoyed globally at the finest luxury hotels, spas and specialty stores with thousands of hand-poured, bespoke candles sold around the country and beyond.

The company has weathered storms, including intentional efforts from a sizeable retail company to diminish Laguna Candles’ trademark rights. Laguna Candles was victorious in United States trademark court and has been supported by retailers including Amazon to only sell the original Laguna Candles line. Founder Sharie Hendricks calls the experience harrowing and is now focused on the future of the company and sharing their journey with other entrepreneurs.

“We are proud to celebrate the 20-year mark as a family-run Black and woman-owned business,” Hendricks says. “We fought hard to protect what we’ve

EDWARD G. GARDNER Continued From Page

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that it would create a job for someone else.” That was the clarion call for us all.

“My dad lived the formula for his success. He believed that with access to opportunity, hard work, a quality education and safe neighborhoods, there is nothing we can’t achieve. He walked his talk and cared passionately about his beloved community,” concluded Terri.

Dismayed by the level of violence in the community, in the 1980s he created the non-profit organization, Black On Black Love. He firmly believed promoting self-love and self-respect could change hearts, and the organization created No Crime Day to celebrate those principles and promote peace. It expanded its offerings to a myriad of social services including after-school programs and employment training. Throughout the decades, Ed’s faith in God and humanity, and his belief in the power of the written word to stop the violence, persisted. In 2007, after 16-year-old Blair Holt was shot and killed while riding the bus home from school, Ed Gardner purchased thousands of dollars’ worth of billboards with messages about Black-on-Black Love.

His and his wife’s love of theater inspired him

built. Even when it was tough and our trademark case went on for years, we did not stop. With much prayer and perseverance, we prevailed. We hope to inspire other business owners that when faced with Goliath-like obstacles, be prepared and determined not to let it break you.”

Throughout the past two decades, Laguna Candles has made its mark with accessible and sustainable luxury, personalized customer service and bespoke, quality candles across North America, Europe, Asia and other markets.

The company is well positioned for the next chapter of success with three generations of the family working in the business, which includes the company’s founder Sharie, her husband Clarence who acts as both Sales Director and Lead Artisan, their three daughters, granddaughter, son-inlaw and additional staff.

This year Laguna Candles will celebrate its 20th anniversary with several special events and surprises for their loyal customer base.

Started and run by a Black family of entrepreneurs – Laguna Candles is the culmination of five generations of African American entrepreneurs. As the granddaughter of two entrepreneurs, founder Sharie Hendricks always desired to run her business - and give her three daughters the option of entrepreneurship. “From the first day we opened Laguna Candles for business we have remained committed to

our vision of luxury products with sustainable ingredients,” Hendricks shares. She started the company with a love of candles, no experience making them and support from her husband Clarence. The family learned along the way - turning their kitchen into a candle factory before growth led them to their bustling headquarters. They have produced thousands of candles, and continue to grow.

Sought after and featured by ELLE Decor, Allure, Ellen DeGeneres and more– Laguna Candles has proven itself as an industry favorite in home and luxury having been featured by many media outlets including ELLE Decor, New York Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, Allure and more. With its private label candle services, the company works closely with entrepreneurs at every stage from new founders to household names to provide candles, including creating 16,000 candles for Ellen DeGeneres’ Be Kind candle collection.

Survived a Trademark Attack with Trial Victory– The Hendricks Family faced every entrepreneur’s worst nightmare: a large company trying to attack your brand. After three years of litigation, the United States Patent and Trademark Office upheld the Hendricks family company’s trademark rights, and its registration is now incontestable.

Founded in 2003 by Sharie Hendricks, Laguna Candles creates luxuriously scented, hand-poured candles that can be enjoyed globally at the finest luxury hotels, spas and specialty stores. A Black and woman-owned, family run business, Laguna Candles is the culmination of five generations of entrepreneurs. As a certified Green Business, the company prides itself on its commitment to a sustainable environment and has provided private label candle collections, hotels and businesses. All products are made with a proprietary blend of natural waxes and essential oils of the highest quality.

Learn more and view the entire Laguna Candles collection at www.lagunacandles.com.

to re-create one of Chicago’s most historic entertainment venues, the Regal Theater. The New Regal Theater brought major acts like Gladys Knight and newcomers like Kanye West and Tyler Perry to audiences on the city’s South Side. In 2000, Ed converted an 84,600 sq. ft. warehouse at 95th & Cottage Grove into House of Kicks, a family entertainment and educational complex. With amusement rides, bowling, mini-golf and an interactive learning center, the complex boasted the only roller coaster in Chicago at that time.

In the 1980s, Ed and his wife Bettiann became co-owners of the Chicago Bulls basketball team, cementing their love for Chicago and its award-winning franchise. He served on the boards of Chicago United and The Chicago Urban League.

In September 2012, at the age of eighty-seven, Edward Gardner led over a thousand demonstrators protesting the lack of Black workers on local construction crews. Ed Gardner proudly walked arm-inarm at the front of the line with his long-time colleagues, Manford Byrd, Lerone Bennett and Timuel Black.

A lifelong resident of Chicago, Edward George

Gardner was born February 15, 1925, in the city’s West Chesterfield neighborhood to Frank Gardner and Eva (Brown) Gardner. He and his older brother, Frank, graduated from Fenger High School. After serving in the US Army in World War II, Ed earned his B.A. from Chicago Teachers’ College and an M.A. in Education from The University of Chicago. He pursued a career in education and worked part-time selling beauty supplies to local hair salons. In 1964, he and his wife Bettiann started hair care company, Soft Sheen Products.

For more than half a century, the family has shared their husband, father, father-in- law, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather proudly and unselfishly with the world. And now his work is done; he belongs to the ages. He leaves a legend of love and a powerful life for the world to remember. Words of remembrance and condolences are invited at Edward Gardner In Memoriam Facebook Group page https:// www.facebook.com/groups/3117330031746372

A private family service is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chicago State University, https://www.csu.edu/foundation/donate.htm

Please note: In Memory of Edward Gardner

Founder Sharie Hendricks, her husband Clarence, their daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. Laguna Candles.

Aetna Better Health® of Illinois Receives NCQA Health Equity Accreditation

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., – Aetna Better Health of Illinois®, a CVS Health® company (NYSE: CVS), was awarded Health Equity Accreditation from The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

“Our team is committed to advancing health equity and ensuring our members have access and availability of health care resources,” said Rushil Desai, CEO, Aetna Better Health of Illinois. “Earning NCQA’s Health Equity Accreditation underscores our work to provide diverse populations with access to personalized care and a simplified health care experience.”

NCQA awards accreditation to organizations that meet or exceed its rigorous requirements for health equity. NCQA’s Health Equity Accreditation evaluates how well an organization complies with standards in the following areas:

· Organizational readiness

· Race/ethnicity, language, gender identity and sexual orientation

· Access and availability of language services

· Practitioner network cultural responsiveness

· Culturally and linguistically appropriate services programs

· Reducing health care disparities

“Earning Health Equity Accreditation shows that an organization is making a breakthrough in providing excellent health care to diverse populations. I congratulate any organization that achieves this level of distinction,” said NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane. “Eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health care is essential to improving the quality of care overall.”

The NCQA Health Equity Accreditation for Aetna Better Health of Illinois is valid until December 2025.

One of the ways Aetna Better Health of Illinois has been working to improve the health of under-resourced communities in the state is by leading more than 100 statewide COVID-19 vaccination distribution and education efforts. Aetna Better Health of Illinois collaborated with the state in a COVID-19 vaccine incentive campaign, which included reward cards and outreach to members. Aetna analyzed population health data to establish priority areas of focus based on vaccination status and hard to reach populations.

In 2022, the COVID-19 vaccination rate among Aetna Better Health of Illinois members, age 12 and up, increased from 29.4% overall to 48.4%.

Aetna Better Health of Illinois offers access to

CHICAGO NONPROFIT SHOWING YOUTH A WORLD OUTSIDE AUSTIN’S NEIGHBORHOOD

After gun violence in Chicago stole her grandson from her grip just days after his 18th birthday, Crystal Dyer knew she must do everything in her power to keep others from such unbearable grief. Soon after, she set her sights on Chicago’s Austin neighborhood just steps from where her grandson Devin was killed and set up shop. In 2015, Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures, Inc. (CAYTA), was born out of a grandmother’s grief. Today, the organization is thriving, reaching at-risk children, youth, and young adults through a variety of programs aimed at showing them a world outside their neighborhood, a world many have never seen.

“After I lost my grandson to gun violence in Chicago, I vowed to do everything within my power to ensure no other family experiences such a tragedy. Through CAYTA, we can get our youth off the streets and show them the world on an international stage,” says Crystal Dyer, Founder, and CEO of Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures, Inc.

Why travel? That was an easy decision for Dyer. An accredited and Certified Travel Advisor (CTA), she opened the first African American-owned travel agency in Chicago Austin’s community where she also resides. Every year, she takes youth and young adults aged 14-23 on a genealogy journey through their family’s roots at the city’s 15th police district. The big payoff, a chance to travel to Ghana, Africa, where their ancestors once lived. This year’s trip is set for July 30th through August 11th.

In addition to CAYTA’s popular genealogy program, the nonprofit also runs a Teen Reach Afterschool Program. The program is offered six days a week and allows youth aged 11-17 to receive help with their studies in a safe environment at Dyer’s travel agency, Gone Again Travel & Tours.

For those looking for job training, CAYTA along with Choose Chicago offers workforce training for youth interested in its’ tour guide program which will also be teaming up with the Obama Presidential Library once it’s complete. In addition, a community clean campaign offers stipends to youth who embody pride and teamwork while working to reduce crime in their neighborhood.

“Our goal through the workforce training program is to show kids that there are other ways of making money instead of selling drugs,” adds Dyer. “The payoff for me? The success stories. One young man came to me and said, ‘Ms. Crystal, my whole family was selling drives but now I am driving a bus for the city, thanks to you.’ If I can change just even one life, that is what gets me up in the morning.”

For more information about CAYTA, visit their website at: https://www. caytaworld.org/.

quality, affordable health care to individuals through the state’s HealthChoice Illinois Medicaid program. The health plan serves over 420,000 members in 102 counties. For more information about Aetna Better Health® of Illinois, visit our website, www. aetnabetterhealth.com/illinois-medicaid.

Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC (Aetna Medicaid), a CVS Health company, has over 30 years of experience managing the care of the most medically vulnerable, using innovative approaches and a local presence in each market to achieve both successful health care results and effective cost outcomes. Aetna Medicaid has particular expertise serving high-need Medicaid members, including those who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. Currently, Aetna Medicaid owns and/or administers Medicaid managed health care plans under the names of Aetna Better Health and other affiliate names. Together, these plans serve approximately 2.8 million people in 16 states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. For more information, see www. aetnabetterhealth.com.

MARIE CLAIRE LAUNCHES IDENTITY ISSUE WITH PARTNERS NORDSTROM AND BANK OF AMERICA

NEW YORK, PRNewswire

-- Global digital publishing

powerhouse Future Publishing announced that Marie Claire’s Identity Issue just went live across Marie Claire’s digital platforms and is available on newsstands. This issue’s theme explores the complexities of what identity means in 2023, whether that means changing, reinventing, or even losing who you are.

“With this issue, I want to give readers the space to think about how they define themselves,” said Sally Holmes, Editor-in-chief of Marie Claire US. “Our editors went into the metaverse, found a group of senior citizens you’ll want to take fashion advice from, got real with women about how money affects their self-worth—all to explore how different parts of our lives influence who we are and how the world sees us. And who better to demonstrate that than our amazing star, Kerry Washington, who is prioritizing herself as the lead

character of her own story after making a career out of being other people.”

Look for deep-dive stories into the ramifications of being able to choose your virtual identity, an essay from a New York Times bestselling author about what it means to share your truth with others, an interview with a lawyer who defends victims of online identity theft, and pages of beautiful fashion that show how clothes play a huge role in self-expression.

Nordstrom and Bank of America have partnered with Marie Claire for the Identity Issue.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Marie Claire as they introduce their Identity Issue,” shares Betsy Poirier, VP, Digital Marketing & CRM, at Nordstrom, Inc. “We have long believed in the value of self-expression and celebrating people for being exactly who they are. This Issue shares insightful stories

St. John Announces Shonda Rhimes in #OwnYourPower for Spring 2023 Campaign

IRVINE, Calif., PRNewswire -- After six decades of dressing the world’s most esteemed women, St. John proudly introduces the #OwnYourPower campaign featuring Shonda Rhimes to celebrate a unique sisterhood of incredible women doing extraordinary things. The partnership coincides with St. John’s Spring 2023 Collection, a new season of great American design from the iconic knitwear fashion house.

The St. John brand has grown through evolving trends, social moments, and changes in creative direction. The company is successful because women love, trust, and rely on the brand’s apparel and accessories to help them feel confident, polished, and ready for anything. St. John’s elegant, timeless, easy-to-wear pieces with unsurpassed quality and craftsmanship enable women to feel their best every day. This focus on empowerment resonates deeply with Rhimes, who embodies this philosophy as she gracefully navigates personal and professional demands in style.

Rhimes is an award-winning television creator, producer, author, and CEO of Shondaland. She was the first woman to create three television dramas that hit the 100-episode milestone and has produced award-winning shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, Bridgerton, and Inventing Anna. Other accolades include a New York Times bestseller, Year of Yes, a Peabody award, and an induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. As a CEO, mother, and storyteller, she is a powerful force in a competitive, male-dominated, industry, brilliantly reflecting the world through powerful narratives and captivating characters.

A longtime fan of St. John, Rhimes has gravitated to the chic, comfortable designs so she can effortlessly dress for her busiest days, feeling focused

and confident. Like all St. John women, she makes each look her own, adding her unique perspective to each outfit. After Rhimes selected a St. John sweater for her cover of TIME Magazine, conversations began about women’s empowerment and the collaboration was organically born.

Global CEO Andy Lew shared, “We believe Shonda represents St. John so well. As a loyal client she was an organic brand ambassador, and through her career she perfectly represents what all our clients do. St. John is more than a fashion label, we are growing, supporting, and uniting a network of incredible woman doing extraordinary things. Our clothes empower global audiences and Shonda does the same.”

Rhimes added, “St John is a brand that I have worn and loved for years. It’s rare to find clothes that are this comfortable and well-made. I can look professional while feeling relaxed enough to be creative. Discovering the motivation behind this partnership and the discussion around connection to women’s empowerment was exciting, and made the choice to align with St. John a simple one for me.”

St. John is an American luxury house founded in 1962 on the premise of a simple, elegant, and versatile knit dress. The brand has evolved over the years, but the foundation of the collection remains the same today as it did from the very start – great American design, understated and timeless elegance, unsurpassed quality, and craftsmanship. The company, headquartered in Southern California, employs more than 1,000 people and is vertically integrated with workshops, stores, and offices around the world. Its collections are sold in high-end specialty retailers in 16 countries, 49 St. John stores and through the brand’s ecommerce site stjohnknits.com. Instagram:

of real people who are bravely navigating their own identities and sharing what they’ve learned along the way. We’re honored to be a part of it.”

“We are very excited to partner with Marie Claire on their Identity Issue, which highlights the significance of individuality and self-expression in business ownership,” said Carol Lee Mitchell, Head of Small Business Strategy at Bank of America. “We’re thrilled this issue shares stories of small business owners and those in the industry who challenged the status quo, embraced their identities and positioned themselves for success. We believe in empowering our clients and teammates to define themselves and unleash their potential as leaders.”

MarieClaire.com is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women’s lives. The digital platform is known for its award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally-recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages. For more information, visit www.marieclaire. com

@StJohn

Lanvin Group, formerly known as Fosun Fashion Group, is the leading global luxury fashion group rooted in China, managing iconic brands worldwide including Lanvin, Sergio Rossi, Wolford, St. John Knits, and Caruso. Harnessing the power of its unique strategic alliance of industry-leading partners in the luxury fashion sector, Lanvin Group strives to expand the global footprint of its portfolio brands and achieve sustainable growth with strategic investments, operational support, and an intimate understanding of the fastest-growing luxury fashion markets in the world.

Kerry Washington cover for Marie Claire Identity Issue March 2023. PRNewsfoto/ Future Publishing.

PRNewsFoto

Biden-Harris administration launches initiative to promote equal opportunity for federally funded jobs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced the launch of an initiative to promote equal opportunity by federal contractors in the construction trades on large federally funded projects, helping to bring more underrepresented communities into the workforce as the President’s agenda to Invest in America continues creating millions of good-paying jobs.

Established by the department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, the newly launched “Mega Construction Project Program” will focus the agency’s efforts to bring the public and private sectors together on a select group of projects known as “Megaprojects” to provide a diverse pool of qualified workers with access to good jobs in the construction trades. Megaprojects are large federal construction projects valued at $35 million or more – some part of which must be federal funding – and that last more than one year.

For the initial group of designated Megaprojects, OFCCP will partner with the General Services Administration and the Department of Transportation – two Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding agencies – and provide extensive and no-cost compliance assistance to contractors and subcontractors to strengthen recruitment, hiring, and fair employment practices, with a particular focus on getting more underrepresented communities, including women, into the construction workforce.

For each Megaproject, OFCCP will provide free, continuous, on-the-ground assistance to help project owners with stakeholder outreach and information sharing, providing connections to recruitment sources

in the community so that projects can fully use the local workforce to get the needed talent. From the earliest stages of a designated Megaproject, OFCCP will engage a wide range of stakeholders in the community – including worker advocates, community-based organizations, and local recruitment sources – to remove barriers to opportunity and foster strong connections and build trust with the community. In addition, OFCCP will conduct compliance reviews to evaluate contractors’ anti-discrimination and equal opportunity practices.

The Mega Construction Project Program supports the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to building the middle class from the bottom up and middle out by advancing accessible pathways for all workers to the construction trades. In doing this work, OFCCP supports successful implementation of the administration’s historic investments made in the BIL, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act by aiding construction contractors in recruiting, hiring, and retaining all available talent to advance the success of infrastructure projects across the nation. Megaprojects are a key tool that help create entry into good, family-sustaining careers for underrepresented workers, like women, who are more likely to be concentrated in low-wage work. By providing women with access to good-paying construction jobs and helping to create equitable workplaces where they can advance, the Mega Construction Project Program will help close gender and racial wage gaps.

This announcement follows actions announced on Feb. 28, 2023, by the Department of Commerce to help expand opportunities for women in the semiconductor

manufacturing and construction workforces by better meeting families’ child care needs. To meet increased demand for chip manufacturing and construction labor, the Commerce Department announced that companies seeking more than $150 million in direct funding from the CHIPS Incentives Program, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, must submit a plan to provide access to childcare that reflects the childcare needs of their workers in communities where they plan to build. The Department of Labor’s Good Jobs Initiative and Women’s Bureau supported the Commerce Department to make this requirement actionable for grantees.

OFCCP looks forward to designating more Megaprojects in the future, potentially including projects funded by the Department of Commerce through the CHIPS and Science Act, and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law projects funded by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. The robust participation in this program by a range of federal agencies demonstrates the whole-of-government approach that the Biden-Harris administration is taking to combat discrimination and advance equal opportunity for all communities.

“Right now, America is taking on some of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in living memory, and we cannot succeed if we leave any talent on the table,” said Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. “The infrastructure we’re building today will strengthen our economy, keep our citizens safe, and create a generation of good jobs that can lift millions to new levels of prosperity and financial security.”

* Best Colleges Online.

Mega Construction Project Program joins public, private sectors to remove barriers for underrepresented communities in the construction workforce

Brandon Johnson is a husband, father, and former teacher who is running for Mayor because working families need a leader who’ll fight for them. Brandon can’t be bought by the insiders and special interests that run City Hall.

Brandon is the only candidate with a plan to make our streets safer and invest in Chicago’s neighborhoods, jobs, —without raising property taxes.

“TOGETHER WE HAVE THE POWER

BUILD A BETTER CHICAGO, AND VOTING IS THE FIRST STEP. ”

With an all-electric future on our horizon, ComEd knows our grid will have to be smarter, more resilient and reliable than ever before. That’s why we’re making investments and upgrading technology today, to ensure we continue to deliver reliable service to you and your family for generations to come. So, when everything goes electric, we’ll be ready. Because lighting your life brightens our day.

Record-breaking reliability, powered by ComEd.

© Commonwealth Edison Company, 2023

When everything’s electric, we’ll be ready.

THE TALE OF TWO CITIES

The Mayoral Run-Off is in its final stages. With only fourteen days to go, The Citizen Newspaper wanted to share where the candidates stand on issues of public safety and education.

PUBLIC SAFETY Paul Vallas

According to Paul Vallas’ website, he would rebuild sworn officer staffing from the current 11,710 to the fully appropriated 13,500 level that existed when he was the City of Chicago Budget Director. And, reinstitute a com munity policing model.

Close the door on the demoralizing and delegitimizing “Friends and Family” system of promotions.

Create a city operated Victim/Witness Protection and Services Program that provides the safety and well-being infrastructure needed to encourage the cooperation needed to successfully prosecute offenders.

Rebuild the Detective ranks to 10% overall staffing and supplement the Detectives Divisions with hundreds of retired Police officers to provide support in order to do two things 1) become analysts to aid the clearance rates and (2) assure that witnesses and victims are protected. The victim/witness Detective relationships are critical to successful prosecutions.

Build a Forensic Crime Lab within the Department as exists in other large municipal departments, like NYPD, so that processing and technical analysis of evidence is aligned with Detective Division needs and priorities.

End the overtime initiatives that have Officers from all over the city sitting in their police vehicles for show without performing any police functions that deter anyone. I will ensure that any overtime initiatives are given to the Districts to ensure that only Officers familiar with the District will patrol there.

BRANDON JOHNSON

According to Brandon Johnson’s website, he would train and promote 200 new detectives from the existing ranks. And, establish a new CPD Illegal Guns Department, as well as a new Mayor’s Office of Community Safety.

Launch full CPD Efficiency Audit of the Chicago Police Department to find savings that can be invested into safer streets.

Coordinate with ATF to end pipeline of illegal guns to Chicago, which will establish a more collaborative approach with other levels of government to target gun distributors, and open up a revitalized partnership with the ATF to coordinate efforts on shutting down the flow of

illegal guns coming from neighboring states with lax gun laws.

Strengthen enforcement of Red Flag laws; Double down on efforts to take guns away from those deemed too much of a risk to own them, including people with such as those with a record of violent crimes, serious mental health issues, or active restraining orders.

Support the PeaceBook ordinance and violence interrupters and coordinate with organizations with expertise

of students who left during COVID and those currently “attending” school in name only by expanding the current alternative school network. And, open “Adult High Schools” for older students that provide education and occupational training.

Empower and trust local communities to know what’s best, by dismantling the central administration and empowering the community through elected Local School Councils.

Systematically identify children at-risk and provide early intervention and support, employing a universal cradle to the classroom strategy, including pre- and postnatal care, social and financial support as well as advocacy to support children who are expectant mothers and the children born of those children.

Expand quality school options by converting failing or under-enrolled schools to open enrollment magnet schools and by empowering the community, through their elected Local School Councils, to select better school models if their school is struggling.

BRANDON JOHNSON

ma-informed remedies to intercommunal gun violence. Expand Support for Victims and Survivors; Enact the Federal Consent Decree; and Publish the arrest and traffic stop demographic data.

EDUCATION

Paul Vallas

According to Vallas’ website, he will work with teachers, local school leaders, parents, and anyone who sees the safety and education of our kids as our top priority. And, Restore schools as community anchors with open campuses offering extended day and year services.

Create a high school paid work study program, offered in place of non-essential electives to incentivize students to remain in school, while introducing them to the work world.

Alternative schools and adult education & occupational training centers, which will reclaim the thousands

According to Johnson’s website, he believes building sustainable community schools alongside quality affordable housing can reverse the trend of mass school closures of Black and Latinx schools. Expand the Sustainable Community Schools model to the City Colleges of Chicago, and connect it to a vision of healthy, green and anti-racist curricula beyond K-12.

Green Schools Facilities Plan, with drastic improvements to CPS buildings, including the need to replace outdated and ineffective heating and cooling systems, improve ventilation and insulation, and remediate asbestos, lead, and mold that pose a risk to students and staff.

Treating Student and Family Trauma; Making public transit free for all Chicago Public School students; Special Education Services for Families and Communities; and Making Every School a Sustainable Community School.

Addressing Under-Enrollment and Under-Utilization Small schools, by making more creative use of excess space in small schools rather than closing them, by co-locating revenue-generating facilities such as childcare and health clinics.

Youth Employment and Educator Apprenticeship Pipelines, in conjunction with private sector and city sister agencies, is the type of transformative, meaningful and engaging opportunity that sustains itself with the reduction of violence, trauma and interactions with law enforcement.

Illinois Earns Credit Upgrade from Moody’s Investor Service

Illinois’ Eighth Credit Upgrade and Second Major Rating

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor JB Pritzker

hailed Moody’s Investor Service upgrade of Illinois bonds to A3, the second major rating agency to return Illinois’ credit to the ‘A’ category. The action also represents the eighth upgrade in less than two years under Governor Pritzker following eight downgrades under the previous administration.

The continued fiscal progress by the state of Illinois was achieved due to continued strong fiscal leadership by Governor Pritzker and Democrats in the General Assembly.

Moody’s said Illinois’ improving governance was a key consideration in the action. “We consider improving governance to be a key consideration in this action.” Illinois, it said, is “displaying improved management of its budget by making conservative revenue assumptions and applying surplus revenue towards the payment of debt and growth in reserves.”

“This credit upgrade, our second one this year, is the result of the steps we’ve taken in Illinois to put ourselves on firm fiscal footing. We have balanced our budget, paid our bills on time, cleared out decades

of debt, made extra pension payments, and saved billions for a rainy day,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “There’s more work to be done, but it’s clear we have undone decades of damage and ushered a new era of fiscal responsibility in Illinois. I look forward to building on this record by working with the General Assembly to pass the state’s fifth straight balanced budget later this spring.”

Moody’s Investor Service announced a ratings upgrade to A3 (stable outlook) from Baa1 for Illinois’ General Obligation bonds, its third upgrade of Illinois’ bonds since June 2021. The last time Illinois had an A3 rating from Moody’s was prior to September 2015. Moody’s also upgraded Build Illinois sales tax bonds to A3 (stable outlook) from Baa3 (stable outlook).

S&P Global Ratings announced a ratings upgrade to A- for Illinois’ General Obligation bonds last month, its third upgrade of Illinois’ bonds since July 2021. Fitch Ratings upgraded Illinois’ bonds by two notches last spring, the first Fitch upgrade for Illinois’ General Obligation bonds since June 2000. Illinois received two upgrades from Moody’s Investor Service

in two separate actions in April 2022 and June 2021.

The upgrades follow the unveiling of the Governor Pritzker’s proposed fiscal year 2024 budget which builds on four years of historic progress with balanced budgets, a Budget Stabilization Fund on track to hit $2.3 billion, elimination of the state’s bill backlog and reaching $1 trillion GDP. The proposed spending plan maintains the Governor’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while growing Illinois into an economic powerhouse and making transformative, generational investments in education and efforts to fight poverty.

The rating of a state’s bonds is a measure of their credit quality. A higher bond rating generally means the state can borrow at a lower interest rate, saving taxpayers millions of dollars.

B etween 2015 and 2017, the State of Illinois suffered eight credit rating downgrades and sat at the top of many analysts’ lists of the worst managed states in the nation. At its worst, Illinois’ bill backlog hit nearly $17 billion.

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THE CANDIDATE SPEAKS…

In an Q & A interview with the Citizen, candidate for the City of Chicago Mayoral Race Brandon Johnson took time to speak with us about where he stands of key issues that are top of the mind with voters as we plan to take to the polls on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

CN: How would you ensure Chicagoans have access to affordable housing and have opportunities for affordable homeownership?

BJ: Everyone in Chicago deserves to have a roof over their head. That’s not just the right thing to do morally, it’s a smart approach to keeping our neighborhoods safe and strong. The Johnson Administration will create public safety by directly addressing the poverty, economic, racial and environmental injustice that creates disorder in many Chicago communities. This will allow us to promote student achievement and grow the jobs and resources Chicago needs. The cornerstone of that vision is our ability to confront our city’s housing crisis.

Homelessness has long been a problem in Chicago, and families have always struggled to make the rent. But Chicagoans know that these days, making rent or the mortgage payment is harder than it’s been for a very long time. Here in Chicago, homelessness is up 12% since 2019. It is a moral crisis that on freezing January nights, we have 1,500 Chicagoans sleeping out in the cold. It is an outrage that one quarter of renters pay more than half of their paychecks just to make the rent, with little left over for other necessities. And it is an injustice that one-in-four Black students in Chicago Public Schools experience homelessness at least once during their lives.

The status quo is unacceptable, and the people of our city deserve better. The bottom line is this: We need more housing for those at every income level, so that from public housing to affordable housing, Chicagoans can afford to stay in our city and raise families here. We need a City Hall that will “Bring Chicago Home,” delivering real funding to house the unhoused and combat homelessness. And we need a Chicago that keeps pathways to home ownership alive, so that Chicago’s homes aren’t all purchased by private equity firms and the wealthy few.

CN: What would you do to improve public transportation and access to public transportation for people across the city?

BJ: A safe, reliable transit system is fundamentally important if Chicago is to grow jobs and employment. Chicago’s transit infrastructure is a tremendous asset, but we need to do better at connecting residents with jobs and educational opportunities. We will need to address funding shortfalls for transit, but at the same time, we can be doing a lot better with the resources we already have. We want to see the CTA as a customer-focused agency with service frequency and reliability as the highest priorities. As just one example, we need to create a citywide bus lane network and bus rapid transit system that gives buses priority over other traffic.

Every stakeholder in the use of Chicago’s sidewalks, railways and roadways must work collaboratively toward safety. The CTA needs a vast overhaul in terms of reliability and increased access, as well as safety for workers and riders. Reducing or eliminating fares for some, and increasing access to transit will increase ridership and mass transit solvency, and increase employment in communities where unemployment rates are high. We must be responsive to trends and feedback from CTA riders, and make changes such as increased late evening hours, trains and trips. We also need mental health professionals and housing advocates with resources to house the homeless and treat those with mental illness by addressing root causes, instead of criminalizing poverty and creating tension between commuters and those harmed by systemic inequity.

The Johnson Administration will also prioritize walking and biking as a public accommodation, ensuring that it is 1) integrated into the architecture of people-traffic with reimagined streetscapes that protect pedestrians and cyclists, and 2) a component of good health, neighborhoods with affordable housing, and access to jobs and schools. This includes reduced speed limits and automobile access in select areas of the city. We will also support a rapid-response CDOT team and municipal sidewalk snow and ice removal program, and create car-free zones in communities to promote safe walkability and recreation for children.

We also need to install well-designed, dedicated bike lanes, so that cyclists feel safe on our streets. By investing in viable alternatives to automobiles, we can reduce congestion and make getting around Chicago faster and more pleasant for everyone.

CN: Please describe how you would bolster small businesses, provide opportunities for more small businesses and what policies would you create to enable small businesses to grow, scale and be sustainable?

BJ: Promote small entrepreneurs. The Johnson Administration will work with vendors throughout the city on streamlining the process to obtain Business Affairs and Consumer Protection licenses. We will engage commercial kitchens and violence prevention programs, and expand spaces like the Discount Mall on 26th Street, so more street vendors can have safe and warm spaces to work. Our public safety plan will reduce inefficiencies in the Chicago Police Department, freeing up officers to protect street vendors in Little Village from violence. And we will work to protect

economies and supportive of good jobs in fields accessible to most Chicagoans.

• The Johnson Administration will focus incentives on growing existing businesses and supporting Chicago entrepreneurs rather than subsidizing businesses from outside: It’s unfair to Chicago businesses that the city spends so much of our tax dollars trying to woo outside business instead of investing in homegrown commerce. Consider the Amazon bid – the package totaled more than $2 billion, and consumed a huge amount of time and effort, for no result. What would happen if, instead, we made that kind of commitment – and felt that kind of excitement – for our own companies? We were offering them “concierge service” City Hall permitting for Amazon and its employees; why shouldn’t that be available to every business in Chicago?

• We will stop subsidizing businesses for no reason whatsoever and instead use public funds to encourage the creation of good jobs that pay well and offer real career ladders for workers and working families.

• Make Chicago a leader in sustainability: We need to find new and better ways to support economic growth that is environmentally sustainable, and make our city a center of the growth industries of the future that involve sustainable, green and circular economy principles, where the jobs increasingly will be. We also need to address the legacy of environmental racism that has made some of our neighborhoods “sacrifice zones,” where polluters are allowed to foul the air and water in ways that undermine the health of the entire community. A better environment will mean a more livable city for all – which will mean a better economy. The Johnson Administration will:

• Conduct a cumulative impact assessment to advance comprehensive environmental regulations, work to outfit Chicago Public Schools buildings with green HVAC systems, new ventilation solar panels and other renewable energy sources, and reopen and fully fund the city’s Department of Environment.

• Explore job creation opportunities in weatherization, electrification, and air quality retrofitting for schools, healthcare buildings, libraries, major government buildings, and entertainment/sports facilities.

• Ensure green jobs are union jobs, with more training and apprenticeship programs.

• Place solar rooftops on all feasible government buildings and push for them on major parking garages, as well, and require new buildings to meet minimum LEED standards. It’s great that Chicago City Hall has a green roof, but that commitment to environmental sustainability needs to filter down through the entire building.

the social fabric of immigrant communities like Chinatown, Pilsen, Little Village, West Ridge, much of Albany Park and others to continue to be ports of entry by protecting commercials corridors such as 18th Street, and Wentworth and Devon avenues, by investing in them and providing assistance to our s

• Change the direction of what kind of developments the city promotes and pursues, to make them more oriented to the needs and existing composition of each neighborhood. For any development to receive subsidies, we will ensure that it addresses blight and economic disparities in the most underdeveloped areas of Chicago. We will demand specific commitments on local hiring, environmental safety, and good quality jobs. Investing in the neighborhood also will be a condition for developments receiving benefits. And we will support developments that set aside storefront space for small, local businesses. Any new commercial opportunities should prioritize local community residents and business owners.

• Instead of further increasing racial disparities in Chicago (think Lincoln Yards), TIFs will be targeted to be used to address blight in low-income neighborhoods, with clear racial impact analysis of these and all development and zoning issues. We need to start insisting that TIF funds are spent on developments appropriate to neighborhood

• Launch a task force for developing a city-wide composting plan that creates jobs and serves most impacted communities.

•Ensure a vibrant minority business community. While Black Chicagoans make up 31% of the city’s population, and Latinx 30%, companies founded by Black, Latinx, or female individuals have received only 10% of venture capital funding in our city, and only 5% of such firms have participated in any venture capital deals. White-owned firms have a total payroll nearly 100 times that of all Black-owned firms combined. Meanwhile, most of the city’s development dollars and business subsidies go to non-BIPOC individuals and businesses. We must increase African American political influence and access to leadership positions within the City government; protect and grow the Black Community’s socio-economic position; and allow the Black Community to intentionally and acutely address the issues that impact the Community’s obstacles to growth. That means requiring 50% Minority, and at least 30% African American, on:

• contractual spend on goods and services contracts across all City of Chicago agencies under the purview of the Mayor’s Office or its appointees, through both prime and sub-contracting opportunities.

• any TIF or tax credit supported commercial development project, through both prime and subcontracting opportunities.

Photos by L.M. Warbington Photography

1 REAL ESTATE

AC 3-15-2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CIBC BANK USA, f/k/a THE PRIVATE BANK AND TRUST COMPANY Plaintiff, -v.KESHA R. WILSON, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 21 CH 05229 8638 S. VERNON AVENUE CHICAGO, IL

60619 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS

HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 4, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 11, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 8638 S. VERNON AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60619 Property Index No. 20-34409-028-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $237,855.48. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact MOMKUS LLP Plaintiff's Attorneys, 1001 Warrenville Road, Suite 500, Lisle, IL, 60532 (630) 434-0400. Please refer to file number 1803.181126. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MOMKUS LLP 1001 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle IL, 60532 630-434-0400 E-Mail: bcostello@momkus.com / mtasch@momkus.com

Attorney File No. 1803.181126 Attorney Code. 41568 Case Number: 21 CH 05229 TJSC#: 43-

855 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 21 CH 05229

I3215363

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY

DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALT, INC., ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2005-14, MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-14 Plaintiff, -v. NARDA BAILEY

WADDY, SPRINGCASTLE FINANCE FUNDING TRUST, THROUGH ITS TRUSTEE WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants 2018 CH 13509 8404 S. BLACKSTONE AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60619 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 19, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 21, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 8404 S. BLACKSTONE AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60619 Property Index No. 20-35-406-021-0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the

rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-18-11700 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2018 CH

13509 TJSC#: 43-361 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2018 CH 13509 I3215393

AC 3-22-2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR WELLS FARGO HOME EQUITY ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES

2006-3 TRUST, HOME EQUITY ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3 Plaintiff, -v.BOBBY BINION, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF BODDY BINION, IF ANY, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE CSFB MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2002-HE4 Defendants 07 CH 21012

5404 SOUTH DREXEL AVENUE CHICAGO, IL

60615 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 6, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 24, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 5404 SOUTH DREXEL AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60615 Property Index No.

20-11-326-021 The real estate is improved with a grey brick single family two story home with no garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit

which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC

Plaintiff's Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 3469088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 2004949IL_614527 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 07 CH 21012 TJSC#: 43-958 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 07 CH 21012 I3215697

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY; Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF CARMEN J. WILSON AKA CARMEN WILSON; DEMARCUS RODGERS; DEMITRIUS RODGERS; SIERRA SWAN; ANDRE WATKINS THOMAS QUINN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR CARMEN J. WILSON AKA CARMEN WILSON; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 5317 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 2035-112-006-0000. Commonly known as 8019 South Dobson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60619. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff's Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 3609455. W22-0206 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3215752

LEGAL NOTICE/ PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

6 MUNICIPAL DISTRICT

Michael Outley v. Brian Miller, Shari Miller

Line No. 7 No. 2022-M6-2659

TRIAL CALL ORDER

Present before the Court: Plaintiff(s) THIS MATTER having come before the Court, the Court having jurisdiction and being fully advised, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

4213: Alias Summons to Issue for BRIAN MILLER, SHARI MILLER

4406: Set for STATUS.

All parties must appear 4-62023 at 10:00 a.m. Room 208 9207: It being further agreed that installment payments be made as follows:

POSTING & PUBLICATION

Judge Carrie E. Hamilton (Feb. 16, 2023)

Circuit Court- 2144

STATE OF ILLIINOIS CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY SMALL CLAIMS SUMMONS

Plaintiff: MICHEAL OUTLEY

v. MR. BRIAN A. MILLER AND MRS. SHARI

MILLER

CASE NUMBER: 22M6002659

AILAS SUMMOONS

1. Defendant/Respondent address and service information

a. Defendant/Respondent's primary address/infor-

mation for service

Name: BRAIN A. MILLER

Telephone: 773-580-2885

b. If you have more than one address where Defendant/Respondent might be found, list that here:

Name: SHARI MILLER

Telephone: 214-4007-1074

c. Method of service or Defendant/Respondent: Special Process server Licensed Private

Detective: Jones Det, Ag

2. Information about the lawsuit: Amount claimed $14,750.00

3. Contact Information for the plaintiff/Plaintiff/Petitions

Name: MICHEAL OUTLEY Street Address: P.O. BOX 7453

City, State, Zip: CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60680-7453

Telephone: 773-396-7482

4. Instructions for the person receiving this Small Claims Summons (Defendant): You must attend court on the date below:

October 3, 2022 at 9 a.m. in court room 208

In Person at: MARKHAM COURT HOUSE, ILLINOIS OR BY VIDEO CONFERENCE: ZOOM: 94044685993 PC 05740 Rm 208 9 a.m. 10/3/22 Call the Circuit Clerk at: 708-2324170.

STATE OFILLINOIS CIRCUIT COURT

COOK COUNTY PROOF OF SERVICE OF SMALL CLAIMS

SUMMONS & SMALL CLAIMS COMPLAINT

PLAINTIFF: MICHEAL OUTLEY

V. Defendant MR. BRIAN A. MILLER AND MRS.

SHARI MILLER

CASE NUMBER: 22M6002659

SUMMONS STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY

Plaintiff/ Petitioner: MACHEAL OUTLEY

V. Defendant/Respondent: BRIAN MILLER, AND SHARI MILLER

CASE NUMBER: 2022-M6-2659

Alias Summons

1. Defendant/Respondent's address and service information:

a. Defendant/Respondent's primary address/information for service:

Name: BRIAN MILLER Street Address: 820 South Damen City, State, Zip: Chicago, Illinois 60612

Telephone: 773-580-2885

b. If you have more than one address where Defendant/Respondent might be found, list that here:

SHARI MILLER Street Address: 225 S. MICHIGAN AVE. City, State, Zip: Chicago, Illinois 60601

Telephone: 214-407-1074

c. Method of service on Defendant/Respondent: - Sheriff

2. Information about the lawsuit:

Amount claimed: $14,750.00

3. Contact Information for the Plaintiff/Petitioner:

Name: MICHAEL OUTLEY Street Address, Unit# P.O. BOX 7453 City, State, Zip: Chicago, Illinois 60680-7453

4. Instructions for person receiving this summons

(Defendant):

a. To respond to this Summons, you must file Appearance and Answer/Response forms with the court within 30 days after you hav3e been served (not counting the day of service) by e-filling or at:

Address: _____________________________

City, State, Zip: ________________________

b. Attend court: _________________________

On: 4-6-2023 at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom# 208

In-Person at:

16507 KEDZIE AVE., MARKHAM, ILLINOIS

60428

Witness this date: FEB 17, 2023

CLERK OF COURT: IRIS Y. MARTINEZ

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY

PROOF OF SERVICE OR SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT/PETITION

PLAINTIFF/PETITIONER: MICHAEL OUTLEY

V. BRIAN MILLER & SHARI MILLER

CASE NUMBER: 22M6002659

ALIAS SUMMONS

Public Information Meeting

Scheduled by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) for the Englewood Nature Trail Project

Grow Greater Englewood (GGE) in partnership with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Department of Planning and Development (DPD) will host a Public Information Meeting on the proposed improvement of the Englewood Nature Trail between Hoyne Avenue (west) and Lowe Avenue (east), and 58th (north) and 59th Streets (south). This meeting is a part of a multi-year effort by the City of Chicago to convert a former railroad right-of-way into a community trail.

Date: Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Time: 6:00 to 7:30 PM

Location: Evening Star MB Church 2050 W. 59th Street Chicago, IL, 60636

All persons interested in this project are invited to attend this meeting. There will be a presentation detailing the existing conditions, preliminary design, maps and aerial photography, and a tentative construction schedule. The public will have an opportunity to review exhibits, submit comments, and provide feedback directly with CDOT and DPD representatives after the presentation during an open house format. Interested persons can review exhibits and ask questions.

The meeting room is accessible to persons with disabilities. Anyone needing special accommodations should inform the contact person listed in this notice by March 23, 2023 to make arrangements for participating.

This is a federally-funded project, and the Public Information Meeting is being held in compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and the Illinois Department of Transportation's public involvement policy.

For more information contact: Taylor Van Nortwick, Chicago Dept. of Transportation, Taylor.VanNortwick@cityofchicago.org, (312) 7442632.

FOR SALE

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(StatePoint) It’s time to hit the garage, basement, attic and closets for that age-old task of spring cleaning! Before hauling unwanted possessions to the curb, you may be surprised to learn they might be valuable -- especially if you have sports cards and memorabilia gathering dust. With prices of sports cards rising in recent years, take time to determine if yours are valuable and how to best sell them.

“Older sports cards and memorabilia aren’t just highly collectible; they can be worth lots of money. Recent sales of scarce vintage cards have topped anywhere from thousands of dollars to tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands. And really rare cards can go higher,” says Al Crisafulli, Auction Director at Love of the Game Auctions, an internet sports auction house that helps families identify and sell valuable items.

Crisafulli has assisted people in selling such keepsakes as a grandparent’s autograph collection and an uncle’s childhood baseball cards, for tens of thousands of dollars. In one life-changing event, he helped a family determine that a baseball bat that spent decades protecting their home was used by Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig -- and Love of the Game Auctions sold it for almost half a million dollars. Today, that bat could bring more than a million dollars. The key is understanding what makes old sports collectibles valuable. To help, Crisafulli is sharing some tips:

Older is Usually Pricier Cards from the 1960s and earlier are collectible, and those from before the 1940s can be worth a lot of money, especially those depicting stars. Do you have cards of Hall of Famers, such as Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner or Ty Cobb? Even nonstars from the early days of a sport can be worth big bucks, especially if the cards have no creases and retain sharp corners and original gloss. If you have very old cards from the 1880s through the 1930s, look for tobacco, gum and candy brands, such as Old Judge, Piedmont, Sweet Caporal, Goudey or American Caramel. If you want to sell sports items for the most money, consider a specialty auction, such as Love of the Game, which has the expertise to properly research sports ephemera and maintains bidder lists of collectors specializing in sports. More information is available at loveofthegameauctions.com.

Postcards and Photographs

We all have keepsakes of vacation destinations, but most aren’t valuable. However, photographs and postcards depicting sports stars and ballparks can be significant. Look for early “real photo” postcards from the 1900s through the 1940s, which are photographs printed on postcard backs. As with sports cards, star power matters, so preserve those Babe Ruths as opposed to images of your great grandma’s baby cousin once-removed. And when it comes to photos, look for old markings on the

back, such as photographer, publication and date stamps.

Memorabilia Set aside old advertising posters depicting sports stars and food, tobacco or sporting goods brands. Ads from magazines aren’t valuable, but those used as store displays and for other marketing purposes can be pricey. Tin signs from the 1960 and earlier can be highly prized, but reproductions aren’t. Your family’s sporting goods, such as balls, gloves and bats, can be valuable.

Pre-1950s uniforms and catcher’s masks, helmets and other equipment are highly collected, especially when endorsed by star players. Top condition brings the highest prices, but even used equipment can be valuable.

“The golden rule is the older the sports card or item, the more valuable it usually is. Pre-1975 pieces start to get interesting and are worth researching,” says Crisafulli. Don't just clean out your "junk" this spring, examine it closely to potentialy maximize its value.

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