Chatham-Southeast Citizen 8-23-2023

AON APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM PREPARES PARTICIPANTS FOR LONG TERM CAREERS

Terionna Wilson went to work right after high school. Although she wanted to go to college after high school, she didn’t have the funds to do so. She knew she had to find a way to afford college. Her older sister was part of the AON Apprenticeship Program and she watched her go through the program. Wilson saw the outcome of her sister going through the program and wanted to participate in it, too.

Terionna Wilson is a participant in the AON Apprenticeship Program. Participants receive on the job training and AON pays for the apprentices two-year degree at a community college. PHOTO

PROVIDED BY TERIONNA WILSON.

REP. ROBIN KELLY CELEBRATES $45,000 AMERICORPS AWARD FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY

Pontiac, Ill. – Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) celebrated a $45,180 federal award to the Boys & Girls Club of Livingston County in Pontiac to support a new AmeriCorps VISTA project.

This investment will support up to two AmeriCorps VISTA members per year to help high school students in the county obtain employment or internships, promote financial literacy, and organize volunteer activities. In addition to these funds, AmeriCorps will also provide education scholarships to AmeriCorps VISTA members to assist them in paying for college, vocational training, or to pay back student loans.

“I am thrilled to see federal resources coming back to the Second District to invest in the future of Livingston County. This award provides the Boys & Girls Club of Livingston County with crucial resources to advance their mission of enabling all young people to reach their full potential,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “These investments will set our young people up for success and ensure that our communities thrive.”

COM-

ADVANCING BLACK WEALTH TOUR

ING TO CHICAGO IN AUG. 26

(Black PR Wire) OAKLAND -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- JPMorgan Chase is excited to announce the return of its Advancing Black Wealth Tour. The multi-city event series, now in its second year, delivers financial health education, home-buying and real estate workshops, wealth building seminars and other vital financial insights to Black communities nationwide.

The tour will stop in four cities across the country in 2023. The first stop was in Oakland, CA on Saturday Aug. 12. The second stop is in Chicago on Saturday, Aug. 26. Each stop will feature prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and talent.

Oakland will feature Stephen Curry, four-time NBA Champion and venture capitalist, and Ian Dunlap, Master Stock Investor and influencer. Chicago will feature Kevin Hart, Hollywood entertainer and entrepreneur.

“We’re so excited to be back on the road and deliver financial information and insights to communities across the country,” said Justin Grant, Executive Director of Community Development for Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorgan Chase. “The Advancing Black Wealth tour’s purpose is to empower everyday people and aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources and tools needed to build and sustain wealth.”

The tour will conclude later this year in New York City on November 4 and Miami on December 9 where additional influencers will be named at a later date.

Events will be free to attend with registration. Attendees will have access to personalized consultations, interactive activations, and networking opportunities. Each event will be an inclusive atmosphere designed to help build and grow wealth regardless of participants age, background and income level.

For more information visit: jpmorganchase. com/ABWT.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America (“U.S.”), with operations worldwide. JPMorgan Chase had $3.9 trillion in assets and $313 billion in stockholders’ equity as of June 30, 2023. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. Under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands, the Firm serves millions of customers in the U.S., and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally. Founded in 2019, JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways is committed to strengthening the economic foundation of Black communities. Advancing Black Pathways is committed improving financial health for Black communities worldwide. For information about Advancing Black Pathways visit www.jpmorganchase.com/ABP.

AON Apprenticeship Program prepares participants for long term careers

Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

“She ended up going through the program, going through schooling with it, getting her degree, excelling in her position at AON. It worked out really well for her,” Wilson said.

Being out of school for some time, Wilson was a little apprehensive about going back into the education system. She decided to take the leap, like her sister and when the program opened again, she applied.

She knew going into it, that the program would be two years. Her time was split between more than 20 hours of work and more than 10 hours of school. It meant that she would really have to learn how to find that balance. It was a huge help for her the way program split the time between work and school.

She has embraced the opportunity.

The process has been smooth for her. She thought it would be a struggle, but it wasn’t. She had tried before to work and be a full-time student. This time she had help to find that balance of being a full-time student and working. “The process has been very great,” Wilson said.

She started in August 2021 and recently received her Associate’s Degree from Harold Washington College in Applied Science, Marketing and Management. Wilson said she has learned so much, especially about herself. There has been a lot of personal growth and educational growth. She described the process as a “huge eye opener.” She has learned how to network, engaging in projects and being part of a team. She also has learned how to speak up and stand out.

“It’s really been a personal growth journey for me … Being OK to ask questions and more importantly, answer questions,” she said.

With the AON Apprenticeship Program, participants receive on the job training which prepares them for a career in accounting, HR, tech, risk management and others. AON pays for the apprentices two-year degree at a community college. The goal is that at the end of the program the apprentices have an Associate’s Degree and they are on the path to career advancement with AON. In addition to Chicago, the program is also in Lincolnshire, Ill., San Francisco, Houston, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Bloomington, Minn. and Ft. Washington, Penn.

For more information about the AON Apprenticeship Program and its other Early Career Programs, visit www.aon.com/careers/early-careers/us.

Marketing Veteran Wells Davis Joins Woodlawn Central Development in Key Role

CHICAGO, PRNewswire -- Woodlawn Central, an $895 million mixed-use megadevelopment designed to usher in urban regeneration and equitable economic development on Chicago’s South Side, hired veteran brand strategist Wells Davis as chief strategy officer. Davis, a former C-suite executive at Leo Burnett, Saatchi & Saatchi and other major marketing agencies in the United States and Canada, brings more than two decades of experience as a visionary leader and initiator to a diverse development team focused on catalyzing investment in Woodlawn and surrounding South Side communities.

Davis’ appointment comes at a time when Woodlawn Central’s progress to secure financing and efforts to obtain city approval for its planned development designations are accelerating. With his cultural intelligence and wealth of experience in a broad range of industries, where he has been acclaimed for creating and leading vanguard public affairs and marketing campaigns, Davis is a timely and tactical addition to the Woodlawn Central team.

“Wells shares our deep respect for realizing inclusive community engagement and embracing a visionary approach to achieve transformative economic development,” said J. Byron Brazier, Woodlawn Central’s lead developer. “His mindset and diverse background, professionally and personally, make it clear he will be extremely effective at collaborating with stakeholders to spark economic development and well-being.”

Strategy Role Merges Advocacy and Vision

Davis has had extensive experience as both a chief marketing officer and CSO prior to joining Woodlawn Central. He has developed and implemented award-winning advertising campaigns and content strategies for leading brands including Apple, BMW, Coca-Cola, Lexus, Toyota, Microsoft, P&G, McDonald’s and Nike. His expertise also extends to development, and his branding work for the global real estate company RE/MAX will translate

to his role in elevating Woodlawn Central’s promise to drive economic transformation without displacement.

Along with significant marketing expertise, Davis has a substantial background in public policy and advocacy. He studied public policy at York University in Toronto and has long advocated for and amplified Black creativity and economic well-being in his professional efforts and personal endeavors. He has applied his proficiencies in these areas to pro-bono work for non-profit brands that include UNICEF, the White Ribbon Campaign and the United Nations.

“His superpower is the ability to visualize possibilities and map the path forward in a way that makes the best options not only clear but compelling. And he does this so quickly. As you talk to him, you can imagine the wheels turning and sparks flying,” Brazier said. “He’s a best-in-class strategic navigator. We believe he will be agile and adept at balancing goals and maneuvering contingencies.”

While at Leo Burnett, Davis spearheaded a program to recruit and elevate Black creatives, in part by tapping into nontraditional networks. Davis’s mindset and proven efficacy align with Woodlawn Central’s emphasis on equity and its plan to support Black businesses, creators, innovators and residents with amenities that spur direct economic development and wealth generation, such as unique and experiential retail and hospitality options, entertainment offerings, a hotel, a microgrid energy facility and a vertical greenhouse.

In addition to including amenities, Woodlawn Central will spur demographic diversity with 870 new homes it will bring to the community, including affordable, workforce, luxury, senior and market-rate housing and newly strengthened transit infrastructure. These are the kinds of features that have attracted residents from diverse demographic backgrounds and spurred

Continue on

Terionna Wilson, who participated in the AON Apprenticeship Program, was able to experience personal, educational and professional growth as a result of being in the program. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TERIONNA WILSON.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR THE JOFFREY ACADEMY OF DANCE

CHICAGO – The Joffrey Academy of Dance, the Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, has opened class registration for the 2023-24 year. Classes at the Joffrey Academy are available for adults and children alike, offering world-class training for students of all ages, levels, and abilities, reflecting Joffrey’s mission to create a Joffrey for All. The Academy’s Pre-Professional, Children’s, Dance Lab, Adult Open, and Adaptive Dance classes start Tuesday, September 5, at the Joffrey Tower (10 E. Randolph St.) and South Loop studios (1920 S. Wabash Ave). To register, visit https://joffrey.clubautomation.com/.

This season marks the first year under the new leadership of Suzanne Lopez, a longtime former Joffrey Company artist and Joffrey Ballet rehearsal director who was appointed to the position of Abbott Academy Director earlier this year.

“As I look ahead to my first full season

as Academy Director, I am thrilled to welcome students to experience everything the Academy has to offer,” said Lopez. “Our specialized curriculum, set in Robert Joffrey’s founding principles, lays a foundation for all aspiring dancers to experience a comprehensive dance education while concurrently acting as a bridge between student training and that of a professional career. From our robust Pre-Professional and Trainee Programs to our formative Children’s, Dance Lab, Adult Open, and Adaptive Dance Programs, the Joffrey Academy not only shapes the future generation of artists but embodies a ‘Joffrey for All.’”

The Joffrey Academy aims to serve as a global destination for students of all backgrounds and skill levels:

• The Children’s Division (ages 2-10+) builds a strong dance foundation by focusing on correct posture, placement, discipline, coordination, strength, flexibility, and musicality, nurturing a love of dance for the Academy’s youngest participants. The Children’s Division offers classes including Toddler & Me, Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, Character, Conditioning, Pre-Pointe, Ballet, Jazz, and Boys’ Dance.

• The Pre-Professional Division is designed to meet the highest artistic standards. Led by Karin Ellis-Wentz, Head of the Conservatory and Pre-Professional Program, the artistic staff trains dancers to develop a strong foundation in classical ballet. Pre-Professional classes include Ballet, Pointe, Men’s Technique, Jazz, Modern, Character, Conditioning, Repertoire, and Contemporary. Students must take a trial class for placement into the correct level.

and experiment with different approaches to placement, conditioning, musicality, dynamics, and artistry that will result in greater clarity and joy in movement. Dance Lab classes this Fall include Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, Men’s Technique, and a new Repertory Ensemble for advanced students. Students must take a trial class for placement into the correct level.

• The Joffrey Academy of Dance’s Adaptive Dance programs offer the opportunity for students with diverse movement abilities to learn and enjoy the elements of dance. Joffrey Abilities in Motion (JAM) invites students with autism to use movement to improve upon their mind and body awareness, verbal and nonverbal communications, socialization, and self-confidence. Open Adaptive classes are for children with diverse movement abilities and use the foundation of ballet to enhance posture control, movement coordination, and executive function while engaging students in creative and expressive movement. The Joffrey Academy of Dance also offers group, private, and semi-private training for students, including but not limited to those with Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, or Down Syndrome.

SENATOR PETERS ON PFA MISINFORMATION: TRANSFORMATIONAL LAW PRESERVES PROTECTIONS FOR CRIME SURVIVORS

State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to false narratives spread by McClean County State’s Attorney Erika Reynolds in Bloomington-Normal based radio station, WGLT:

“Unlike the old system of cash bond, the Pretrial Fairness Act focuses on the immediate threat to others instead of cost when determining release. The transformational law preserves protections for crime survivors to ensure the very people who harmed them can’t do it again solely because they can afford to pay for their freedom.

“The Pretrial Fairness Act was the result of hours of testimony and negotiations with domestic violence advocates, gender-based violence survivors, proponents of reform, law enforcement and states attorneys at the table working to create a pathway to a better and more equitable criminal legal system.

“I will not stop preserving the essence of this landmark for justice by fighting back against the fearmongering and misinformation.”

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SOUTH END

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SOUTH SUBURBAN

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CHICAGO WEEKEND

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SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY

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• Beginning this Fall, the Joffrey Academy of Dance transitions its Youth Division into what will now be called the Dance Lab Program. The Joffrey Academy’s Dance Lab Program emphasizes high-quality training and a variety of disciplines for students of all levels. Dancers are encouraged to explore techniques such as modern and jazz in addition to ballet,

• The Adult Open Division is designed for adult dancers of all abilities, whether a student has years of dance experience or wants to learn dance for the first time. All classes are fun, educational, and challenging for working professionals and others interested in dance. Adult Open Division classes include basic, beginner, intermediate, and advanced/professional Ballet; BeMoved®, a class for people of all movement abilities that begins with an easy-tofollow warm-up and infuses breath and movement in artistically choreographed sequences, Jazz, Modern, and many new classes in a variety of dance styles.

For more information on the Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, and its programs, please visit joffrey.org/academy. Connect with the Joffrey on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

MARKETING VETERAN...

wealth creation in more affluent communities, Brazier pointed out.

“I believe Woodlawn Central is breaking new ground because it’s truly by the Black community, for the Black community — they envisioned and articulated all the features they needed and wanted during a five-yearlong community engagement process, and our designers captured them in this planned development. It’s about community transformation, rejuvenation and revitalization while deterring displacement. This type of community investment gives Woodlawn residents a sense of ownership and empowerment. That’s crucial for Black self-determination,” Davis said.

Faith-Based Vehicle Speeds Economic Empowerment

Chicago’s South Side has long endured underinvestment and structural inequities. Residents of Woodlawn, a predominantly Black community, have a median net worth of $4,439, the lowest among all 77 of Chicago’s community areas. Meanwhile, the national median net worth is $97,680.

Continued From Page 2

The Apostolic Church of God, which has served as a spiritual anchor in Woodlawn since the 1930s, created the vision and plan for Woodlawn Central with recommendations from The Network of Woodlawn, a community-building collaborative ACOG helped establish in 2015 to improve residents’ quality of life. With its mix of housing, retail, hospitality, cultural assets and enhanced transit options, Woodlawn Central is poised to jump-start economic development, generate jobs and celebrate the existing art, culture and legacy of the community.

“The dedication to determining and meeting the wants and needs of the Black community with the creation of Woodlawn Central has been remarkable. It is introducing a new paradigm for urban regeneration and wealth creation with this project—one that is repeatable and can be a prototype to transform communities everywhere,” Davis said. “I am proud to be a member of this groundbreaking development team.”

JOYCE HIGHLIGHTS $205,000 IN LOCAL RESTAURANT BACK TO BUSINESS GRANTS

State Senator Patrick Joyce joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing the latest round of Back to Business grants for restaurants in the 40th District.

“Restaurants were hit hard during the pandemic, and it has been difficult for some to bounce back,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This is a great grant program that puts local businesses, like restaurants, back on their feet after facing tougher times the last few years.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest hit industries. Through the Back to Business and Business Interruption Grant programs, DCEO has provided more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

Five restaurants in Joyce’s district will receive a combined total of $205,000 through this round of Back to Business grants.

“These small businesses fuel our economy and are important to each region around the state,” said Joyce. “It’s great to see businesses return to normal again, and a lot of them would not be able to if it weren’t for financial assistance and support from community members.”

For more information about B2B grants visit DCEO’s website.

COOK COUNTY PENSION FUND TO BE FULLY FUNDED THANKS TO NEW MARTWICK LAW

A new law championed by State Senator Robert Martwick will secure the finances of the Cook County Pension Fund and protect taxpayers.

“President Toni Preckwinkle’s willingness to enshrine fiscal responsibility in the law should be the example that every elected leader seeks to duplicate,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “I am thrilled that I could work with her to pass this impactful legislation.”

The law makes various changes to the Cook County Pension Fund, most notably requiring an actuarially determined contribution and adjusting benefits to ensure compliance with the Social Security safe-harbor provision. These provisions set a standard to ensure that plans provide benefits equal to Social Security for employees who would not be covered by the program.

Under the new law, the CCPF will be required to retain an actuary in good standing who would create an annual report to ensure it is properly funded.

“By ensuring the solvency of pension funds, taxpayers are protected from future property tax hikes and economic shocks, while guaranteeing that our dedicated public servants receive the retirement security they’ve earned” Martwick said.

House Bill 2352 was signed into law on Friday.

Stackwell and Fintech in Action Announce Financial Wellness Pilot Program with Spelman College Students

BOSTON and ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- Stackwell, the digital investment platform designed to eliminate the racial wealth gap, and Fintech in Action, a social impact initiative that accelerates progress, innovation, and opportunity for Black talent in finance and fintech, announced the launch of a new financial wellness program supporting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) students. The pilot program will provide a cohort of Spelman College students with a finance and investing course plus a seeded Stackwell account to begin building wealth during their college careers.

The first cohort of students comprises 16 Spelman sophomores who won the Braven Accelerator Capstone Challenge — funded by Fintech in Action coalition members Zogo Finance and MEMX. Each winner will receive their own seeded Stackwell account with $250 to begin their investment journey. Additionally, students will participate in Stackwell workshops that focus on finance and investing fundamentals to help them start to build wealth while in college. With the support of coalition member, Apex Fintech Solutions, Fintech in Action and Stackwell will be tracking student progress over three years to assess how students can build sustained wealth over time. The program’s goal is to provide access to the financial markets, a foundational investment education, and ongoing support and resources to enable and empower the students to grow their investments over time. Students will graduate with all the funds they have amassed, providing a solid financial foundation as they begin their professional careers.

“Fintech in Action is thrilled to partner with Stackwell to build and launch this new initiative,” said Korene E. J. Smith, Director of Fintech in Action. “Going into the Braven Capstone Challenge, I wanted our sponsorship to offer a challenge question and prize that made an impact beyond the classroom. We truly believe this program has the potential to be scaled to larger cohorts of students and expanded

across HBCUs and other colleges and universities –providing access to critical and functional financial education and an understanding of the markets to countless Black students in America.”

“I am so excited that our cohort is being given the opportunity to start an investment journey while we’re still in school,” said Morgan Newson, a rising junior at Spelman. “To be provided with a program that teaches us how to be successful investors on our own, along with a seeded account is a huge deal. As a Black woman, it means a lot to have this kind of support and head start in learning how to build wealth. Being able to start years before graduation gives me leverage as I think about financial stability and my future.”

The pilot program is part of a larger strategic partnership between Fintech in Action and Stackwell, including a broad set of initiatives for Black college students and student-athletes. Beginning this Fall, Fintech in Action will be launching a national HBCU financial wellness tour with Rapunzl Investments focused on education, and investment access through Rapunzl’s stock simulator app. Stackwell will be participating in the HBCU tour, speaking at on-campus events and providing other hands-on educational programming. In addition, Fintech in Action and Stackwell are set to launch a national student-athlete name, image, and likeness (NIL) program providing financial education to help student-athletes navigate how they can save and invest their earnings to grow that wealth over time and opening up access to mentorship and career opportunities in the world of finance and fintech.

“We are deeply committed to our work with HBCU students and student-athletes and are excited to expand access to the markets to students at Spelman College and beyond,” said Trevor Rozier-Byrd, founder, and CEO of Stackwell. “Fintech In Action offers a unique partnership opportunity where we can build new programs that will impact different student populations and help instill core investing values and behaviors from a young age. Together, we have a chance to establish a culture of wealth building and financial wellness that impacts a new generation of Black students.”

For more information about the Fintech in Action and Stackwell pilot program, please visit: https://stackwellcapital.com/community. Fintech in Action is a social impact initiative founded in 2020 in response to the industry’s need to prioritize racial equity and inclusion. In its first year alone, the initiative invested over $1 million in strategic support and paid internship opportunities to further its mission and cause. Together with its coalition and community partners, Fintech in Action is a powerhouse resource, accelerating progress, innovation, and opportunity for Black talent across fintech and ancillary industries. Learn more at https://fintechinaction.com

Stackwell Capital, Inc., is a fintech company that has created a digital investment platform for the Black community that is designed to eliminate the racial wealth gap in America. Stackwell provides the financial investment tools and guidance necessary to help build lasting wealth, equity, and equal opportunity. We’ve developed a unique ecosystem of strategic partners in financial services, higher education (HBCUs and MSIs), professional sports, and created an ever-growing NIL student-athlete ambassador program. Stackwell was a member of the 2022 Financial Solutions Lab, and MassChallenge U.S. Early Stage accelerator programs. For more information, visit stackwellcapital.com.

Guava Launches Huddle, a New Community Platform for Black Entrepreneurs

BROOKLYN, N.Y., PRNewswire -- Guava, the premier banking and networking platform for Black entrepreneurs, creators and small business owners, announced the launch of a new community hub, Huddle. The platform connects the dots for entrepreneurs, empowering members by fostering engagement, collaboration and support to grow and scale their businesses.

Guava champions the tenacity and triumphs of Black business owners. The goal of Huddle is to ensure that all members can benefit from mutual collaboration and can gain from and contribute to the collective pool of knowledge to help uplift others.

Kelly Ifill, Founder and CEO of Guava, said, “Small business owners have faced unprecedented challenges over the last three years,

from business closures, to supply chain issues, to inflation. Black business owners have faced the same challenges while also fighting an uphill battle against unconscious bias, structural challenges, and institutionalized racism. We built Huddle so these entrepreneurs can connect, collaborate, and learn from each other, while also celebrating and supporting our collective achievements.”

Unique membership features include:

Member discounts

Access to live events

Curated content from industry experts

Access to funding vehicles

To learn more about the community platform please visit: Huddle.

Guava will also host a live webinar for the public on August 9 on how to build your online

retail business. Participants can sign up at this link.

Founded in 2021, Guava offers digital banking services and a community platform built to address the specific needs of Black entrepreneurs. Guava announced a funding round of $2.4 million in July 2022 to continue building and scaling the platform.

Guava is a financial technology company and is not a bank. Banking services provided by Piermont Bank, Member FDIC.

Guava is a digital banking platform designed for and by Black small business owners. We are tackling the racial wealth gap head-on by facilitating the development, growth and resilience of our small businesses, the backbone of our communities. For more information, visit joinguava.com.

Fintech In Action logo (PRNewsfoto/Stackwell)

State Treasurer Frerichs Announces Winners of 2023 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced the winners of the 2023 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest, which provides an opportunity for young photographers to share their vision of agriculture in our state. Students who won first, second or third place in each age category will be awarded Bright Start scholarships.

“Thank you to all the young photographers who shared their talents by participating in this year’s contest. We’re impressed with everyone’s creativity in capturing the beauty of Illinois agriculture,” Frerichs said. “Congratulations to the winners, who will be awarded Bright Start scholarships that they can use for qualified expenses related to their post-secondary education.”

Students participating in this year’s contest were allowed to submit up to two photos, and a panel of judges selected the winning entries. The judges were Mary Morgan, principal asset quality & assurance officer at Compeer Financial; Scott Rhoads, regional president of Carrollton Bank; Gary Mueller, vice president of Havana National Bank; and Riley Duckworth, associate director of Illinois Foundation FFA.

The contest consisted of three age categories — ages 8-10, 11-14 and 15-18. Top winners were awarded Bright Start scholarships, with first-place winners in each age category receiving $1,000, second-place winners receiving $500, and third-place winners receiving $250. Students who won more than once were permitted to receive one scholarship award.

Treasurer Frerichs administers Bright Start, the Illinois direct-sold 529 program that provides families with a tax-advantaged investment vehicle to help save for future education expenses at a university or college, community college, trade school or apprenticeship. For more information about the Treasurer’s Office College Savings programs, visit ILCollegeSavings.com or call 877.432.7444.

The Cream of the Crop Photo Contest is part of the Illinois State Treasurer’s Ag Invest program, which marks its 40th anniversary this year. Ag Invest is an agriculture-focused impact investment program providing loan opportunities

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QUINTAE Student MALCOLM X COLLEGE

Letter to the Editor

Chief of Police Gideon Cody Marion Police Department

112 N. 5th Street Marion KS 66861

Dear Chief Cody:

On behalf of the Illinois Press Association, I write to Jorn the chorus of journalism associations around the nation that are outraged by your actions to raid the office of the Marion County Record and the home of its co owners. The correspondence from The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and others very accurately establishes that the actions of your office are violative of very well-established press freedoms.

Your actions, and the unfortunate death of Mrs. Meyer, caused me to recall the story of Elijah Lovejoy, also a victim of an effort to silence an American newspaper. Ifyou have not yet done so, 1 urge you to learn this bit of American history. Mr. Lovejoy was murdered by a pro-slavery mob, while defending his anti-slavery newspaper in Alton, Illinois. The mob tossed Lovejoy’s press (actually three of them) into the Mississippi River. One of those presses sat in the office of the Alton Telegraph as a reminder to all. A monument to Lovejoy was erected in the city.

While the actions of your office leading up to the raid are of grave concern, your inability or unwillingness to explain your actions compounds the aggravation. Obtaining and executing a warrant, without the need for an underlying affidavit, and conducting a search of a newsroom and the publishers’ home should be unthinkable. Overbroad. Chilling. Intrusive into newsgathering. All the descriptors used by the courts over the years are brought to mind.

And to think this was brought about---as best we can tell --- by the newspaper being advised of a public record of a driving conviction of a local resident. Under what theory is possession of a public court record a crime?

You and your office should apologize to Mr. Meyer and his staff, the newspaper, and to your community for your egregious actions. You can’t fix this, you can’t hide from it. You should own it, apologize, and resign.

60617, 60619, 60620, 60621, 60624, 60628, 60629, 60636, 60637, 60643, 60644, 60649, 60651, 60652, 60409, 60411, 60419, 60422, 60429, 60443, 60461, 60473, 60478 and more………

Donald M. Craven

STATE TREASURER.... Continued From Page 6

for Illinois farmers and agri-businesses to start, expand or add value to their farm operations. Ag Invest offers affordable financing through two options: the Ag Invest Agriculture Operating Line of Credit and the Long-Term Ag & Value Added Ag program. The Treasurer’s Office partners with eligible financial institutions in Illinois to provide low-interest loans to Illinois farmers. The loans provided by the financial institution can be used for the purchase of farm equipment, purchase of land, construction-related expenses, operating lines of credit or other costs related to conventional or sustainable farming.

Since 2015, when Frerichs became treasurer, the

Ag Invest program has supported more than 7,000 agriculture borrowers and partnered with more than 45 financial institutions.

8-10 Age Bracket Winners

First Place: Bennett Schumacher, At Sunset, Jacksonville, IL (Morgan County)

Second Place: Bennett Schumacher, Working Hard, Jacksonville, IL (Morgan County)

Third Place: Leah Johnson, Rose Lettuce, Pleasant Plains, IL (Sangamon County)

11-14 Age Bracket Winners

First Place: Carolyn Lee, American Cattle, Wellington, IL (Iroquois County)

Second Place: Anna Parr, Moo, Mason City, IL (Mason County)

Third Place: Anna Parr, Mama and Her Babies, Mason City, IL (Mason County)

15-18 Age Bracket Winners

First Place: Macy McLaughlin, Evening Elegance, Mason City, IL (Mason County)

Second Place: Alec Shields, Beneath the Bluffs, Carbondale, IL (Jackson County)

Second Place: Sophie Robinson, Crop Sprayer, Taylorville, IL (Christian County)

Third Place: Hallie Smith, Mary the Little Lamb, Taylorville, IL (Christian County)

Photos by L.M. Warbington Photography

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. 14-21-03825 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2021 CH 05873 TJSC#: 43-2674 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 # 2021 CH 05873 I3227511

RENTAL

Upscale, nice, clean, furnished or unfurnished, 2 chair hair salon; prime Chatham / Grand Crossing location, near 78th & Cottage Grove; heat & water included; available now. $675/month.

SANFORD OF 6840 S CHAPPEL CHICAGO, IL

60649 THAT IF A 1990 LINCOLN MARK VIII VIN#

1LNCM93E2LY717109 IS NOT PICKED UP

FROM KAR KARE SERVICE AT 7455 S. EXCHANGE AVE. CHICAGO, IL. 60649 BY SEP-

TEMBER 6, 2023 A SALE WILL BE HELD PERSUANT TO IL SEC OFSTATE CHAPTER 770/45/1

ET SEQ. & CHAPTER 770/90/1 ET SEQ.

THAT ENFORCES A MECHANICAL LIEN OR UNPAID LABOR, SERVICES, AND STORAGE FEES. THE VEHICLE WILL BE SOLD FOR THE UNPAID CHARGES OF $13,958.

HEALTH

Play-it-Safe Tips to Protect Young Athletes’ Feet and Ankles

(StatePoint) In today’s competitive youth sports landscape, injuries are common, and when they do occur, young athletes are often pressured to play through the pain.

“The back-to-school season is prime time for foot and ankle injuries from fall sports like soccer, football and cross country,” says Richard Baker, DPM, FACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon and Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). “Fortunately, there are many steps parents, coaches and young athletes can take to prevent injuries from occurring in the first place and to discourage kids from playing through pain.”

Here are eight play-it-safe tips from the foot and ankle surgeon members of ACFAS to help prevent injuries and to treat them properly when they do occur.

1. Get a pre-season checkup. A pre-season medical evaluation can help identify whether your child could possibly benefit from using an orthotic or wearing a supportive ankle brace while playing. This is especially important for those with previous sprains and injuries.

2. Start the season with new shoes. Old shoes can wear down and become uneven, causing the ankle to tilt. And, as your child’s feet may have grown between seasons, their old shoes may not fit. The smart move is to replace athletic shoes at the start of each season. While children under 10 should wear all-purpose sports shoes, older youth athletes should wear sport-specific footwear.

3. Train for the season. It’s important that your child’s feet and ankles are accustomed to the level of activity required for the sport. Adequate conditioning in the off-season can help maintain a player’s ability to meet these demands, reducing their risk of injury and improving their performance during the season.

4. Encourage warmup exercises. Calf stretches and light jogging before competition help warm up ligaments and blood vessels, reducing injury risk.

5. Check fields for dips, divots and holes. Ninety percent of ankle sprains are due to poor playing conditions. That’s why some surgeons recommend walking the field, especially in non-professional settings like public parks, looking for spots that could catch a player’s foot. Alert coaching officials to any irregularities.

6. Watch their technique. A difference in the way your child is moving is often a tell-tale sign that something is wrong. Playing with pain is never a winning strategy so encourage kids to be honest about pain or discomfort.

7. Be mindful of other physical activities. Your child doesn’t need to be involved in a formalized athletic program to be vulnerable to sports-related injuries. Foot and ankle surgeons warn of common injuries like plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, fractures and Achilles tendonitis due to repetitive, forceful motions, which can occur in activities such as skateboarding. When skateboarding or engaged in other non-formal activities, always wear protective gear, including supportive shoes, and seek treatment when there is pain or injury.

8. Remember RICE. Often, an injured foot or ankle can be treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation. Those with foot or ankle pain should take a break from playing and allow time for recovery. If pain persists, something more serious may be happening, such as cartilage injuries or broken bones in the foot. Consult a foot and ankle surgeon for a complete evaluation, proper diagnosis and treatment plan. The sooner rehabilitation starts, the sooner your child can safely get back into the game.

For more information on pediatric foot care or to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

EDUCATION

4 Tech-Friendly Ways to Ace the School Year

(Statepoint) American families are expected to spend record-high amounts this back-to-school season. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), families with children in elementary, middle and high school will spend $890 on average for school items, while those with college-aged students are looking at more than $1,360 in shopping expenses.

Whether your kids are off to kindergarten or college, here’s how you can shop smarter and prepare for the school year:

1. Upgrade Your Devices. Electronics and tech are a top priority for families this school season. The NRF says Americans are expected to spend a collective $15 billion on electronics for back to school and $23 billion for back to college. The good news is that you may be able to

deals, head to t-mobile.com/offers/back-to-schooldeals.

2. Keep Track of School Items. It’s the time of year when backpacks, lunchboxes and musical instruments tend to go missing. Ensure your child or college student never loses their items again by placing a T-Mobile SyncUP TRACKER in items of importance. It’s a simple, easy way to help you keep track of belongings.

3. Stay Connected for Study Time. For families or college students looking for an affordable option to stay connected at home, T-Mobile has them covered with 5G Internet for only $30 per month with a Go5G Plus or Magenta MAX plan and AutoPay. For those unsure about making the switch, the wireless company offers a worry-free Test Drive of its 5G Internet for 15 days. And, T-Mobile 5G Internet comes with a Price Lock Guarantee, so you can rest easy knowing your monthly rate won’t increase (exclusions like taxes and fees

apply). Learn more by visiting https://www.tmobile.com/homeinternet.

4. Prioritize a Sleep Routine. A recent “Lancet Journal” study found that children need at least nine hours of sleep each night to support healthy neurocognitive development. Set your kids up for success by creating a school bedtime and wake-up routine a couple weeks before school begins to help ease into the new academic year. Apps like Moshi use sounds, sleep stories and even meditations to encourage better sleep for kids, and Calm can be used for college students and parents to ease stress.

Get ready to rock the school year with some savvy planning, deal-hunting adventures and a dose of healthy habits that create an epic year ahead for you and your family.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Natee127 / iStock via Getty Images Plus

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