Chatham-Southeast Citizen 4-1-2020

Citizen Is Your Company’s Bench Deep Enough During Difficult Times? — Page 3 Week of April 1, 2020

| Vol. 56 | No. 1 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CHATHAM SOUTHEAST

NEW EMERGENCY LOAN PROGRAM TO BOOST SMALL BUSINESSES To give small businesses and their employees a boost and lessen the financial challenge during COVID-19, city of Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and Mayor Lori Lightfoot have partnered to create a new Emergency Loan Program, with money from the Chicago Catalyst Fund, the City of Chicago and private sponsors.

PAGE 2 Melissa Conyears-Ervin (pictured) is the City of Chicago Treasurer, as well as chairman of the Chicago Catalyst Fund. The Chicago Catalyst Fund is contributing $50 million to the City of Chicago’s $100 million Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund, which will help small businesses with financial challenges due to COVID-19. Photo courtesy of City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin

BUSINESS 5 Financial Tips for Teens PAGE 4

FOOD

NEWS

Simple, Plant-Powered Summer Meals

7 Steps to Prepare for a Home Remodel

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2 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of April 1, 2020

NEWS briefly EDUCATION MEASURES ASSIST LICENSEES AND EDUCATION PROVIDERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has announced several proactive measures to help professional licensees and education providers in light of the challenges confronting all Illinoisans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the limitation of in-person course availability and to further reduce contact between individuals, the department has issued a series of variances that provide relief from the provisions of certain administrative rules pertaining to license renewal terms and to continuing education requirements.

Any professional licenses issued by the department that have renewal dates between March 1, 2020 through and including July 31, 2020, are granted an automatic extension to renew to September 30, 2020. Additionally, all current licensees under the department’s jurisdiction whose license renewal deadlines fall within the period beginning March 1, 2020 through and including July 31, 2020, shall have up to, and including, September 30, 2020 to complete their continuing education coursework. The department is also allowing licensees to complete their continuing education coursework without requiring live attendance and permit for interactive webinar and online distance education courses in addition to currently permitted methods. These and all departmental licensees must continue to comply with all pertinent provisions of their respective licensing acts.

HEALTH

DENTAL CARE HABITS OF AMERICANS REVEALED IN HONOR OF WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY Weave, one of the fastest-growing companies in tech, recently announced new research detailing the dental habits and preferences of Americans to help bring attention to World Oral Health Day. Weave commissioned an independent study of over 1,100 people to learn more about their dental care hygiene habits and their preferences for interacting with their dental care providers. The data show that most patients prefer more “modern” dental practices--those who send both appointment reminders and payment requests via text messages. Other key points from the study showed that 70% of patients would gladly leave an online review if their dentist sent them a link to do so and 53% of patients have gone over 3 years without getting their teeth checked. To learn more about Weave’s complete business toolbox, including solutions for dental care providers, please visit www.getweave.com.

New Emergency loan program to boost small businesses Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

To give small businesses and their employees a boost and lessen the financial challenge during COVID-19, city of Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and Mayor Lori Lightfoot have partnered to create a new Emergency Loan Program, with money from the Chicago Catalyst Fund, the City of Chicago and private sponsors.

Chicago Catalyst Fund will contribute 50 percent, $50 million to the $100 million Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund. The city of Chicago will contribute $25 million and the other $25 million will come from other private entities.

Conyears-Ervin said she has been an advocate for small businesses since she took office in May 2019. Throughout the time, she has been on a listening tour to find out how the city treasurer’s office could help small businesses.

Conyears-Ervin said as the chairman of the Catalyst Fund, she has been working with Mayor Lightfoot. “And so, it was a no-brainer with the treasurer’s office with us being a true advocate for small businesses, working to help develop them and to truly help with the health of small businesses. It was a no-brainer for us to partner with the Resiliency Fund on this,” she said.

Conyears-Ervin said she wants to reassure residents that the city treasurer’s office is working to protect jobs.

“So, with this fund, in order to qualify to receive funding from this program, small businesses have to dedicate up to 50 percent of the fund to payroll.

Because that means we are investing in jobs,” she said.

Conyears-Ervin said from her background, she knows what it means to live check-to-check and the importance

of a parent having a job.

“Because three out of five residents are hourly, that means that they need their jobs,” she said. “So, we are making certain with this investment, that the Chicago Catalyst Fund is doing, with me as the chairman of the board of the Catalyst Fund, we are making certain this investment to the Resiliency Fund will protect employees, which leads to protecting working families.”

The fund is for small businesses with between 1 and 50 employees. It will also be for small businesses in underserved and under-resourced communities.

“We’re making certain when we say we’re helping small businesses, we mean that,” she said. “And then also with this fund, we’re making certain up to 50 percent of the fund will be loaned to businesses in underserved areas. This is great for our communities that are underserved because this will help them, it’s being dedicated to help them.”

Conyears-Ervin said underserved and under-resourced communities include the South and West sides of Chicago, where neighborhoods suffer from years of disinvestment. The parameters of the program are still being built, she said, adding what makes this a low-interest loan is that for the first six months, the interest rate will be 0. She said the Resiliency Fund will rely on Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) such as Accion, Chicago Community Loan Fund and the microfinance group of Chicago Neighborhood Initiative, to underwrite and administer the loans.

“This is important because our small businesses are the backbone of Chicago’s economy. Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen it, we’ve seen how COVID-19 has crippled our local businesses. And really, we as residents, we rely on those local businesses,” she said.

LAW & POLITICS

RAOUL: BERWYN MAN CHARGED WITH IMPERSONATING ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE EMPLOYEE TO STEAL THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS Attorney General Kwame Raoul recently announced that a Berwyn man was arrested and charged with posing as an employee of the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, offering government jobs and other favors for cash payments and ultimately defrauding four Cook County residents of at least $15,000.

Hugo Torres, 47, was arrested and charged with one count of theft by deception over $10,000, a Class 2 felony, punishable by three to seven years in prison, and one count of theft by deception over $500, a Class 3 felony, punishable by five to 10 years in prison. According to a press release, Torres was previously convicted in a similar scheme in which he posed as a supervisor for the Illinois Secretary of State and made phony promises of jobs with the Secretary of State’s office. Torres has never been an employee of or affiliated in any capacity with the Secretary of State’s office. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

“SO, WITH THIS FUND, IN ORDER TO QUALIFY TO RECEIVE FUNDING FROM THIS PROGRAM, SMALL BUSINESSES HAVE TO DEDICATE UP TO 50 PERCENT OF THE FUND TO PAYROLL. BECAUSE THAT MEANS WE ARE INVESTING IN JOBS.” Melissa Conyears-Ervin City of Chicago Treasurer

“So, this is so very important, these last few weeks, there’s been a lot of focus on the safety of individuals, and now we’re able to also say, we want to focus on the health and vitality of our local businesses.

When we support small businesses, we support their workers, which in turn, helps our working families.”

Conyears-Ervin said each business that applies could receive up to $50,000, out of the $100,000 from the Resiliency Fund.

“You look at $100 million and up to $50, 000 means that we could potentially help more than 2,000 small business owners,” she said. “We could potentially help up to 2,000 small businesses in Chicago and one to 50 employees, that could be a real true save to our working families.”

Conyears-Ervin said small businesses can go to www.chicagocatalystfund.com or www.cityofchicago.org/coronavirus to get more information and to apply.

They also can express interest via those websites.

“The hope will be over the next couple of weeks that everything will be worked out and the CDFIs will be up and ready to go to start the formal application process with the small business owners, but they should start expressing their interest now,” she said.

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of April 1, 2020

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NEWS

Is Your Company’s Bench Deep Enough During Difficult Times?

In the uncertain times that the coronavirus produced, business leaders were forced to face the fact that employees might not be available every day to do their jobs – either because of their own health concerns or because they were scrambling to make childcare arrangements because of school closings.

And, as the economy takes a hit, some businesses may even need to downsize, leaving the remaining workers to take on duties they are unprepared for and weren’t hired to carry out.

That’s one reason why it’s always a good idea to cross-train employees, allowing someone else to step in when circumstances necessitate it, says Bill Higgs, an authority on corporate culture and the ForbesBooks author of the Culture Code Champions: 7 Steps to Scale & Succeed in Your Business(www.culturecodechampions.com/training).

“Ultimately, you want everyone who works for you to broaden their knowledge and expand the scope of what they normally do,” says Higgs, a founder and former CEO of Mustang Engineering who recently launched the Culture Code Champions podcast.

“The result is a more efficient and productive workplace.”

In his younger days, Higgs was an Army

Ranger, where the need to cross-train was inescapable.

“If you are on a critical military mission and someone goes down, another Ranger needs to take over that person’s duties,” Higgs says.

“Otherwise, the mission would be scrapped.”

The average business day may not be as severely distressing as a military mission, but just as in the military, cross-training comes with benefits, he says. It prevents mistakes. It improves accuracy. It saves time. It saves money.

And each additional duty an employee can take on during uncertain times could make the difference on whether a project or order is completed on time, and whether missed deadlines leave customers unhappy, costing the business money – or even leading to it going out of business.

“Some business leaders may say they just can’t work in the time for cross-training because they and their employees are too busy,” Higgs says. “They probably are busy, but it needs to be a priority and they need to figure out a way to find the time. We’re probably seeing right now just how important it can be.”

A few suggestions he has for working cross-training in to harried schedules include: l Make use of downtime. Few people are busy every minute, so take advantage of any

downtime to slip in cross-training, Higgs says.

“That way, no one is just sitting around waiting for the next project,” he says. “At Mustang, for example, if an instrument engineer’s work slowed down, then we moved him or her over to automation or some other functional area that was related to, but slightly different from, the person’s regular job.” l Schedule time. “I’m skeptical when people tell me they don’t have any downtime, but let’s assume that’s so,” Higgs says. “Then I recommend you set aside time specifically dedicated to cross-training. It’s that important.”

Figure out who you need to cross-train, he says, and find the areas of your business where cross-training will pay off the most. l Implement “lunch-and-learns.” Nearly everyone eats lunch or takes a break at mid-day, and that’s a great time to set up some lunchand-learn times when someone in the company can teach others about what they do, Higgs says. “At Mustang, we even had vendors come in and talk about their products and services,” he says.

“An added bonus to cross-training is people who don’t normally interact are brought together and develop a better appreciation for what others do,” Higgs says. “That helps to create an even greater sense of team throughout

the organization, which is especially important during difficult times like these when everyone needs to pull together.”

About Bill Higgs Bill Higgs (www.culturecodechampions.com/ training), an authority on corporate culture, is the ForbesBooks author of Culture Code Champions: 7 Steps to Scale & Succeed in Your Business. He trains companies on how to improve their bottom line by improving their culture, and recently launched the Culture Code Champions podcast, where he has interviewed such notable subjects as former CIA director David Petraeus and NASA’s woman pioneer Sandra Coleman.

Culture Code Champions is listed as a New & Noteworthy podcast on iTunes. Higgs is also the co-founder and former CEO of Mustang Engineering Inc. In 20 years, they grew the company from their initial $15,000 investment and three people to a billion-dollar company with 6,500 people worldwide. Second, third and fourth-generation leaders took the company to $2 billion in 2014. Higgs is a distinguished 1974 graduate (top 5 percent academically) of the United States Military Academy at West Point and runner up for a Rhodes scholarship. He is an Airborne Ranger and former commander of a combat engineer company.

Supreme Court Sides with Comcast in Discrimination Dispute Against Byron Allen

BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

In a decision issued online Monday, March 23, over entrepreneur and media mogul Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios Networks in a discrimination lawsuit against Comcast, the Supreme Court’s justices have unanimously decided to send the case back to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. The lower court will now determine whether or not is should reconsider Allen’s claims in his $20 billion suit.

In an Op-Ed for BlackPressUSA. com, Maurita Coley, President and CEO of the Multicultural Media, Telecom, and Internet Council (MMTC) explains, “The lawsuit arose out of Comcast’s decision several years ago not to carry several Allen-owned television channels, such as Pets.TV and Recipe.TV. Comcast has argued its rejection of Allen’s channels was purely a business decision, reflecting what it viewed as the channels’ limited audience appeal. Allen then promptly filed a $20 billion lawsuit against Comcast, alleging that the company’s refusal to contract with Allen’s company was racially motivated, in violation of Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866.

“District Court Judge Terry Hatter

– a well-respected African American judge with an apparently strong record on civil rights – dismissed the case three times, finding that Allen had not established a plausible argument that Comcast would have contracted with his company ‘but for’ Allen’s race.

“Allen appealed to the 9th Circuit, which remanded Judge Hatter’s dismissal with a new guideline to the lower court that a plaintiff can state a viable claim under Section 1981 if discriminatory intent plays any role in a defendant’s decision not to contract, regardless of whether race discrimination was a “but for” cause of that decision. Comcast petitioned the Supreme Court to review the 9th Circuit’s decision, and the Supreme Court agreed.”

The Supreme Court filing, Comcast Corp vs. NAAAOM, was the result of an appeal by Comcast of the 9th Circuit’s decision.

Comcast argued that the Section 1981 ban can only be interpreted as requiring “but for” causation.

It argued that everyone must have “the same right” as white citizens “to make and enforce contracts.”

Comcast assured the justices that reasons that have nothing to do with race, such as a lack of bandwidth, and its decision to focus on news and sports content, were the basis of their decision not to carry ESN’s channels.

Moreover, Comcast noted it had, for many years, carried numerous

other African American-owned networks.

ESN countered that Comcast’s position would prohibit a plaintiff who alleges that race was a motivating factor for the refusal to contract from conducting fact-finding discovery on the claim, no matter how strong the evidence of racism, unless the plaintiff could meet the stringent requirement of plausibly alleging that race was the ‘but-for’ cause of the refusal to contract.

That, ESN reasonably insists, is an extremely high and difficult hurdle because “the defendant typically is

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the only party with access to evidence of the defendant’s motives.”

On Monday, Comcast released the following statement, “We are pleased the Supreme Court unanimously restored certainty on the standard to bring and prove civil rights claims.

The well-established framework that has protected civil rights for decades continues. The nation’s civil rights laws have not changed with this ruling; they remain the same as before the case was filed.

“We now hope that on remand, the 9th Circuit will agree that the District Court properly applied the

law in dismissing Mr. Allen’s case three separate times for failing to state any claim.

“We are proud of our record on diversity and will not rest on this record. We will continue to look for ways to add even more innovative and diverse programming that appeals to our diverse viewership and continue our diversity and inclusion efforts across the company.”

NNPA attempted to contact Byron Allen’s attorneys for a statement.

However, at the time of this writing, neither Allen nor his attorneys have provided any comments.

4 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of April 1, 2020

BUSINESS

5 Financial Tips for Teens Family Features - When it comes to economics, many teens’ mouths write checks their knowledge can’t cash.

While 93% of American teens say they know how the economy works, 29% have had no economic schooling, according to a survey

of 1,000 U.S. teens ages 13-18 by Wakefield Research on behalf of Junior Achievement and the Charles Koch Foundation. Even in light of their false confidence, teens are aware of the importance of financial education.

Although the study identified

numerous gaps in economic and financial knowledge, it also showed teens do know where to look for credible information. Two-thirds (67%) recognize they should use their school as a resource.

“One of the things we hear often is that some textbooks are written too

academically for most students to understand the concepts,” said Jack E. Kosakowski, president and CEO of Junior Achievement USA. “Our programs, which work as a complement to the school curriculum, are written from the perspective of today’s teens and use digital content to help bring economic concepts to life for students.”

Beyond the classroom, another 63% of students believe they should use their parents as resources for economics education.

Help influence the financial literacy of a teen in your life with these practical money-management tips adapted from the curriculum.

Set goals. Managing your money is more meaningful when you’re doing it with purpose. This might mean budgeting to ensure you have enough money to maintain your auto insurance and keep gas in your car, or you may be saving for a big senior trip.

Knowing what you want to achieve with your money can help you plan how you spend it more wisely.

Weigh needs vs. wants. When you begin making your own money, it’s easier to indulge your own wishes and spend money on things you don’t necessarily need. To some extent, that’s not a bad thing; rewarding yourself is fine when you do so within reason. That means not exceeding your available funds, and not forsaking things you truly need,

like gas money to get to and from a job or school.

Get a debit card. Most people find that having cash on hand makes it easier to spend. If you use a debit card instead, you’re an extra step away from spending so you have a little more time to consider your purchase. Another benefit of a debit card is it helps track your purchases in real time so you can keep constant tabs on your balance and ensure you don’t overdraft your account.

Start a savings habit. Even if your income doesn’t allow for much, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of setting aside a portion of each check. It may only be $10, but over time each $10 deposit can build your account toward a long-range goal.

Protect your privacy. Teens who’ve grown up in the digital age tend to be less skeptical and cautious about privacy matters than their elder counterparts. It’s important that young people understand the potential impact of failing to protect their privacy when it comes to financial matters, including the possibility that their identities could be stolen and all of their money siphoned away.

Teaching kids about security is an essential lesson in economics.

Visit ja.org for more tips and information to help raise your teen’s financial literacy.

SOURCE: Junior Achievement

Help influence the financial literacy of a teen in your life with these practical money-management tips. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of April 1, 2020

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FASHION

Leading Dermatologic Experts Share Insights At Skin of Color Society’s 4th Annual Media Day Dermatologic conditions and internal diseases present differently in individuals with darker skin, according to experts from the Skin of Color Society (SOCS), so it is important for people of color to see a board-certified dermatologist with special training in treating melanin-rich skin to properly diagnose and safely treat their concerns and disorders of the hair and skin.

Amidst exciting advances in the field of skin of color dermatology, a team of nationally and globally recognized dermatologists representing SOCS recently shared news and insights about new treatments, trends and emerging technological developments with members of the media at the Society’s 4th Annual Media Day, held at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York City.

The SOCS presenting experts, who collectively have published more than 700 original articles, book chapters, books, case reports, original research and scientific abstracts, included the following dermatologists: * Dr. Seemal R. Desai and Dr. Laura Scott, who presented on State-of-the-Art in Treating Pigmentation Disorders & Skincare Products; * Dr. Amy McMichael and Dr. Crystal Aguh,

The Skin of Color Society’s 4th Annual Media Day expert team included (from left): Drs. Andrew Alexis, Dhaval Bhanusali, Maritza Perez, Seemal R. Desai, Laura Scott, Susan C. Taylor, Amy McMichael, Crystal Aguh, Donald Glass and Lynn McKinley-Grant (SOCS President). Photo credit: Swapnil Junjare.

who presented on Hair Happenings; * Dr. Andrew Alexis and Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, who presented on Patient Safety with Cosmetic Procedures; * Dr. Susan C. Taylor and Dr. Maritza

Perez, who presented on Skin Cancer & Sun Protection in Melanin-Rich Skin; and * Dr. Lynn McKinley-Grant and Dr. Donald Glass, who presented on External Signs of Internal Disease.

The content-rich program featured remarks from SOCS President Lynn McKinley-Grant, MD and the SOCS Media Day host, Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, followed by a series of rotating sessions and a lively Q & A period.

Casio G-SHOCK Joins Forces With Streetwear Label MISCHIEF Casio G-SHOCK has announced an all-new, limited-edition women’s timepiece in collaboration with MISCHIEF, the Seoul street fashion brand that is popular throughout Asia.

This collaborative model is inspired by the street fashion culture of the 90s that has become the signature style of the MISCHIEF brand along with the dial look that created the G-SHOCK boom back in the 90s. The new GMAS model showcases this nostalgic look with a transparent case and band in “sun-washed” coloring.

The GMAS140MC-1A includes nods to the two brands that are known for their sleek, streetwear looks for women, with the MISCHIEF logo appearing on the watch face, and engraved on the back cover and band.

The band clasp also comes with the unique detail of “DEADLY COMBINATION” printed on the band, celebrating the coming together of G-SHOCK and MISCHIEF. To finish the look of the 90s-inspired timepiece, the updated GMAS arrives in custom packaging that features the MISCHIEF logo

PRNewsfoto/Casio America, Inc.

printed across the box.

Additionally, the GMAS140MC1A arrives in the classic GMAS circular model shape and boasts large side buttons, making it easy to use for women that are always on the go.

The new model also comes equipped with standard G-SHOCK technology such as: * Shock Resistance * 200M Water Resistance * Stopwatch * Auto LED Light * Lap/Split Time * Magnetic Resistance * Countdown Timer * 5 Daily Alarms * 12/24 Hr.Time Formats * Full Auto Calendar

BE COUNTED. 2020 CENSUS

Your participation matters.

Questions about the 2020 Census? We have answers.

Text us your questions to 987987.

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6 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of April 1, 2020

HOME

Sustainable Home Upgrades for Better Health

(Family Features) When you're on a quest to create a home environment that promotes wellness, it can be difficult to know where to begin. One easy solution is to look for small changes that improve your personal wellbeing while also promoting a better environment overall.

Consider these sustainable projects and changes for a healthier, happier household: Rethink window treatments. Windows can affect a home in numerous ways, both good and bad. On the upside, ambient light is a natural moodboosting alternative to energy-hungry fixtures. Windows add character, and the right window treatments can play an essential role in a decorative scheme. In the winter, windows can also be natural conveyors of the sun's heat, reducing your reliance on energy.

You may also be surprised to learn that the window treatments you choose to help manage light and climate can play a big role in your home's health and sustainability. Drapes can be difficult to clean, which means they can trap dirt, dust and other allergens that tarnish air quality.

Many blinds use synthetic materials, making them less than ideal earthconscious options. Your best bet is bamboo or wood treatments that are certified as eco-friendly and easy to keep clean.

Lessen the laundry load. Reducing the amount of laundry you do not only saves time but is also better for the environment. Washing clothes accounts for 15-40% of the water consumption for an average family of four, according to Home Water Works, and the annual energy consumption of typical electric clothes dryers often equals the cost of running a new energy-efficient refrigerator, clothes washer and dishwasher combined.

An alternative like a heated towel rack uses less energy than a standard dryer (about the same amount of electricity as a few light bulbs). Not only does an option like an Amba heated towel rack save energy and time by reducing the frequency of washing towels, it keeps them dry and free of mold and mildew between washes. Plus, wrapping up in a warm towel can help reduce joint stiffness and muscle spasms, according to research by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. With 150 affordable mounted and free-standing models made from 100% recyclable, marine-grade stainless steel, and custom color options available, it can be easy to add a stylish accent to bathrooms, laundry rooms or mudrooms.

Reduce household chemicals. It may seem that the stronger, the better is the best approach when it comes to fighting dirt and germs, but in fact, there are many negative health and environmental impacts from harsh cleaners. Opt instead for more natural formulas that deliver the same clean with fewer synthetic ingredients.

Aside from cleaners, there are likely numerous other sources of potentially risky chemicals throughout your home, including furniture, clothing and bedding that requires dry cleaning. Products containing chemical dyes and synthetic materials are not only potential irritants, they often also carry the weight of lesser earthfriendly production practices. Linens made from natural materials may help you avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals, and you can readily find options that help alleviate concerns about allergens and allow you to support sustainable manufacturing practices.

Learn more about sustainable products and ideas for a healthconscious home at ambaproducts.com. #15169

Source: Amba Productss www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of April 1, 2020

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NEWS

7 Steps to Prepare for a Home Remodel Family Features - A homeowner’s motivation for taking on a remodeling project can vary greatly, but there’s one universal rule of thumb: home upgrades should add value, function or both. This step-by-step guide can help ensure you get the maximum return on your investment and make the most of your remodel.

pay premium rates for labor and materials, but it’s also the perfect time to get a project done that you can enjoy throughout the summer. Summer months are ideal for indoor projects out of the heat. Also consider factors such as personal or professional obligations, or even an event for which you need the project completed.

Step 1: Identify Reasons for Remodeling Deciding whether to undertake simple aesthetic changes or a full remodel can be difficult. One of the best ways to decide is to figure out why you are remodeling in the first place, whether it’s to make your new house feel more like home or to update an outdated kitchen.

Step 3: Set Your Budget Every home is unique in structure, age, quality and craftsmanship, which all impact the price of a remodel. Since no one can see through walls before demolition, the quote you receive may not be 100% accurate. However, a qualified remodeling company will be forthcoming about potential challenges. Account for these adjustments by planning for a 10% cushion, just in case.

Step 2: Consider Timing Many variables can impact the timing of your project, including the climate and exact nature of the job. For example, foundation work is easier when the ground is cold during winter. Spring tends to be busy for the construction industry, so you might

like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry provide unbiased information that can help you find qualified, certified remodelers in your area. With more than 5,000 member companies, the organization represents professional remodelers who adhere to a strict code of ethics. Many hold certifications in remodeling, kitchen and bath design and lead carpentry.

Step 5: Establish a Written Agreement Most companies insist on a contract to protect their own interests, but if they don’t, you should. In addition to defining the scope of work and budget, a contract ensures all

parties are on the same page with expectations about factors like timing, liability in the event of an accident and other practical matters. Contractors also often provide guarantees of workmanship, so find out what they cover for how long and include this information in your work agreement.

Step 6: Understand the Plan Keep the lines of communication open between you, the remodeling contractor and the work crew. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Let them know your family’s schedule and circumstances that may affect their work, such as pets. Make sure to specify the best way to reach you and

how often you wish to communicate about your project.

Step 7: Complete the Project When the remodel is almost finished, walk through the area and note any adjustments that need made while the contractor is still on site. You should also take another look at the contract and confirm you have signed permits, receipts, change orders, lien waivers, warranties and manufacturers’ guides at your disposal.

Find more remodeling advice and contractors in your area at remodelingdoneright.com.

SOURCE: National Association of the Remodeling Industry

Step 4: Hire the Right Team To help ensure you find the right company for the job, do your research.

Referrals from friends and family are one way to find a remodeler. Resources

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If you could do one thing for your community, what would it be? More daycare centers? More funding for Head Start? Completing the 2020 Census is a safe and easy way to inform how billions of dollars in funding flow into your community for hundreds of services.

Respond online, by phone, or by mail.

Complete the census at:

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8 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of April 1, 2020

FOOD

Simple, Plant-Powered Summer Meals Family Features - With more than half of Americans willing to eat more plants and less meat in 2020 (and beyond), according to a study conducted by Yale and Earth Day Network, one thing holds true: Even when food is better for you and the planet, families crave quality taste.

Walnuts are one of the original plant-based superfoods that can carry sweet or savory flavors to satisfy snackers, add hearty crunch to salads or breakfast dishes and serve as a simple, whole-food meat alternative. In addition to being a delicious plant-based staple, 1 ounce of walnuts contains important nutrients including 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber and good fats with 2.5 grams of monounsaturated fat and 13 grams of polyunsaturated fat, including 2.5 grams of omega-3 alphalinolenic acid (ALA).

Try walnuts as an alternative to meat in recipes like Walnut “Chorizo” Tacos or Sweet Potato Walnut Falafel Bowls, and find more plant-based recipes at walnuts.org/plant-based.

SOURCE: California Walnuts

WALNUT “CHORIZO” TACOS Pickled Vegetables: 1/2 cup fresh lime juice 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar 3/4 teaspoon sea salt 8 radishes, thinly sliced 2 medium jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced 1 large clove garlic, thinly sliced Walnut Chorizo Crumble: 1 1/2 cups black beans, rinsed and drained 2 cups California walnuts 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon ancho chili powder 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt 1 teaspoon ground chipotle 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander Tacos: 16 whole wheat tortillas olive oil thinly sliced romaine lettuce fresh cilantro leaves lime wedges

To make pickled vegetables: In small bowl, stir lime juice, sugar and sea salt. Stir in radishes, jalapenos and garlic slices; let stand 30 minutes to pickle.

To make walnut “chorizo” crumble: In food processor, pulse beans and walnuts until coarsely chopped. Add 2 tablespoons oil, white vinegar, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, chipotle, cumin and coriander; pulse until mixture is finely chopped and resembles ground meat, stirring several times and moving mixture from bottom of food processor bowl to top to evenly mix.

In large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat remaining oil. Add “chorizo” mixture and cook 10 minutes, or until mixture is browned and resembles ground meat, stirring frequently.

To prepare tacos: Brush each tortilla lightly with oil. On skillet over medium-high heat, cook briefly to brown on both sides, keeping warm in foil until all tortillas are cooked.

Remove pickled vegetables from liquid and discard garlic slices. Fill each tortilla with equal amounts “chorizo” and pickled vegetables. Garnish with lettuce and cilantro; serve with lime wedges.

SWEET POTATO WALNUT FALAFEL BOWLS Falafel: 1 raw sweet potato (12 ounces), peeled and cut into chunks 1 cup cooked quinoa 1/2 cup California walnuts 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 cup flour 1 egg vegetable oil

Tahini Dressing: 1/4 cup tahini 3 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder sea salt, to taste

Bowls: 4 cups loosely packed curly kale, coarsely chopped 2 cups cooked quinoa 1 cup julienned carrots 1 avocado, sliced toasted, chopped California walnuts, for garnish (optional) minced red onion, for garnish (optional)

To make falafel: In food processor, pulse sweet potato until finely minced. Add quinoa, walnuts, ground cumin, onion powder and garlic powder; pulse until all pieces are uniform in size. Add flour and egg; pulse until well mixed, scraping down sides as needed.

Using wet hands, shape mixture into 16 equal balls.

In deep skillet or pot, heat oil. Cooking in batches, fry falafel balls 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let drain on paper towel-lined tray.

To make tahini dressing: In small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, water, maple syrup, ground cumin, garlic powder and salt.

To prepare bowls: Place equal amounts kale, quinoa, carrots and avocado in four large salad bowls. Place four falafel balls in each bowl and drizzle with dressing. Garnish with toasted walnuts and minced red onion, if desired. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of April 1, 2020

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CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of April 1, 2020

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STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: MYSTERIES AND THRILLERS ACROSS 1. Wire danger 6. Part of a circumference 9. Nashville's Keith 13. In a cold manner 14. Prefix for something revived 15. Paralyzing disease 16. Mulled wine 17. Egg cells 18. A do-nothing 19. *"Alphabet Series" detective novels author 21. *"It's close to midnight, and something evil's lurking in ____ ____" 23. Second mo.

24. Fabricca Italiana Automobili Torino 25. Not don'ts 28. Popular Japanese soup 30. *Agatha Christie's famous sleuth 35. Wood sorrels 37. "Through" in text 39. Give sheep a haircut 40. Raise the roof 41. Wall or pedestal support 43. Cogito, ____ sum 44. Drink like a cat, two words 46. Be inclined 47. Commotions 48. Bewitch or beguile 50. Jack and Jill's water jug 52. Put to work 53. *James Patterson's "____ the Girls" 55. "Jack and the Beanstalk" Giant's disapproval 57. *Hitchcock classic 61. *Poe's "Tales of ____ and Imagination" 65. In the know 66. *Subject of Roswell's mystery 68. Cocoon dwellers 69. King Julien XIII of "Madagascar," e.g.

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20. Death reports, for short 22. Deli offering 24. Baby extractor 25. *Sherlock Holmes creator 26. Continental divide 27. Planktonic tunicate 29. *"Who ____ J.R.?"

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