Chatham-Southeast Citizen 12-30-2020 by CITIZEN NEWSPAPERS

Y O U R S O U R C E F O R C O R O N AV I R U S N E W S

Citizen The Citizen: Serving The Black Community For 55 Years Week of Dec. 30, 2020

| Vol. 56 | No. 40 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CHATHAM SOUTHEAST

The Common Ground Foundation has implemented a new fundraising tool by partnering with HundredX. Photo courtesy of The Common Ground Foundation

COMMON GROUND FOUNDATION PARTNERS WITH HUNDREDX

Updated COVID-19 Technical Assistance Publication Issued

4 New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resolutions Black Women Can Make to Improve Heart Health

Lawmakers propose cut in Medicaid rates

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2 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 30, 2020

NEWS briefly EDUCATION CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY RECEIVES GRANT FROM DOMINION ENERGY FOR IT INFRASTRUCTURE, SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT, AND STUDYINTERNSHIPS Students at Central State University will expand its summer institute internship programs, increase virtual learning accessibility, and grow their endowment scholarship funds thanks to a $500,000 grant from Dominion Energy. Central State University is one of 11 historically black colleges and universities benefitting from Dominion Energy’s six-year “HBCU Promise.” The program will support endowments, capital projects, operating expenses, and educational programs in clean energy at HBCUs in Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, and South Carolina. “Dominion Energy is proud to partner with Central State University in supporting scholarships for students and enhancing the institution’s IT infrastructure to bridge the digital divide,” said Leighton McCoy, vice president of gas distribution technical services. “This grant will also provide real-world work experience through student internships as they explore their career options. We look forward to uplifting Central State University students and highlighting their achievements as they pursue excellence and success.” Dominion Energy also has committed $10 million in scholarships to assist African American and other underrepresented minority students who reside in the company’s service area. Students can learn more and apply at DominionEnergy.com/EquityScholarships.

HEALTH

KINDBODY ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF $50,000 FERTILITY GRANT FOR BIPOC INDIVIDUALS Kindbody, a fast-growing health and fertility company, recently announced the recipients of a $50,000 fertility grant created this summer in support of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals. Kindbody created the grant in partnership with Fertility for Colored Girls, a nonprofit organization that provides education, awareness and financial assistance to Black women and couples, and other women of color, experiencing infertility. After a competitive application process, the four grant recipients are Dana Bingham, Ma’Keba Spicer, Carmia Marshall and Afrika Lander. The grant will go towards covering three IVF cycles and one egg freezing cycle at Kindbody locations. “We received over 300 applications, more than 10 times as many applicants we’ve had with previous grants,” said Reverend Dr. Stacey Edwards-Dunn, who founded Fertility for Colored Girls after going through seven rounds of IVF herself. “The overwhelming amount of submissions I reviewed underscores that Black Lives Matter, and Black reproductive health matters too.”

LAW & POLITICS

EEOC ISSUES UPDATED COVID-19 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PUBLICATION The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently posted an updated and expanded technical assistance publication addressing questions arising under the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Laws related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The publication, “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws,” now includes a new section providing information to employers and employees about how a COVID-19 vaccination interacts with the legal requirements of the the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). This includes issues pertaining to medical pre-screening questions and employer accommodations for those unable to receive a vaccination. In response to inquiries from the public, the EEOC has provided resources on its website related to the pandemic in an employment context. The agency will continue to monitor developments and provide assistance to the public as needed. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov.

The Common Ground Foundation throughout the pandemic has focused on the health and well-being of more than 300 mentees in its programs who range from ninth graders to college-aged students. Photo courtesy of The Common Ground Foundation

Common Ground Foundation partners with HundredX Continued from page 1 BY TIA CAROL JONES

The Common Ground Foundation implemented a new fundraising tool this season. Instead of its usual in-person fundraising event, it partnered with HundredX so people could donate without money. The Express Feedback for Good allowed Common Ground Foundation supporters to make an impact by sharing their opinions and by leaving reviews on popular brands and companies. HundredX partners with non-profit organizations by having those organization’s supporters provide feedback. The organization receives up to $2 for each piece of qualifying feedback to support the cause. The Common Ground Foundation was founded by performer Common more than 10 years ago to provide mentoring and college preparation to high school students. Tiffany Walker, program director with the Common Ground Foundation, said the HundredX campaign was a really creative alternative for donors to participate in the fundraising process. “Instead of just asking donors to donate dollars, we’re asking them to donate in a different way and using their feedback as a way to generate funds for the program,” she said. “HundredX is an insight company through these surveys, they have an opportunity to speak to brands they are interested in or companies they like. Each time they submit that feedback, it turns into dollars for the program. And, those dollars keep mentees in the program.” Walker said it is a creative, new www.citizennewspapergroup.com

“OUR MAIN CONCERN IS JUST MAKING SURE OUR STUDENTS ARE OKAY. SO, WE’VE DONE CALL-INS TO OUR MENTEES AND THEIR PARENTS JUST TO SEE IF THERE’S ANYTHING WE CAN DO. AND, WE SET UP AN EMERGENCY FUND FOR SOME.” Tiffany Walker program director with the Common Ground Foundation

way to fundraise and it changes the game. She said it allows people to interact in different ways. “I think it is a platform I would like to see us use in the future, in combination with previous ways we fundraise,” she said. There are more than 300 mentees who range from ninth graders to college aged students. Walker said, with the mentoring piece, the Common Ground Foundation has really been focused on the health and welfare of the students during COVID-19. “Our main concern is just making sure our students are okay. So, we’ve done callins to our mentees and their parents just to see if there’s anything we can do. And, we set up an emergency fund for some,” she said. Walker said mentors have shopped for groceries for families of mentees, as well as helped out with online learning and with providing a computer. “We know our youth are dealing with a lot of different things,” she said. Walker said the Common Ground Foundation had to get creative when it comes to how to interact with the students in the program. Activity

sessions were 100 percent face-toface engagement. They had to move to Zoom and move the in-person check-ins online, even the mental health check-ins for each grade level now happens online. Walker said with the 12th grade students they mentor, instead of a college tour, they had to do a virtual college week, with sessions about financial aid and how to choose the best school. Walker said the strategy for January is to slowly incorporate the monthly sessions via Zoom. Those activities include all-female sessions that focus on young women advocating for themselves, as well as a male mentoring program. Walker said the Common Ground Foundation has learned that understanding is what the students really need during the pandemic. “It’s been a lot. They’ve missed out on a lot of milestones they can’t get back,” she said. “So, just really understanding has been really big for us.” For more information about the Common Ground Foundation, visit www.commongroundfoundation. org.

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 30, 2020

NEWS

4 New Year’s Resolutions Black Women Can Make to Improve Heart Health StatePoint - High blood pressure -- the leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke -- continues to disproportionately affect communities of color. Addressing this health inequity is especially important right now, as people with hypertension and serious heart conditions are at an increased risk for more severe outcomes if they acquire COVID-19. According to the American Heart Association, the prevalence of high blood pressure among Black adults in the U.S. is among the highest in the world, with the prevalence of high blood pressure in Black women nearly 40 percent higher than white women in the U.S. While many long-standing inequities and stressors produced by structural racism have created and continue to exacerbate these conditions, there are steps individuals can take to help improve their blood pressure right now. The New Year is a great opportunity to prioritize selfcare and get started. This is why the American Medical Association (AMA), the AMA Foundation, Association of Black Cardiologists, American Heart Association, Minority Health Institute and National Medical Association have launched the “Release the Pressure” campaign with ESSENCE. The

campaign is aimed at partnering with Black women to help improve their heart health and be part of a movement for healthy blood pressure, with a shared goal of engaging more than 300,000 Black women. As part of the campaign, the AMA and this coalition of national health care organizations encourages Black women to take a pledge to be part of a healthy blood pressure movement at ReleaseThePressure.org. Specifically, the pledge encourages Black women to take the following four steps: 1. Set a blood pressure goal: Schedule an appointment with your physician or other health care professional, in-person or virtually, to work in partnership on understanding your blood pressure numbers and knowing your goal for optimal blood pressure. 2. Monitor blood pressure numbers at home: Once you learn your blood pressure numbers, take and keep regular records of your blood pressure. 3. Activate a personalized wellness plan: Identify specific goals for fitness and heart healthy eating and connect virtually with family members and friends from your “squad” to keep you on track. 4. Make regular check-ins with

While many long-standing inequities and stressors produced by structural racism have created and continue to exacerbate these conditions, there are steps individuals can take to help improve their blood pressure right now.

your “squad”: Lean on your family and friends to help you achieve your heart health goals by checking in with them on a daily basis. “Preventive care is vital to break-

ing the devastating impact of high blood pressure within the Black community, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” says Patrice A. Harris, M.D., MA, presi-

dent of the AMA. “At the individual and family level, it starts with understanding blood pressure numbers and taking action to manage blood pressure.”

Lawmakers propose cut in Medicaid rates Koehler, Crespo say insurers making excess profits during pandemic BY PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

Springfield – Two Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation to reduce state payments to the insurance companies that manage Illinois’ Medicaid program, arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in excess profits for the insurers. Sen. Dave Koehler, of Peoria, and Rep. Fred Crespo, of Hoffman Estates, say that money saved due to the pandemic could be used to help struggling downstate hospitals whose resources have been strained by excess hospitalizations and low revenue. “While insurance companies and managed care organizations see record-setting profits at the height of a global pandemic, rural communities across the state are experiencing unsustainable strain in their health care systems due to lack of resources,” Koehler said in a recent

statement. “The money recouped through this legislation would provide immediate relief for Downstate hospitals that have been devastated by COVID-19.” The Illinois Medicaid program operates under a “managed care” model in which private insurance companies, known as managed care organizations, or MCOs, are paid a flat rate for managing the care of each Medicaid patient. Their profit margin is the difference between how much they are paid and how much they have to spend reimbursing health care providers for the patients’ care. Koehler and Crespo argue that patient demand for other, routine, nonemergency medical services like outpatient procedures has plummeted amid the pandemic. In contrast, the insurance companies that manage the program have continued to receive the same per-patient monthly rates for managing the care of each Medicaid recipient, resulting in higher profit margins. The two lawmakers recently filed companion

bills in the General Assembly, Senate Bill 4207 and House Bill 5867, which call for reducing the enrollment-based payments by 20 percent for the duration of the COVID-19 disaster declaration. In addition, the bill would effectively make the reduced rates retroactive by reducing future payments on a prorated basis to claw back a portion of the rates that have already been paid out since the disaster declaration went into effect March 9. Koehler said Illinois spends roughly $1.7 billion per month for MCO payments, so a 20-percent reduction would reduce that by $340 million. Because the General Assembly is not currently in session, the bills have not yet been assigned to committees. However, the organization that lobbies for the MCOs has already begun pushing back against the plan, arguing that it’s based on a false premise that utilization rates have actually decreased.

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“There were significant decreases in utilization in April and May; however, by July utilization had rebounded,” Samantha Olds Frey, CEO of the Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans, said in a statement. “It is important to note that MCOs don’t just pay for hospital visits but a comprehensive healthcare benefit; such as: pharmaceuticals, long term care, and behavioral health. We recognize there may be individual provider partners with decreased utilization, but with the expansion of telehealth and the reinstatement of elective procedures health care utilization has stabilized.” Koehler said in an interview that he expected resistance from MCOs, but he said he believes the plan has support within the heath care provider industry. It is unclear if lawmakers will meet again during the 101st General Assembly, which officially ends in January, meaning both bills may need to be refiled during the 102nd General Assembly scheduled to begin Jan. 13.

4 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 30, 2020

BUSINESS

Top Business Leaders Launch OneTen

Ben & Jerry’s new Change the Whirled flavor honors Colin Kaepernick’s activism work.

Ben & Jerry’s and Colin Kaepernick Unite to Change the Whirled Ben & Jerry’s is honoring Colin Kaepernick, one of the most prominent social activists, with his very own flavor: “Change the Whirled.” This flavor celebrates Kaepernick’s courageous work to confront systemic oppression and to stop police violence against Black and Brown people. As an aspiring social justice company, Ben & Jerry’s believes Kaepernick represents the very best of us, willing to use his power and platform in the pursuit of equity and justice rooted in a commitment to love and resistance. The ice cream maker aims to honor Kaepernick, sweetening the long struggle for justice, and making his vision a reality to Change the Whirled. Kaepernick’s portion of the proceeds from sales of Change the Whirled will support the work of Know Your Rights Camp. Kaepernick founded Know Your Rights Camp in Oakland, CA in 2016 to advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown communities. The Camp’s curriculum is designed around 10 points, including that Black and Brown people have the rights to be free, healthy, brilliant, safe, loved, courageous, alive, trusted, educated and to know their rights. Change the Whirled is a Non-Dairy offering, which is important to the vegan Kaepernick. Ben & Jerry’s currently offers more than a dozen Non-Dairy, vegan fan favorites. Kaepernick’s flavor features a caramel Non-Dairy

sunflower butter base with fudge chips, graham cracker swirls and chocolate cookie swirls. “I’m honored to partner with Ben & Jerry’s on Change the Whirled,” said Kaepernick. “Their commitment to challenging the anti-Black roots of policing in the United States demonstrates a material concern for the wellbeing of Black and Brown communities. My hope is that this partnership will amplify calls to defund and abolish the police and to invest in futures that can make us safer, healthier, and truly free.” “Colin Kaepernick and his Know Your Rights Camp is the perfect partner for Ben & Jerry’s to continue to advance our work on issues of racial justice,” said Matthew McCarthy, CEO of Ben & Jerry’s. “Ben & Jerry’s is proud to diversify our flavor portfolio by honoring Kaepernick with a full-time flavor. We deeply respect how Colin uses his voice to protest racism, white supremacy and police violence through the belief that ‘love is at the root of our resistance. We have tremendous hope in what we can accomplish together,” he added. Change the Whirled will be available as a full-time flavor at Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops and on store shelves nationwide in the United States beginning in 2021 with a suggested MSRP of $4.99-$5.49. Change the Whirled will also be available to fans in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands. To learn more about Ben & Jerry’s, visit: benjerry.com www.citizennewspapergroup.com

A coalition of leading CEOs and organizations recently came together to announce the formation of OneTen, an organization that will combine the power of these committed American companies to upskill, hire and promote one million Black Americans over the next 10 years into family-sustaining jobs with opportunities for advancement. In this moment when all Americans share an aspiration for greater economic opportunity, leading executives and employers across industries are taking action to make a meaningful, measurable and lasting systemic impact on racial and economic justice and to create a more equitable society. OneTen connects employers with talent partners, leading nonprofits and other skill-credentialing organizations that support the development of diverse talent. OneTen was founded by Ken Chenault, chairman and managing director of General Catalyst and former chairman and CEO of American Express; Ken Frazier, chairman and CEO of Merck; Charles Phillips, managing partner of Recognize, chairman of the Black Economic Alliance and former CEO of Infor; Ginni Rometty, executive chairman and former CEO of IBM and Kevin Sharer, former chairman and CEO of Amgen and former faculty member at Harvard Business School. All five founders will serve on the Board of OneTen together with other participating CEOs. Frazier and Rometty will serve as co-chairs. “This is a moment in time for Americans to move past our divisions to come together and reach our full potential as a nation. Our country’s workforce of the future will be an increasingly diverse one,” said Frazier. “Through the creation of one million jobs for Black Americans over the next 10 years, OneTen has the potential to address persistent inter-generational gaps in opportunity and wealth.” OneTen is not just philanthropy. Rather, it is a coalition of leaders across industries who are committed to ensuring that Black Americans with the skills and aptitude to earn success also have the opportunity to achieve success. Recognizing that the current system is not inclusive enough and has reinforced systemic barriers that have prevented many Black Americans from the opportunity to earn success, OneTen has set out to change the way companies provide more equitable environments to drive better business outcomes and benefit all employees. The newly established organization will cultivate an ecosystem that

brings together major employers, in partnership with the nation’s leading non-profits and other skillcredentialing organizations, to create a more flexible talent pipeline and practices that will allow employees and employers to thrive by shifting to a skills-first paradigm. “OneTen links our companies with the critical work we know we need to do to improve racial equity in America,” said Rometty. “This will not only help our individual companies, but by removing structural barriers that have disproportionately hindered Black Americans from joining the middle-class, it will also help lift all Americans. By bringing together a coalition of key leaders and asking them to make long-term commitments, we have the ability to change employment practices and help break down systemic barriers opening the door to full participation in our economy.” OneTen is launching with the support of 37 founding CEOs and companies across industries. Members include: Accenture, ADP, Allstate, American Express, Amgen, Aon, AT&T, Bain & Company, Bank of America, Cargill, Caterpillar, Cisco, Cleveland Clinic, Comcast, Deloitte, Delta Air Lines, Eli Lilly, General Motors, HP Inc., Humana, IBM, Illinois Tool Works, Intermountain Healthcare, Johnson & Johnson, Lowe’s, Medtronic, Merck, Nike, Nordstrom, PepsiCo, Roper Technologies, Stryker, Target, Trane Technologies, Verizon, Walmart and Whirlpool Corporation. These founding companies look forward to welcoming additional members, including small and medium-size businesses, which power the majority of the U.S. economy. OneTen will work with employers, education partners and upskilling partners to design educational and employment solutions. Together, these partners will better develop, retain and advance diverse and underrepresented talent, more broadly, but with an explicit commitment to hire or promote Black Americans without four-year degrees. OneTen’s role in the talent ecosystem will be local, reflecting the workforce development landscape, and focus on reducing exclusionary hiring practices, identifying robust and new talent sources, and ensuring that adequate and equitable career pathways for advancement exist. In January 2021, the organization will begin working with partner employers to improve workplace inclusivity practices and will connect talent providers to partner employers shortly thereafter.

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 30, 2020

HOME

6 refrigeration trends that will make your life easier (BPT) - The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house - especially now, when we're all at home more than ever. And while we're cooking more meals in and stocking up on necessities, having the right features and appliances can help make our lives in the kitchen easier when we all need it most. Whether you're looking to improve capacity for storing essentials, or you simply want the most useful kitchen innovations, these are the top refrigeration trends to keep an eye on as we head into the holiday season and beyond: 1. Fast, freshly filtered ice Have you been reaching for more ice water while at home? You're not alone. A recent survey revealed that 50% of Americans consider themselves "ice obsessed," with 53% realizing the need for better ice production at home during the COVID-19 pandemic and the same percentage saying no ice available means they simply drink less water. The survey also found that the average American consumes up to 116 glasses of ice per month or nearly 36 pounds! Always looking for ways to simplify life for consumers, the new QuickIcePro System refrigerator from Bosch is one of the fastest refrigerator ice makers in the industry, producing several pounds of freshly filtered ice a day at a rapid rate - which means you won't be running out anytime soon. 2. Fresh-food storage If you're staying home, cooking more and making fewer trips to the store, you need extra storage and features that will keep your food fresher longer. Refrigerators have come a long way in helping you maintain optimal freshness, especially when it comes to fresh produce. Look for options that offer precise temperature and humidity control, like the Bosch FarmFresh System, to take your food preservation to the next level and minimize waste. This advanced system uses four technologies to circulate cool air, filter out unwanted odors and ethylene gas, as well as remove the guesswork in storing items at the ideal environment. 3. Energy-efficient technology Technology can also help you save energy and money at the same time. For example, refrigerators with automatic freezing functions return to normal operation after reaching the required freezing temperature to save energy. As a result, frozen food keeps its flavor, even when new food is being added. And if you've ever accidently left your fridge or freezer open, you know it can be a costly mistake. Some refrigerators can help you avoid those high energy bills and spoiled food by sending a notification directly to your smartphone if a door has been left open. that having a drink at the wrong temperature

to save energy. As a result, frozen food keeps its flavor, even when new food is being added. And if you've ever accidently left your fridge or freezer open, you know it can be a costly mistake. Some refrigerators can help you avoid those high energy bills and spoiled food by sending a notification directly to your smartphone if a door has been left open. 4. Smart refrigerators If you've ever been at the grocery store without a list, it's likely you wished for a crystal ball to see inside your fridge. Connected appliances help make that wish come true with remote monitoring and diagnostics, fridge and pantry management, and quick-cooling capabilities that get your fridge ready for new items when you're on your way back from the grocery store. 5. Two-in-one appliances Refrigeration isn't only about keeping your food fresh. Storing beverages at the right temperature is just as important. In fact, 56% of Americans agree that having a drink at the wrong temperature has the potential to make their day less enjoyable. The new Bosch Refreshment Center refrigerator offers pre-programmed settings to take the guesswork out of achieving the optimal temperature for the beverages of your choice at the touch of a button - from red or white wine to beer, soda or other drinks. Plus, its industry-first, glass-front beverage www.citizennewspapergroup.com

drawer puts beverages in view and within reach in your kitchen, eliminating the need for a second appliance dedicated to drink storage elsewhere in your home. 6. Easy organization Having a large fridge and freezer makes it easier to store more, but without organization, food can become lost or buried and go to waste. To make it easier, the new Bosch French door bottom mount refrigeration collection features organizational solutions like a FlexBar, split glass shelving and three-tiered freezer system to make it easier to keep all your ingredients organized, in view and within reach. Now more than ever, the kitchen has become a place that brings everyone together. Turn yours into the focal point of your home with these refrigeration trends for a happier and more efficient space.

6 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 30, 2020

FASHION

Black-Owned Cosmetics Brand releases Red and Berry Lipstick Collection Every makeup-wearer needs the perfect red lip, and Juvia’s Place’s Reds and Berries Lipstick Collection features an array of red and berry-colored lipsticks, lip-glosses and two lip liners. The Reds and Berries Collection is a follow-up to the Nude Lipstick Collection, which launched in July. The Reds and Berries collection contains 9 velvet matte lipsticks ($14 each)

The Reds Cherry Family 1. So Red 2. Afrik 3. The Perfect Red

The Berries Family 1. Frenemy 2. Drama Queen 3. Oh Damn The set also includes two liquid lipsticks: 1. Scarlet 2. saRed Velvet

The Reds Wine Family 1. Rouge 2. Rude Girl 3. Fierce

6 Lip Glosses ($13 each) 1. Ruby Rose 2. Sweet Beets 3. Maroon

broken down into three color families: Red Cherry, Red Wine and Berries.

4. She’s Royal 5. Culture 6. Cherry Love 2 Luxe Lip Liners ($10 each) 1. Wine 2. RUBY The complete collection can be purchased for $224. Founded in 2015 by Chichi Eburu, Juvia’s Place is a Black-owned cosmetic

PRNewsfoto/Juvia’s Place

brand. Today, Juvia’s Place is one of the most celebrated makeup lines currently on the market and is known for their African-themed palettes

and richly pigmented blushes and highlighters. The Red and Berries Lipstick Collection can be purchased at https://www. juviasplace.com/collections/lips

Barber College At South Suburban College in South Holland Offers Quick Access To A Career Credential And Wages The South Suburban College Board of Trustees recently approved the hiring of its first ever Barber College faculty, Bobby Mattison, at its November board meeting. Chairman Frank M. Zuccarelli and the SSC Board first announced the establishment program last December. The college subsequently received full approval from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) this year as well as its licensure from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Construction for the new, fully equipped barbering facility has already been completed at the college’s Main Campus in South Holland. Mattison will begin leading the program effective January 4, 2021 as SSC readies to open for the spring semester. A licensed barber and barbering instructor, Mattison was instrumental in growing and licensing a Barbering Program at Statesville Correctional Center, and most recently at Cook County Juvenile Detention Center. He also opened a private business called Legacy Barber College with a partner in Glenwood, IL, for which he was featured on ABC News. Mattison says he looks forward to creating new opportunities for others to become barbers. “You have to find something you love and would do it for free, but find a way to get paid for it,” said Mattison. “Barbering is that for me and I know it can be for so many others.” The SSC Barbering program was established in part by a Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) grant the college received through the Illinois Community College Board which included funding for several new in-demand programs. The WEI project is designed to create, support and expand short-term workforce training opportunities in high need areas within SSC District #510. Through expanded access, opportunity, and support services, the project is anticipated to yield impactful outcomes for individuals, families, communities, local businesses. The Barbering curriculum is a 17-month credit program leading to professional certification. SSC will be offering a 41-hour

South Suburban College recently announced the opening of a Barber College at its South Holland Campus.

Barber Technician (BT) Certificate and a 60hour Associate of Applied Science Degree in Barbering track for students seeking a college degree as a part of the program. Both tracks will include preparation and testing for National Barbering Written Licensing Examination, which is essential to applying for licensure in Illinois. “South Suburban College’s Barbering Program will be the only active public Barber School in the state,” added Matt Beasland,

Dean of Adult & Continuing Education and administrator over the Barber College. “It will provide our constituents with quick access to a career credential that can lead to family sustaining wages.” According to BLS data, the average salary for a Barber in Illinois is $42,930, or $20.64 per hour with an increase in demand of 9% by 2026. In the Southland area, there are currently 286 new job openings for barbers.

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For more information about Barber School and the WEI programs at SSC, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2413, email workforceequity@ ssc.edu or visit www.ssc.edu/wei. Most SSC courses will continue to be offered through the virtual classroom model during the Spring 2021 Semester, with exceptions for some programs such as Barbering. Social distancing and PPE will be used as appropriate for in-person classes.

CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 30, 2020

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED TRUST SERIES INABS 2006D, HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE LOAN ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES INABS 2006D Plaintiff, -v.- RONNIE WOODFORK Defendants 18 CH 10923 8510 S. BENNETT AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60617 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 23, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 13, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 8510 S. BENNETT AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60617 Property Index No. 20-36-321-022-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $300,594.81. 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 byTheCondominium 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, Alexander Potestivo, POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 263-0003. Please refer to file number 115702. 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. POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago IL, 60606 312-263-0003 E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw.com Attorney File No. 115702 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 18 CH 10923 TJSC#: 40-540 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 # 18 CH 10923 I3155739 _______________________________________

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS Derrick Lowe,Plaintiff (s) v. Yvette Anderson Lowe, Defendant (s)

CHATHAM – Clean, XL, 1100 sf, 2 BR, 3rd FL, quiet senior bldg, h/w flrs, appls/heat incl. No Sec.8. 2 person max. Must have stable Rent hx and verified income. $945. 312 801 4078

No# 2020D630638 TO: Yvette Anderson Lowe, Motion by Derrick Lowe FOR: Divorce Hearing I (We) do hereby certify that a copy of this instrument was served upon all parties who have appeared and have not previously been found by the court to be in default for failure to plead. Dated: October 29, 2020, Name: Derrick Lowe Address: 12142 S. Bishop Street, Chicago, Illinois 60643, Telephone: 773-648-3878. DOROTHY BROWN, CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. _______________________________________

RENTAL Newly Decorated 4 room, 2Br apt. 5200 block S Racine, $675/mo., stove and refrigerator Ask for Mr. Lambert 773-370-7744 _______________________________

MONEY Want Extra Cash in Your Pocket? Try Saving on Car Insurance

(StatePoint) When it comes to saving money, it helps to cut out smaller expenses that add up over time – like frequent lunch dates, unused gym memberships or online subscriptions. But if you really want to make a dent in your budget, you need think bigger. How big? Well, consider that after a home, a car is the single most expensive thing many people will ever buy, and cars need insurance. And you need that insurance if, for example, you injure someone in a crash or damage their car, or your own car is stolen or damaged in bad weather. Should such an incident occur, you’ll likely consider it money well spent. But that doesn’t mean you should pay more for it than you need to. Here are three ways to reduce car insurance expenses. 1. Purchase safe car models. The cost to insure a particular car depends on several factors, but one is safety. The auto industry and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration test cars to determine their safety ratings, and insurance companies build on that information by reviewing customer claims data to see how the vehicles perform over time in the real world. The result? Safer vehicles tend to be less expensive to insure. 2. Keep it clean. Insurance companies use information about you to determine your likelihood of having a crash and filing a claim. One thing they consider is your driving history, because they have found that past performance can help predict what will happen in the future. If you’ve had speeding tickets, accidents or other violations within the last few years, your auto insurance rate may be higher than if you have a clean driving record. Research has also shown a correlation between good credit and good driving. Certain credit information may predict future insurance claims, so some insurance companies may use credit history to help determine the cost of car insurance. 3. Take advantage of discounts and special programs. Just about every insurance company offers discounts, so be sure to ask your insurance agent which ones apply to you. For example, you may be able to get a multi-policy discount if you insure multiple cars, or a car and a home with the same company. And depending on what type of car you drive and its features, (e.g. factory-installed airbags, anti-theft devices, anti-lock brakes) you may be eligible for discounts. Also explore unique and out-of-the-box programs that can save you money. For example, Erie Insurance has a program for their customers called YourTurn that gives drivers rewards in the form of gift cards just for doing something many people already do – drive safely. Drivers just install an app on their phone that measures factors like speeding, hard braking and phone usage and provides scores and feedback to encourage better driving habits. Based on the score, they can earn rewards that they can redeem for gift cards or donate to charity. Besides the financial benefit, the app has been shown to reduce risky driving behaviors, which can lead to safer roads for everyone, and ultimately lower insurance costs. To learn more about the Erie Insurance YourTurn program, visit erieinsurance.com/blog/your-turn. When it comes to having more money in your pocket, don’t overlook the bigger opportunities like getting the most value from your car insurance. ________________________________________

Darrell Garth

President /Publisher

Janice Garth

Sales Manager General Manager

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Citizen Newspaper Group Inc., (CNGI), Publisher of the Chatham-Southeast, South End, Chicago Weekend, South Suburban and Hyde Park Citizen and Citizen Suburban Times Weekly. Our weekly publications are published on Wednesday’s (publishing 52 issues annually). Written permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or in part from the publisher. Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc. does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited materials, therefore they become property of the newspaper and can or will be discarded or used at the newspapers disgratation. Deadlines for advertising is every Friday at noon. Deadlines for press releases are Thursdays at 10 am prior to the next week’s edition. Please send information for the calendar at least three weeks prior to the event. Send to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 783-1251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

8 | CITIZEN | Chatham Southeast | Week of Dec. 30, 2020