Citizen Suburban Times 2-7-2024

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Luxury ecotourism in Saudi Arabia takes a major step forward with Zardun

P4 FREE | VOL 7 | ISSUE 25

De Beers Shines at the 2024 Critics’ Choice & Emmy Awards P6

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton speaks to reporters and advocates at a news conference announcing a new unified portal for child behavioral health programs. (CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS PHOTO BY ANDREW ADAMS)

PLATFORM SCHEDULED FOR SUMMER START;

AIMED AT BOTH PARENTS AND PROVIDERS For years, parents and providers have criticized what they see as a disorganized system for finding children mental health care in Illinois. State leaders are hoping a new partnership will change that.

Honor Rosa Parks, Not Through Words, but Action

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Platform scheduled for summer start; aimed at1both New state laws taking effect Jan. parents and providers

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Minimum wage hike, pets in public housing among new changes Continued frompage page 1 Continued from

“In this age of technology, we have enormous SPRINGFIELD – Minimum wage workers in Illinois will see a power at our boost in their hourly pay to $12 per hour starting Jan. 1, while tenants fingertips, and in affordable housing units will be we are allowed to keep pets. using it Thoseto are just some of theour more nurture than 300 new laws that take effect in children and the new year.

The minimum wage increase is create a healingactually the result of a 2019 law that phases in a state minimum wage to centered Illinois,” $15 an hour by 2025. This year, it Stratton will increase by one dollarsaid. to $12

BY PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

an hour.

The law allowing public housing

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health care. tenants keep pets isRAJU the result BY to DILPREET “Families that previously had to navigate multiple paths telling the CAPITOL NEWS of Senate Bill 154,

by Sen.ILLINOIS Linda story of their youth’s challenges dozens of times in the hope that a door DRAJU@CAPITOLNEWSILLINOIS.COM Holmes, D-Aurora, and Rep. Stephto services would open now will have an option for a single centralized anie Kifowit, D-Oswego. It provides place to go for help,” Weiner said.

For years, parents and providers have criticized what they see as a that tenants of multifamily housing The initiative was launched in 2022 amid concern about the imdisorganized system finding children mental health care in Illinois. units that are acquired, built for or renpacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Illinois youth, a sentiment Lt. Gov. State a new partnership will change that. ovated withleaders money are fromhoping the Illinois Juliana Stratton echoed on Monday.

The Illinois Department of Human Services is partnering with Affordable Housing Trust Fund “The last few years have been harder than anything that I’ve Google to launch a new centralized portal for children’s mental health may keep up to two cats or one dog seen in my lifetime. The pandemic ripped away normalcy,” she said. care, state officials announced Monday. weighing less than 50 pounds.

“Understandably, we’ve seen a surge of mental health struggles in our Gov. JB Pritzker, executives from Google Public Sector and state It applies to residents of housing youngest community members.” legislators gathered at Google’s Fulton Market office in Chicago to units that are designated as affordIDHS’ Division of Mental Health contracted with Google Public announce that the portal, called BEACON, is slated to launch this sumable housing for low- and very-lowmer. The governor said a centralized hub will make finding behavioral Sector — a division within the tech giant that partners with governincome families. The bill passed ments and universities — to develop BEACON. Officials said the portal health resources much easier for parents and providers. both chambers in its final form on will be able to connect caregivers with the myriad health resources “If you’ve ever had to search for these resources, it’s difficult,” MayPritzker 30 and Gov. JB Pritzker signed offered by an array of state agencies including, but not limited to, the said. it into lawBeyond Aug. 6. a central location to see what state agencies provide care, Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of HuOther newcan laws“upload include: documents to avoid repetition when applying for man Services, and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. parents Vehicle taxes: SB58 raises pri“In this age of technology, we have enormous power at our fingerall these services,” hethe said. vate vehicle tax, which is a sales tax tips, and we are using it to nurture our children and create a healThe platform will be accessible to parents, relevant health care paidproviders on the purchase of vehicles, to by monitor what services children may be ing-centered Illinois,” Stratton said. “The BEACON portal will centralize and educators $75eligible for each for model yearthe where the and simplify the process of securing mental and behavioral health from state. purchaseBEACON price is lessisthan the$15,000 latest major project following last year’s Blueprint intervention. It will ease the burden on our care providers.” andfor by $100 for vehicles priced State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago), a former social worker Transformation, an executive report on children’s mental health and chair of the House Mental Health and Addiction committee, said above thatcommissioned amount. However, care bythe Gov. Pritzker’s Children’s Behavioral Health BEACON is a sign of progress in the state’s mental health system. registration fee for trailers weighing Transformation Initiative.

“If you’ve lived it, like many of us have, you know that nothing less than That 3,000 report pounds highlighted will drop to five solutions for improving child mental about the mental health care system is easy to navigate,” she said. $36health instead care: of $118.

“Things have gotten a whole lot better. We still have lots of hill to climb capacity of services CollegeAdjust admissions: HB226, when it comes to children’s behavioral health access.”

Streamline processes of services establishing the Higher Education Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service Intervene earlier Fair Admissions Act, prohibits covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, Increase accountability so there is transparency in services public colleges and universities radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Develop agilitytotosubmit increase system responsiveness from requiring applicants Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along Dana Weiner, lead author of the report and Chief Officer for the SAT, ACT or other standardized test with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation initiative, highlighted BEACON as a “state of the art tool” that will ease scores as part of the admissions proand Southern Illinois Editorial Association. the logistical and emotional burden associated with seeking mental cess, although prospective students may choose to submit them if they wish.

Drug prices: SB1682 requires pharmacies to post a notice informing consumers that they may request current pharmacy retail prices at the point of sale.

FOID card changes: HB562 TINLEY PARK, ILL.en— For the second year, the Superintendents’ Part of the scholarship total includes ten full ride scholarships to actsCommission several changesfor to the theFirearm Study of Demographics and Diversity (SCSDD) Tougaloo College in Mississippi, a Historically Black College and UniOwner Identification cardthe law.United Negro College Fund to raise money for joined forces with versity. The president of Tougaloo College, Dr. Donzell Lee, visited five Among other things, it provides for students in their communities.

At the end of the night, organizers high school districts last fall and said the school would give two Presa streamlined renewal for had raised more than $400,500 toward announced thatprocess the event idential Scholarships to students from Rich Township High School, FOID cards and Concealed scholarships for highCarry school students in their districts—more than Southland College Prep Charter High School, Bloom High School, double goal ofvoluntarily $200,000.

Kankakee High School and Hillcrest High School who have a 3.5 grade Licenses for the people who The Superintendents’ point average. Dr. Lee will come to the Superintendents’ Commission submit fingerprint records. It also Commission is composed of 37 elementary and and school districts of the suburban dinner in March to present the scholarships. allows thesecondary Illinois Statesuperintendents Police to and collar “The power of our individual districts coming together shows us issueCook a combined FOIDcounties card and dedicated to providing quality educational opportunities for alltostudents. what isNews possible,” said Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, CEO and Concealed Carry License qualiGov. JB Pritzker is shown here earlier this year in a Capitol Illinois file photo.

The governor signed Southland’s more than Last year, Superintendents’ Commission UNCF, is Illinois superintendent of Matteson School District 162. “We are committed to 300 bills that become and law on Jan. 1.which (Capitol News file photo) fied applicants, and itthe establishes a itsIntelligence 80th year,Task partnered and raised more than $200,000 making sure that our children not only get into college, but they have newcelebrating Violent Crime which was double their goal of $100,000.

This year, the group set a the financial in college.”

United States. In June, President Joe its public health authoritiesmeans from to stay to the appropriate school support Force to take enforcement action goal of $200,000 and again exceeded the goal.

Last year 75 high school seniors from 14 high schools in suburban Biden also signed a bill designating regulating or shutting down lemonpersonnel. against people with revoked FOID College Fund means County and Kankakee received as ascholarships federal holiday.as a result of the ade stands Cook or similar operations that Juneteenth Official Negro flags: HB605 requires cards. “Our collaboration with the United more money for more students,” successful fundraising effort. Fourteen students from Southland are operated by childrenjoint under the state agencies and institutions to Student mental health: HB576 said Dr. Johnnie Thomas, president of the commission and sureceived awards last year, more than double Capitol News Illinoisthe is anumber of students purchase Illinois and American flags age of 16. Known as “Hayli’s Law,” and SB1577 allow students in Illiperintendent of Rich Townshipthat High School District 227.

“That means who usually receive the Superintendents’ Commission Scholarship, nonprofit, nonpartisan news it was inspired by 12-year-old Hayli are made in the United States. nois up to five excused absences to more support for our students to fulfill their dreams.”

Davis said.

Martinez, whose lemonade stand in service covering state government Hair styles: SB817 prohibits attend to their mental or behavioral Every year, the Superintendents’ Commission awards scholarOne of those recipients was Alaya Cherry, 18, who said the scholand distributed to more than 400 Kankakee was shut down by local discrimination in schools against health without providing a medical ships to high school seniors in their districts. Last year, the fundraising arship changed her life. She is currently at freshman at Tougaloo. newspapers statewide. It is funded officials. individuals on the grounds of note. Those students will be given efforts nearly tripled the amount of scholarship dollars available to “Being honored by receiving that scholarship and being acceptprimarily by the Illinois Press Juneteenth: HB3922 recognizwearing natural or ethnic hairstyles, an opportunity to make up any students, Thomas said. Scholarships will be awarded to students ed to Tougaloo really motivated me,” said Cherry, who is majoring in Foundation and the Robert R. es June 19, or “Juneteenth,” as an which include dreadlocks, braids, work they missed during the first at the Superintendents’ Commission annual scholarship dinner on economics and one day hopes to own a restaurant. “It really changed Foundation. official state holiday that commemtwists and afros. absence and, after using a second March 21. something in me. I knewMcCormick that people believed in me.” orates the end of slavery in the Lemonade stands: SB119 prohibmental health day, may be referred

Suburban school districts partner with United Negro College Fund to raise more than $400,000 in scholarships for local students

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Pigeon Forge, Dolly Parton Team Up for 2024 Pigeon Forge Family Challenge on how much fun families have while visiting our destination,” said Pigeon Forge Executive Director of Tourism Leon Downey. “Dolly’s involvement took the challenge to the next level for the families and us!”

The five families featured in the 2024 Pigeon Forge Family Challenge are the: Bethunes—Jenn and her husband Kyle and their three

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dolly Parton is keeping a big secret about Pigeon Forge. The entertainment legend and Pigeon Forge’s hometown gal knows which one of five families was crowned the grand champion of the 2024 Pigeon Forge Family Challenge.

Parton was on hand to help announce the grand champion and will appear in the final episode that airs in March 2024.

“All five families are winners in my book because they truly squeezed every ounce of fun and great times out of the Pigeon Forge Family Challenge,” Parton said. “Everybody enjoyed the family fun and great attractions that we offer in Pigeon Forge, and they made lifelong friendships and sweet memories that they’ll have forever.”

Others can discover the grand champion and see the competition unfold when the seven-episode series airs on Pigeon Forge’s YouTube channel. The series was filmed at several locations in Pigeon Forge in August 2023. Knoxville broadcast journalist and Tennessee native Beth Haynes served as host. The first episode, which introduces the five families, aired the week of Jan. 29. Subsequent episodes will be released on Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 and March 5. Episodes also are available for viewing at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/family-challenge.

The grand champion family will be revealed in the seventh and final episode which also will be released on March 5. The 2024 Pigeon Forge Family Challenge grand champion family won $5,000 and a return trip to Pigeon Forge.

“The Pigeon Forge Family Challenge proved itself to be an ideal setting to showcase the variety of attractions Pigeon Forge has to offer while also shining a spotlight

children Ben, (12), Molly, (10), and Eli, (8), are Tampa Bay, Florida, natives who have spent the past three years traveling the country in a renovated bus; Boldens—Dayna and Ernest and their two children Aria, (9), and Bryce, (4), are from Atlanta, Georgia; Nichols—Ashlee and her husband Brett and their three children Laikyn, (10), Lennyn, (8) and Brexton, (5), are from Boerne, Texas; Daniels—Rosalynn and Harvey and their three children Harper, (9), Harvey IV, (5), and Hollis, (3), also are from Atlanta, Georgia, and Falins—From Las Vegas, Nevada, Sandi and her husband Jimi and their three children Nixon, (14), Skylar,

(13), and Ryder, (10), have traveled the country for the past eight years in their RV. The Nichols and Boldens were first-time visitors to Pigeon Forge, while the Bethunes, Daniels and Falins knew the lay of the land from previous family vacations.

The Pigeon Forge Family Challenge put each family through the paces as they displayed their skills, enthusiasm and agility in five contests. The Island in Pigeon Forge is the backdrop for the introductory episode where the five families come face to face for the first time. One episode finds the families on the lawn of the Mountain Mile where they rolled around in a 12-foot in diameter water-filled orb from Zorb Outdoor Gravity Park. Another installment features the families at the historic Old Mill where pancakes were the key to their success. An episode at the Lumberjack Feud Adventure Park tests the families’ athleticism, while another filmed at Country Tonite Theater got the families on stage and in step. Of course, they visited Parton’s Dollywood theme park in an episode where knowledge was the featured attraction.

The winning family in each competition was awarded the most points, and the family with the greatest cumulative points was named the 2024 Pigeon Forge Family Challenge grand champion.

Pigeon Forge is located in East Tennessee, approximately 35 miles from Knoxville and McGhee-Tyson Airport. Twothirds of the nation’s population east of the Mississippi River lives within a day’s drive, making it an easily accessible family vacation destination. The city’s neighbor is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited national park in the U.S. It also is home to Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park, Tennessee’s most-visited ticketed attraction. More information about all aspects of Pigeon Forge is available at MyPigeonForge.com or toll-free at 1-800-251-9100.

NCHE LAUNCHES LANDMARK ACTIVITIES TO HONOR THE 8TH ANNUAL NATIONAL DAY OF RACIAL HEALING WASHINGTON - The National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE) celebrated the 8th Annual National Day of Racial Healing with groundbreaking activities, such as releasing a series of scholarly articles amplifying the value of connecting across racial, ethnic, and other perceived differences to embrace a shared humanity. And, working with publisher Mary Ann Libert Inc., NCHE also released a roundtable discussion on research showing that many Americans seek unity and want to embrace racial healing.

On January 16, an extraordinary day when more than 200 communities across the United States held National Day of Racial Healing events, NCHE continued its pursuit of health equity by emphasizing the need to eliminate racism.

“We recognize that health inequities and health disparities will only end when we end racism,” said Dr. Gail C. Christopher, NCHE’s executive director. “NCHE is expanding our mission to do just that, to work on ending racism in America. We recognize it requires comprehensive strategies that include healing from past injustices.”

While serving as vice president and senior advisor at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Dr. Christopher and others were catalysts for launching the National Day of Racial Healing, which has blossomed into a national event that unites people of all races, ethnicities, and religions in communities nationwide.

In October, NCHE released the results of its first annual Heart of America Annual Survey. As described by Dr. Christopher, “We looked at the major polls used to take the pulse of our country and realized that far too many are merely capturing and amplifying a dominant narrative about division and polarization. Yet our elections continue to show the general electorate is not so extreme or polarized. NCHE developed a survey to take the pulse of America’s readiness to do the hard work of healing, overcoming our legacy of

racial division, and actualizing our core democratic ideals and tenets. “ The survey, conducted by The Benenson Strategy Group, a premier strategic market research firm, found that almost a third (31%) of Americans want our nation to do the relational work that will enable us to see ourselves through a lens of shared humanity. Eight out of 10 respondents recognize that diversity in the workplace is an important requirement for us to overcome our differences, and they believe that teaching our nation’s history of racism in our school system is a necessary step in our healing and overcoming our historical divides. And more than 80% of the respondents want a leader that unites rather than divides.

“There is really a readiness in this country for us to put polarization and division behind us so that we can solve our collective and common challenges and problems,” Dr. Christopher said.

The wide-ranging discussion, which can be read by clicking HERE, includes Dr. Brian Smedley, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute; former Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring; Dr. Susan Eaton, Professor of Practice & Director, The Sillerman Center, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University; Michael Winger, is a Senior Fellow with the American Association of Colleges & Universities; and Heather McGhee, a renowned thought leader and author of an award-winning, New York Times Bestselling book, The Sum of Us—What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together.

“The Heart of America Survey truly shows that a counternarrative exists to the dominant media attention on our political divisions,” said McGhee. “Yes, the Heart of America Survey says that four out of five Americans believe that the country is more divided now than ever before, but in that same survey, more than four out of five Americans

are united on some of the most hot-button issues around race and our democracy, where there have been shocking decisions by state legislatures and by this conservative Supreme Court in the area of diversity policies and in the areas of book banning and censorship around our children’s freedoms to learn.”

As part of its commemoration of the National Day of Racial Healing, NCHE also released five scholarly articles on race and racial healing, which are important resources for leaders working to end racism and achieve health equity.

21st-Century Narrative Change with Focus on Social Media, written by Amy Sprecher and Aaliytha Stevens, Co-founders Building CommUnity LLC Facilitating Social Transformation Through Self and Collective Healing: A Collection of Insights, Resources, and Practices, written by Colette Rausch, Director, Neuroscience and Peacebuilding, Think Peace, and Laura Webber, Convener, Think Peace Learning and Support Hub Toward Transformative Reparations, written by Rob Corcoran, Program Design & Training Consultant, Initiatives of Change International, and Mike Wenger, Senior Fellow, American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Segregation Yesterday and Today: Exploring Possibilities for Systemic Change, written by Susan Eaton, Professor of Practice & Director, The Sillerman Center, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University The Economic Wellbeing of Black Americans and the Implications for Health Equity, written by Darrell J. Gaskins, Ph.D., MS, William C. and Nancy F. Richardson, Professor in Health Policy and Director, Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins School of Management and Public Health.

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Luxury ecotourism in Saudi Arabia

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takes a major step forward with Zardun

developments as susNEOM, Saudi Arabia, PRNewswire -- Luxutainable tourism destinary ecotourism in Saudi tions within the Gulf of Arabia has taken a major Aqaba, all of which share step forward with the anNEOM’s commitment to nouncement of Zardun, an sustainable progress. exclusive sanctuary resort NEOM is an accelerdeveloped by NEOM, the ator of human progress sustainable region taking shape in the northwest of and a vision of what a the Kingdom.

New Future might look Announced by the like. It is a region in NEOM Board of Directors, northwest Saudi Arabia Zardun has been designed on the Red Sea being built to seamlessly blend from the ground up as a contemporary luxury PRNewsfoto/NEOM Corporate living laboratory – a place with nature. The unique where entrepreneurship will destination is the latest in a a different theme so that guests can enjoy an array of experiseries of coastal assets that form part of the ongoing develop- ences that take in amazing views down a stunning valley and chart the course for this New Future. It will be a destination ment taking place across the NEOM region. out over the sea. and a home for people who dream big and want to be part of Overlooking the crystalline waters of the Gulf of Aqaba, Zardun will offer trekking, mountain biking, rock climb- building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thrivZardun is a nature-based resort that will host four ultra-lux- ing and a variety of other sports and leisure pursuits, including businesses and reinventing environmental conservation. ury signature buildings, all of which will merge harmoniously ing stargazing, meditation and yoga. In addition, guests will NEOM will include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, with the surrounding landscape. Intended to redefine luxury be invited to join in educational and field programs on nature ports and enterprise zones, research centers, sports and within an environmental context, Zardun aims to offer the ul- protection, conservation and re-wilding. timate premium ecotourism experience for discerning guests.

Zardun’s sustainability strategy encompasses all aspects entertainment venues and tourist destinations. As a hub for Covering an impressive four square kilometers, Zardun of environmental stewardship and will include the creation of innovation, entrepreneurs, business leaders and companies will be a carefully restored haven filled with native plants a series of oases to support diverse habitats. These life-giving will come to research, incubate and commercialize new techand animals. Stretching down from the mountains to the sea- water sources will facilitate the re-introduction and nurnologies and enterprises in groundbreaking ways. Residents shore, its breathtaking beauty will be experienced on arrival turing of native animals, tree and plant species. Along its of NEOM will embody an international ethos and embrace a by visitors at its state-of-the-art experience center, which coast, Zardun will support a vibrant ecosystem, including the culture of exploration, risk-taking and diversity. includes a 360-degree observation deck. conservation of coral reefs and other marine life in the Gulf For further information, visit www.neom.com.

Zardun will comprise three distinct and luxurious of Aqaba, emphasizing NEOM’s continuing commitment to This material is distributed by Teneo Strategy LLC on beboutique hotels, offering in total 100 rooms and suites, all of environmental preservation. half of NEOM Company. Additional information is available which are informed by a vision of a more sustainable future The latest asset to be announced by NEOM, Zardun within this newly restored environment. Each hotel will have joins Leyja, Epicon, Siranna, Utamo, Norlana and Aquellum at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.

FOUR SEASONS RESORT MAUI REOPENS FERRARO’S RESTAURANT & BAR, UNVEILING A DRAMATIC DESIGN TRANSFORMATION AND INSPIRED MENU DIRECTION IN 2024 the freshest locally sourced seasonal produce. Those who enhance the al fresco charm.

WAILEA, Hawaii, PRNewswire -- Hawaii’s five-star, wish to fully embrace la dolce vita can opt for Festa da FerOnce inside, diners are greeted by an expansive five-diamond luxury Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea unveils a spectacular reimagination of the Resort’s ocean- three-sided bar, updated extensively with a marble bar top, raro’s, highlighting a selection of Chef Rummer’s not-to-betiled bar face, and custom back bar display featuring an in- missed dishes served family-style or indulge in the Pesce front flagship dining concept, Ferraro’s Restaurant & Bar at the start of 2024. An extensive design transformation set bronze mirror that reflects the sunset and ocean. Plush Intero Alla Piastra, a roasted whole Hawaiian snapper.

A sampling of Ferraro’s new modern Italian dinner by acclaimed Venice, CA-based boutique agency, Studio sofa groupings upholstered in a rich navy fabric line the menu offerings include: Collective, and dynamic new menu direction led by Chef de southern perimeter of the space, providing the ideal locaPetrossian Caviar Service Whipped Mascarpone, Egg Cuisine Russell Rummer, further strengthens the beloved tion for a pre-dinner spritz or post-dinner amaro. A variety Yolk, Chive, Fried Caper, Pasta Fritti restaurant’s near 30-year culinary legacy as one of Maui’s of dining groupings on the upper and lower decks of the Kampachi Amalfi Kona Kampachi, Lemon Salsa, Wapremier dining destinations. restaurant are arranged to maximize unobstructed sunset “After much anticipation, we are delighted to reopen views well into the night under the Maui stars. Handcrafted termelon Radish, Calabrian Chili, Cucumber Acqua Pazza our doors and welcome guests back to the newly redeivory and indigo ceramic tiles, inspired by the colors and Cozze Conservata Marinated Tinned P.E.I. Mussels, textures of Maui, are used for tabletop insets, serving as Chili Oil, Grilled Sourdough signed Ferraro’s,” says Four Seasons Resort Maui General Caramelle e Granchio Reale King Crab and Burrata Manager Ben Shank. “The reimagination combines the best striking decorative accents. A custom teak trellis unifies the upper dining patio, bar, and piazza areas.

Ravioli, Butternut Squash, Coralleo Nero of Maui and Italy through a stunning transformation that “Our intent with the new design and layout was to Creste al Nero di Seppia Squid Ink Pasta, Kona Lobster, promises an unforgettable culinary experience for guests, open up the space, connecting it both to its beautiful Creme Rosa, Basil where Italian cuisine melds with our aloha spirit.” surroundings as well as to the resort itself,” says Adam The beverage program complements the menu Designing for “La Dolce Vita” on Maui Perched above the shoreline of Maui’s pristine Wailea Goldstein, Partner and Design Director of Studio Collective. through an extensive list of Italian wines, creative cockBeach, the newly transformed Ferraro’s effortlessly embrac- “Our vision for the evolution of Ferraro’s embraces the soul tails, and an expansive selection of amaro, curated by the of the island, integrating contemporary sophistication with Resort’s Beverage Director Aaron-Wood Snyderman. From es the soul of the island and the spirit of la dolce vita—the a welcoming, residential charm. The use of locally sourced a convivial Spritz Hour from 3:30pm to 5:00pm to inventive sweet life. Integrating sophisticated contemporary design materials, natural elements, and careful attention to detail craft cocktails at dinner to an after-dinner digestif menu elements to create an environment that complements ensures that Ferraro’s is not just a restaurant, but a dynamic to the late-night pizza pairing menu, amaro is spotlighted Maui’s mesmerizing landscape, Ferraro’s is not just a from start to finish. With the assistance of one of the Amaro restaurant, but a destination where guests and their loved dining destination on the island.”

Combining the Flavors of Coastal Italy & Maui Experts, curious epicureans can discover more about the ones gather to create lifelong memories.

Under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Ryan liqueur in customized flight form, selecting one from each Upon entering Ferraro’s, the redesigned 192-seat Schelling and Ferraro’s Chef de Cuisine Chef Russell of the menu’s amaro categories: Herbaceous, Bitter, and oceanfront concept captures the essence of Maui with Rummer, the dynamic new menu is inspired by Hawaii’s Sweet. Other noteworthy cocktails include the Caviar & design elements inspired by the local environment and surrounding landscape that harmonize with the property’s bountiful waterways and designed to be enjoyed in the style Limoncello Rosemary Spritz, served tableside with a caviar “bump,” during Spritz Hour and dinner’s Pasta Water lush grounds and panoramic views. Vibrant new landscap- of coastal Italian leisure culture. A refreshing and modern Italian menu offers a variety of artfully prepared seafood Martini, utilizing water from Ferraro’s hand-made pasta to ing surrounds the entrance, embracing a tropical experidishes accompanied by an array of handmade pastas and provide texture and a silky feel. ence, accompanied by a multitude of potted plants that

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Critics’ Choice & Emmy Awards

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- De Beers Jewellers natural & ethically sourced diamond jewelry dazzled on nominees and actors Jennifer Aniston and Sheryl Lee Ralph at the 29th Critics’ Choice Awards and on Quinta Brunson and Ariana DeBose at the 75th Emmy Awards.

At Critics’ Choice, Jennifer Aniston, nominated for Best Actress in a Drama Series, exuded effortless glamour while dripping in diamond pieces from De Beers Jewellers including shoulder-sweeping long diamond earrings, a two-stone diamond ring, and pear-shaped diamond ring. Sheryl Lee Ralph, nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, radiated natural elegance in classic diamond pieces from De Beers Jewellers including long diamond drop earrings and a diamond line bracelet.

The following evening, Quinta Brunson sparkled while accepting the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series wearing diamond hoop earrings from the Metamorphosis by De Beers high De Beers jewellery collection, a Talisman cocktail ring, and a pearshaped diamond ring. Actor, Ariana De Bose stunned in classic diamond pieces including a long bezel set lariat diamond necklace, round brilliant sleeper earrings, a Dewdrop one line pavé ring and an assortment of diamond eternity bands.

De Beers’ unique connection to the source affords the House unparalleled access to the Earth’s most spectacular diamonds, while also ensuring their superior quality, traceability and positive impact. With over 130 years of diamond expertise, De Beers consciously selects the most awe-inspiring diamonds to masterfully craft extraordinary wearable works of art that magnify and immortalize the beauty of nature with timeless designs.

De Beers looks at the 29th Critics’ Choice Awards include: Jennifer Aniston, Nominee for Best Actress in a Drama Series, The Morning Show De Beers Long Diamond Earrings set in 18K White Gold, 4.96 carats.

De Beers OBS Pear-Shaped Diamond Ring set in Platinum, 5.45 carats

De Beers Diamond Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold, 8.52 carats.

Sheryl Lee Ralph, Nominee for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Abbott Elementary De Beers Long Diamond Drop Earrings set in 18K White Gold, 16.33 carats.

De Beers Classic Diamond Line Bracelet set in Platinum, 17.03 carats.

De Beers looks at the 75th Emmy Awards include: Quinta Brunson, Winner and Nominee for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, Abbott Elementary and Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, Saturday Night Live.

Metamorphosis by De Beers Summer Hoop Earrings set in 18K Yellow Gold, 5.73 carats.

De Beers Talisman Cocktail Diamond Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold, 4.71 carats.

De Beers OBS Pear-Shaped Diamond Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold, 11.30 carats.

Ariana DeBose, Actor De Beers Classic Bezel Set Diamond Necklace with Clip set in 18K White Gold, 16.63 carats.

De Beers Classic Round Brilliant Diamond Sleeper Earrings set in Platinum, 6.84 carats.

De Beers Classic Allegria Diamond Eternity Band set in Platinum, 3.70 carats.

De Beers Classic Allegria Diamond Eternity Band set in Platinum, 3.34 carats De Beers Dewdrop One Line Pavé Diamond Ring set in 18K White Gold.

Founded in London, with a flagship store on Old Bond Street and a presence in the most exclusive locations around the world, De Beers Jewellers is the pinnacle of luxury diamond jewellery. Building on De Beers’ 130 years of expertise, the House glorifies the world’s most beautiful diamonds through creativity and craftsmanship in bold, distinctive designs.

De Beers is invested in ensuring all the diamonds it discovers create a lasting positive impact for people and the places where they are found. This comes with a pledge to build a better future – one that is fairer, safer, cleaner and healthier, in which communities thrive, ethical practices are maintained, and the natural environment is protected. We call this long-term commitment Building Forever.

De Beers diamond jewellery is available in more than 30 stores worldwide, as well as online at debeers.com.

HSN CHAMPIONS EMERGING DESIGNERS THROUGH EXCLUSIVE COLLABORATION WITH HARLEM’S FASHION ROW ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., PRNewswire -- HSN®, a leader in livestream shopping and video storytelling, announced an exclusive collaboration with Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR), tapping four of the agency’s top designers, each with their own fresh, distinct perspective. Debuting next month will be collections from brands Megan Renee and Undra Celeste, followed by two new designers in the fall.

“Harlem’s Fashion Row has brought us exceptional designers with beautiful and exclusive collections that we are honored to share with our audience,” said Bridget Love, GMM & VP Fashion, Accessories, Jewelry & Beauty, HSN. “This collaboration helps HSN continue to offer our customers with an ever-changing mix of must-have items that reflect multiple perspectives on fashion. We are proud to support HFR’s mission of inclusivity and empowerment in the fashion industry.”

Brandice Daniel, founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row, passionately expressed her commitment to elevating diverse voices in the fashion industry through the collaboration with HSN. She emphasized, “This project not only celebrates unique perspectives but also provides a new and vital platform for designers of color, extending beyond the boundaries of traditional retail. It signifies a notable advancement in the range of opportunities presently accessible to designers of color.”

Megan Renee x HFR is a 9-piece collection for everyday wear with original prints embodying strength, confidence, and unapologetic femininity. For Undra Celeste x HFR, Undra has created a 10-piece wardrobe featuring modern, fun, and bold workwear. The new collections will range in price point from $49.95 for a T-shirt

to $189.95 for a trench coat.

Discussing the inspiration behind her collection, Megan Smith, designer of Megan Renee, elaborated, “Each piece tells a story through unique prints and vibrant colors, reflecting the identity of a woman who embraces her power and individuality. Creating this collection has been an incredible journey, allowing me to showcase my distinct point of view on fashion.”

“Undra Celeste x HFR embodies the essence of a multicultural woman who wants to show up to work feeling like her authentic self,” said Undra Duncan, designer of Undra Celeste. “This collaboration for HSN is an exciting opportunity to share my vision of the future, where fashion becomes a statement of unyielding self-expression for every woman.”

The HRF brands will appear on-air on February 1st via a live remote from Harlem, where each designer will have one full hour of programming. Customers can shop their exclusive new collections on www.hsn.com later this month, leading into the network’s month-long celebration of Black History Month. Learn more and shop Black Owned businesses on www.hsn.com.

HSN® takes shoppers on a journey – embracing the new, exploring untrodden paths, and bringing shoppers a unique perspective that enriches their lives. HSN offers a curated assortment of exclusive products and top brand names in health and beauty, jewelry, home/lifestyle, fashion/accessories, and electronics and incorporates entertainment, personalities and industry experts to provide a unique shopping experience. HSN engages millions of customers across the U.S. via two TV channels, which are widely available on cable/satellite TV, free over-the-air

TV, and digital livestreaming TV. The retailer also reaches millions of customers via the QVC+ and HSN+ streaming experience, a website and mobile app, and social pages.

HSN was founded more than 45 years ago as the first shopping network and is based in St. Petersburg, Fla. To learn more, visit corporate.hsn.com, follow @HSN on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or follow HSN on Pinterest, YouTube or LinkedIn. Qurate Retail, Inc. (NASDAQ: QRTEA, QRTEB, QRTEP) is a Fortune 500 company that includes the Qurate Retail GroupSM portfolio of brands as well as other minority interests. Qurate Retail Group comprises six leading retail brands – QVC®, HSN, Ballard Designs®, Frontgate®, Garnet Hill® and Grandin Road® – all dedicated to providing a more human way to shop. Qurate Retail Group is the largest player in video commerce (“vCommerce”), which includes video-driven shopping across linear TV, ecommerce sites, digital streaming and social platforms. For more information, visit qurateretailgroup.com or follow Qurate Retail Group on YouTube or LinkedIn. Founded in 2007 by Brandice Daniel, the organization supports emerging talent and provides a platform for underrepresented Black and Latinx designers. Harlem’s Fashion Row is the premier agency creating a bridge between brands and designers of color through product collaborations, experiential marketing events, and brand strategy. The objective is to provide real business opportunities that will enable designers to showcase their skills and abilities in an industry that is often inaccessible to this group. To learn more, please visit www.harlemsfashionrow.com.

citizennewspapergroup.com

SUBURBAN TIMES

Suburban Times | Week of February 7, 2024 | 7

8 | Suburban Times | Week of February 7, 2024

SUBURBAN TIMES

REP. FORD SECURES GRANT TO EXPAND TRAVEL PROGRAM FOR CHICAGO YOUTH 100K appropriation grant to benefit 400 youth through Austin neighborhood nonprofit

Chicago Austin Youth the streets and show them Travel Adventures (CAYthe world on an internaTA) is proud to announce tional stage. I am beyond they are the recipient of a grateful for Rep. Ford’s $100,000 special approdedication and commitpriations grant secured by ment to our organization,” Representative LaShawn says Crystal Dyer, FoundK. Ford. The grant will er, and CEO of Chicago cover up to 400 youth to Austin Youth Travel Adexpand their knowledge of ventures, Inc. heritages around the globe In addition to CAYTA’s and connections to career World Citizen Program, apprenticeship programs. they offer both a Teen Getting youth out of the Reach Afterschool Proneighborhoods and congram and a job training necting them to personal program in partnership experiences will enhance with Choose Chicago. their self-esteem, deThe nonprofit was creasing self-doubt which also recently awarded a increases mental stress $200,000 grant for gun viand can lead to violent outolence prevention in partbursts and the use of guns. nership with the Chicago Founded in 2015, Crystal Dyer launched CAYTA in Chicago’s Park District and a $30,000 grant for Austin fresh to promote Austin neighborhood where her grandson Devin, was violenthealthy eating, healthy lifestyle tours, and menu planning. ly killed. Today, the organization is thriving, reaching at-risk “CAYTA is growing expotentially, and I am ecstatic. I could children, youth, and young adults through a variety of programs have never imagined the rate of growth we have experienced aimed at showing them a world outside their neighborhood, a when we first launched. It is a blessing and I am honored that world many have never seen.

Devin’s memory will continue to live on in the good work being “After I lost my grandson to gun violence in Chicago, I vowed carried out each and every day here in the Austin neighborhood to do everything within my power to ensure no other family ex- and around the world,” adds Dyer. periences such a tragedy. Through CAYTA, we get the youth off For more information about CAYTA, visit their website.

Amplifying artists of every age.

Nasha Thomas National Director, AileyCamp Master Teacher

Black History Month 2024 AARP celebrates artists over 50 of every form.

Through our Brain Health work, we know that art keeps us mentally sharp, as it connects us and preserves our collective story. We’re uplifting these dynamic artists who have mastered their craft in the areas of costume design, dance and hip-hop music.

Celebrate Black artists that make your community thrive this Black History Month and beyond.

Ruth E. Carter Award-Winning Costume Designer

Doug E. Fresh Hip-Hop Legend

Discover more today at AARP.org/BlackCommunity

SUBURBAN TIMES

Suburban Times | Week of February 7, 2024 | 9

Leadership Greater Chicago Elects New Board Members: Lucino Sotelo, Northern Trust Corporation, and Ann Marie Wright, BMO Financial Group CHICAGO, IL – Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC), achieve higher levels of success, with a passionate focus issues through dynamic education and experiential the region’s premier civic leadership development on educational equality in all communities. Previously, activities. These diverse individuals represent the most organization, recently welcomed the election of Lucino Sotelo was a board member of City Year Chicago, Exprominent corporate, nonprofit, government, and educaSotelo, Executive Vice President at Northern Trust Cor- ecutive Service Corps of Chicago, Rauner YMCA, Peace tion organizations. poration, and Ann Marie Wright, U.S. Chief Risk Officer & Education Coalition, and LGC. He is an Executive LGC creates connectivity among its Fellows for BMO Financial Group, to the LGC Board of Directors. Member of the Latino Corporate Directors Association to positively impact not only themselves but their As elected LGC board members, both Sotelo and Wright (LCDA). Sotelo has an MBA from Northwestern Univer- employees, their constituents, their clients, their will support LGC’s mission to develop a strong channel sity’s Kellogg School of Management and a bachelor’s of neighbors, and their families. This connectivity is of civic leaders who will shape the future of Chicago and science degree in accounting from DePaul University. the backbone and strength of the LGC network, the region.

Wright brings vast leadership skills and commitenabling leaders to leverage collective resources to “We are grateful to have Lucino and Ann Marie join ment to equity and inclusion to the LGC Board that will make the Greater Chicago Region a more dynamic, the LGC Board of Directors as we move into a year that position the organization for strength and growth in the inclusive, and collaborative community. presents new challenges and exciting opportunities for future. Wright, an LGC Daniel Burnham Fellow, is the LGC Fellows are a distinguished group that the future of civic leadership in our city,” said Myetie U.S. Chief Risk Officer at BMO Financial Group where includes former First Lady Michelle Obama; ManHamilton, LGC Chief Executive Officer and LGC Fellow she is responsible for ensuring that the organization ef- aging Partner of Emerson Collective and former since 2016. “The LGC Board continues to reflect the fectively identifies and manages the risks in the business U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan; former diversity of its Fellows in every way, and LGC will benefit and legal entities through which it operates in the U.S., Executive Chairman of Urban Partnership Bank Dafrom their respective expertise, leadership and commit- provides review and oversight of risk issues for leadvid Vitale; Co-CEO and Chief Investment Officer of ment to our community and region,” she added. ership, and fosters a strong risk culture across the U.S. Ariel Investments John Rogers Jr.; General Partner Sotelo, an LGC Fellow since 2006, will help deterMost recently, Wright was U.S. Chief Auditor. Previous- of Henry Crown & Company Steve Crown; Managing mine strategy and governance and work with the LGC ly, she served as Chief Operating Officer for the North Partner at Cleveland Avenue Andy Zopp; Deputy leadership team to further the organization’s strategic American Commercial Bank. Wright is a board member Governor for Health and Human Services for the plan to convene, connect and mobilize the region’s most of the Civic Consulting Alliance, the Chicago SymphoState of Illinois Grace Hou; Chairman, Commispromising leaders to effect change. Sotelo is an accomny Orchestra, the Chicago Foundation for Women. She sioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Displished executive with digital, analytics, and marketing also serves as co-chair of BMO’s Leadership Council abilities Rachel Arfa; President of United Airlines expertise who leads the Digital Services organization for Inclusion and Diversity. Wright holds a master’s in Holdings, Inc. Brett Hart; Chancellor of Chicago City accountable for realizing the Wealth Management digital management degree specializing in Finance and ManColleges and vision, strategy, and roadmap for Northern Trust Coragement Strategy from Northwestern University.

MacArthur Genius Juan Salgado; President and poration. Sotelo was formerly appointed to the Chicago Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC) is the region’s CEO of Metropolitan Family Services Ric Estrada; Board of Education by Lori Lightfoot in 2016. He also premier civic leadership development incubator, deliver- and President and CEO of Access Living Karen Tamformerly served as a Commissioner on the Chicago Plan- ing the knowledge and network to lead bold, transforma- ley. Leadership Greater Chicago is a 501(c)3 nonning Commission. Sotelo has committed himself to com- tive change. LGC convenes, connects, and activates the profit organization. To learn more, visit: lgcchicago. munity and investing in organizations that help others area’s most promising leaders around key socioeconomic org.

10 | Suburban Times | Week of February 7, 2024

SUBURBAN TIMES

Honor Rosa Parks, Not Through Words, but Action

BY BAKARI HEIGHT

F

ebruary 4 is Rosa Parks’ birthday. It is also Transit Equity Day. These days are tied together because Rosa Parks is an iconic figure among many of the civil rights era who chose the tactic of refusing to give up her seat on the bus. And transit advocates, like myself, want to make the connection to this act of resistance to highlight the rights of all people to high-quality public transportation powered by clean and renewable energy and organized labor.

But for far too long, policymakers BAKARI HEIGHT in Washington have prioritized highways and cars over public transit. This has devastating impacts not only for the climate crisis but on the budgets of local transit agencies and communities across the nation.

A new piece of legislation introduced last month by Congressman Hank Johnson from the Atlanta area would change that. The bill titled, “Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act” will provide high-quality transit to communities across the country.

The fact of the matter is the COVID pandemic and recovery forever changed how our communities function, work, socialize, and commute. It also dramatically showed that public transit is essential to our communities, local economies, and the lives of millions of people across the country. Essential workers depend on and operate transit, small businesses depend on transit, and historically marginalized communities depend on transit. Transit is a key component of economic recovery and a more environmentally sustainable society, and it’s a road to equity for disconnected communities—rural, urban, and suburban.

The recently introduced legislation would create a new formula grant program available to all transit agencies to increase service frequency and dependability so that people don’t have to wait so long for the bus, to provide additional hours of service so that those who don’t work white-collar hours can still get to their jobs; and to add new, frequent service to underserved communities.

For decades, the federal government has supported the cost of operating aviation through air traffic control and the cost of shipping through investment in ports and the management of locks and dams in the inland waterways. These are essential services for the movement of goods and people. Operating high-quality transit is just as essential to get people to employment and to give businesses access to talent and customers. And it is time for Washington to treat it as such.

While Congress has taken vital steps in recent years to fund transit capital projects like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the fact of the matter is that the lack of congressional action on operations funding, which this latest bill would provide, has led to critical funding shortfalls at numerous transit agencies and has left many in fiscal trouble.

This new legislation will help fix that.

The truth of the matter is that in communities throughout the country transit is a driver of economic growth, jobs, and opportunity for many residents. Nationally, tens of millions of people in the U.S.—from small rural towns to major urban centers—rely on public transit to get to work every day, generating trillions of dollars in economic activity. Every dollar

invested in transit offers a 5-to-1 return, and every $1 billion invested in public transit produces 50,000 jobs. Transit agencies are often among the largest employers in their cities.

We also know the climate crisis is not coming; it is here now. And it’s getting worse by the day. We’ve seen it all around us on a near daily basis.

It is impacting our economy and nearly every aspect of our daily lives.

Investing in public transit is one of the top ways we can help address the climate crisis on the scale that is needed.

In other words, an investment in transit by policymakers would be a win-win. A win economically and a win in our efforts to address the climate crisis.

And it is far past time for Washington to ensure that public transit does not just recover from COVID but expands to create more-sustainable and -prosperous communities.

We need to honor Rosa Parks not just through words, but through action. And that is what this bill will do.

ROSA PARK PHOTO CREDIT LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

SUBURBAN TIMES

Bolingbrook Black History Month Awareness Club Celebrates Being Brilliantly Black 26th Annual Black History Month Celebration Awards Hall of Fame to Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Vincent Cornelius Bolingbrook, IL, January 10th, 2024 – The County, IL, Judge Cornelius holds a distinBolingbrook Black History Month Awareness guished service record, including the 140th PresClub is set to mark its 26th annual event on Sat- ident of the Illinois State Bar Association. He urday, February 10th , 2024, from 2:00 pm until was the first African American to serve as ISBA 5:00 pm at Bolingbrook High School, 365 Raider president. Judge Cornelius has made significant Way, Bolingbrook, IL 60440. contributions to the legal community, including This free, family-friendly event is a vibrant serving as Illinois Bar Foundation President and platform for raising awareness and understand- Chancellor of the Academy of Illinois Lawyers. ing of Black History. Hosted by the spirited Past Hall of Fame award recipients include Chicago comedian Bryant BLT Turner, Bolingretired American baseball left fielder Billy brook’s Black History Month Awareness Club Williams, Congressman Danny Davis, and Rev. aims to make a meaningful impact in spreading Jesse Jackson. awareness and education of Black history within The event, held during Black History Month, the community. The program highlights will is designed for all residents, regardless of race or feature an anticipated performance from Black origin, to build bridges of tolerance and underMagician Spellbinder, author, poet, spoken-word standing. Sponsors for the event include Valley artist Anita Riddle, and the Jubilee youth and View District 365U, the Village of Bolingbrook, adult choir. Honor roll students from Valley View Fountaindale Public Library, Great Lakes Credit District 365U middle schools will be introduced, Union, Illinois American Water, Bolingbrook and scholarships will be awarded to seniors Bank and Trust, and various local businesses. residing in Bolingbrook who have been accepted The celebration is open to the public and to college. features entertainment, children’s activities, This year’s notable Hall of Fame award will complimentary snacks and drinks, and excitbe presented to Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court ing raffle prizes. For more information on The Judge Vincent Cornelius. An esteemed Circuit Bolingbrook Black History Month Awareness Judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Will Club, visit www.bolingbrookblackhistory.com

Suburban Times | Week of February 7, 2024 | 11

Great Lakes Credit Union and Encurage Financial Network Credit Union Jointly Announce Intent to Merge Chicago, Ill. – Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) and encurage financial network credit union (encurage) are excited to announce their plans to merge pending regulatory approval and an encurage membership vote. If approved, the combined organization will operate under the unified brand name, Great Lakes Credit Union. The credit unions are targeting a close later this year as a legal effective date for the merger. Both boards have voted in favor of the combined merger.

Early in 2023, First Financial Credit Union launched the encurage brand as a cooperative effort of four formerly independent credit unions (S & C Electric Employees CU, Win-Hood Co-Op CU, C & NW Proviso CU, First Financial CU) aimed at helping their members to keep their local legacy while providing each credit union with the tools to improve operations, maximize resources, and enhance member services by pooling and sharing knowledge.

In today’s highly competitive and rapidly changing financial marketplace, it is becoming increasingly challenging to offer the wide range of products and services that members want. Attracting new members and new employees in this competitive market is also becoming increasingly difficult. By merging with Great Lakes Credit Union, encurage will be able to leverage even more resources and benefits in the form of additional products and services, new and robust technologies, an increased branch network, financial education/counseling services, and position its credit unions for continued growth.

Both credit unions wanted to find a partner that matched their own passions, shared similar bonds, policy guidelines, and an overall philosophy that aligned closely with their own missions, as well as a shared dedication and loyalty to their teams, members, and communities.

“When we announced the formation of encurage in early 2023, we also indicated that it was the first step of many to enhance services and benefits for our members. By joining with Great Lakes Credit Union, we will take collaboration and innovation to an even higher level,” says Michael Abraham, CEO of encurage. Upon closing, Abraham will become the Chief Strategy Officer of Great Lakes Credit Union. Abraham continues, “Since its launch, encurage has provided a wide range of services to its credit union network and, with this merger, we will find many more ways to create an even richer experience for our members and our communities.”

Steve Bugg, President and CEO of Great Lakes Credit Union says, “GLCU chose encurage as a merger partner because they are committed, as are we, to member focus, leadership, community involvement, and a vision for the future. We share a mutual dedication to our members, employees, and communities. Great Lakes Credit Union welcomes the entire encurage financial network of credit unions to our organization and look forward to continuing the legacy and success these credit unions have become known for. Our intent is to ensure these partner credit unions continue their unique identity that is tied back to their originating sponsors. In doing so, we are committed in keeping their voices heard under the advisory councils to ensure we remain close to our members and communities.”

As member-owned cooperatives, and under the guidelines of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), full merger approval is contingent upon membership approval, along with regulatory approvals from the NCUA and Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation. As the merger process moves forward, both credit unions will provide information to their respective memberships via their websites (www.glcu.org and www.firstfcu.org/encurage) and through other applicable communication channels.

Upon completion of the merger, encurage financial network will bring over more than 14,000 members, mostly in the greater Chicagoland area, and over $200 million in assets to the new organization to combine with GLCU’s 80,000 members and $1.3 billion in assets. The combined entity will serve 94,000 members and hold approximately $1.5 billion in assets.

Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Northern Illinois, Great Lakes Credit Union is banking for a greater good. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative with over $1.3 billion in assets, GLCU is proud to serve 80,000 members in Chicagoland and surrounding areas, and to give back to its members and communities through education, volunteerism, and partnerships. Learn more about GLCU’s accounts, educational initiatives, and community development programs at www.glcu.org. encurage financial network credit union was formed in 2023 to provide collaborative solutions for the members of four small asset-size credit unions with legacies extending back as far as 1936. encurage has steadily expanded and grown, serving over 14,000 members and holding over $220 million in assets.

12 | Suburban Times | Week of February 7, 2024

SUBURBAN TIMES

Dexter King Died Believing that the Truth of His Father’s Killing Will Someday Rise vegetarian, giving up sugars and starches until his body craved natural foods. He said he was bothered that his grandfather, Daddy King, (TriceEdneyWire.com) - Not another King might have lived a longer life had he eaten difdying far too soon. This was the immediate ferently. At her son’s insistence, Coretta, who reaction of many at the news that Dexter Scott had mastered the art of rich Southern style King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther cooking, became a vegetarian. Once when I King Jr. and Coretta Scott King had died from traveled with her to a Florida spa, I was disprostate cancer at age 62. In 2007 his sister mayed that for a week, they served nothing but Yolanda died at age 52. raw vegetables and veggie smoothies. Yet, she At the time of his death, Dexter had served also believed her strict regimen eased her pain as both chairman of The King Center and Presfrom gout and other discomforts prolonging ident of the King Estate. In that capacity he enher life. She died at the age of 78. gaged in legal intellectual property fights with Both mother and son shared an intense corporations, federal agencies, and court suits determination to prove to the nation that with family members to protect his parents’ James Earl Ray did not kill Martin Luther King legacy. His strongest crusade, however, was his Jr, that his murder was the result of a conspirbattle to bring to justice those responsible for acy involving the U.S. government and the his father’s murder. assassins should be held accountable.

Born in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 1961, he was In the early 1990’s I picked Dexter up at named after Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in the DC airport and took him to the NationMontgomery, Alabama, where his father served in his first pastorate and helped launch the al Press Club where I had helped arrange a famous Montgomery Bus Boycott. He was the briefing on the assassination. He spoke about second-born son of Dr. King and Mrs. King and his plans to meet with Ray and that he believed was only 7 years old when his father was assasRay’s claim of innocence and, based on other home, the same one that buried his father. The exsinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968. periences in the mortuary he attributed to his quest evidence, felt along with other family members that For years, Dexter King—who has an amazing Ray was not the lone assassin. to come to terms with death and dying. To underresemblance to his globally acclaimed father, conOn December 8, 1999, Dexter and Mrs. King, on stand the intricacies of the criminal justice system, fessed that when he “looked in the mirror he saw his in 1982, for a short spell, he became a police officer behalf of the family, pursued a civil suit in Memphis. father’s face trapped in mine.” In his memoir “Grow- in Atlanta. His stance to wear a uniform with a side- A jury of six Whites and six Blacks unanimously ing Up King,” he spoke of gazing upon the writing implicated U.S. government agencies in the wrongful arm shocked the principled non-violent, anti-gun on his father’s crypt, “Free At Last,” and feeling that workers at the King Center. But he was determined death of Dr. King. The shocking evidence convinced same sense of freedom. Yet he was freed in a differ- to understand the system from the inside out. the jury that Dr. King had been the victim of assasent way- not in death - but in the resolution of living sination by a conspiracy involving the Memphis Dexter also wanted to test his acting abilities. his best life on his own terms and not becoming a With his uncanny resemblance to his father, he por- Police Department as well as local, state, and prisoner of the King name. trayed him in the 2002 television movie “The Rosa federal government agencies, and the Mafia. The As a journalist and later biographer of Coretta Parks Story.” His love for the creative arts drew him Jury also concluded, just as Dexter had argued all Scott King, I was in and out of the King household along, that Ray was not the shooter, but had been to relocate to California but he also continued his since the seventies watching their becoming years. work with the King Center and commitment to the set up as a patsy to take the blame.

As a teenager Dexter used to love talking about one King family legacy, This news, where both Dexter and Mrs. King day becoming a businessman and he started his testified, should have rocked the world, but unAs deftly as he helped free himself from fear first enterprise, a music company where he hired fortunately it landed like the noise of a feather and tradition, he also took responsibility for freehimself out as a disk jockey for weddings. In later hitting the ground. The verdict and shocking tesing his family, especially his mother, from digging years, his zest for business skills took root at the timony were virtually ignored by the media - as it their graves with their forks. He became a strict King Center, where he sometimes took the reins is today. of the King Center with his siblings helping it Dexter was often criticized for his insisto become a Beloved world house of peace and tence on following up on details ignored by non-violence. the press, but he argued that it was hard for Coretta King said all four siblings—Martin him to believe looking into his father’s murIII, Yolanda, Dexter, and Bernice had inheritder was somehow illogical. ed specific qualities from her and their father.

Yet, even in this failure, Dexter believed Yolanda had a love for the performing arts and as his mother did, that they had both freed became an actress. Martin III, a social justice themselves of the guilt of not pushing for the activist; Bernice, a Call to ministry and pastotruth. So many times, they had heard their ral and organizational leadership; and Dexter, father and husband say, “Truth crushed to a drive to master the complexities of life by Earth Shall Rise Again.” pushing forward, overcoming the most difficult And they left this world believing that problems, even when at the very root he had to one day it would. overcome himself.

The Rev. Dr. Barbara Reynolds is co-auConfronted with the fear of death, instead thor of the memoir, Coretta Scott King: My Journalist, Dr. Barbara Reynolds, with Martin Luther King III (left) and of running from it, he freed himself by running Life, My Love, My Legacy. the now late Dexter Scott King (on right wearing hat) in their younger into it. At age 16, he started working at a funeral

BY DR. BARBARA REYNOLDS

years.

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SUBURBAN TIMES

ENTERTAINMENT 13 PBS Presents a Curated Collection of Films, Series, and Digital Content to Celebrate Black History Month 2024

The Cleaners 2 is Sedrick’s debut hit movie to his first movie The Cleaners. This movie has been highly anticipated.

Sedrick Savoy.

Filmmaker Sedrick Savoy Unveils

“The Cleaners 2” on Leading Streaming Platforms After Chart-Topping Success of Predecessors OPELOUSAS, La., PRNewswire -- Sedrick SaCity” has solidified SSFILMZ as a powerhouse in voy, the visionary Louisiana filmmaker behind the the film industry, known for pushing boundaries cinematic triumphs “The Cleaners 1” and “When and challenging conventions.

Country Meets The City,” is set to enthrall audienc“The Cleaners 2” promises to build upon the es once again with the highly anticipated release success of its predecessors, offering audiences a of “The Cleaners 2.” Savoy’s journey from humble cinematic experience that goes beyond traditionbeginnings to a celebrated figure al storytelling. Sedrick Savoy’s in the entertainment industry has dedication to using his platform been nothing short of extraordifor positive change is evident nary, marked by groundbreaking in every frame, as he strives to visuals and storytelling that have bring people together and make earned him numerous awards, a meaningful impact on the including RIAA gold and platiworld. num certifications.

Despite the recognition “The Cleaners 1” and “When and accolades that continCountry Meets The City” stand as ue to pour in, Sedrick Savoy testament to Savoy’s prowess in remains grounded in his roots crafting narratives that resonate and committed to philanthrowith audiences on a global scale. py. His unwavering efforts to The success of these films has help others in need have led to paved the way for “The Cleaners various initiatives and charita2,” which is poised to make its ble endeavors that aim to bridge debut on the popular streaming gaps and celebrate diversity in platforms FilmHarbor, Prime, and Sedrick Savoy a Louisiana pioneer the world of film. Savoy’s jourTubi. This release marks a contin- in the film and music industry. Sed- ney serves as a true testament rick Savoy. uation of Savoy’s commitment to to the transformative power delivering exceptional storytelling of following one’s dreams and that transcends genres and captivates diverse using success to uplift others. audiences.

“The Cleaners 2” stands as the next chapter Savoy’s unique eye for storytelling has not in Sedrick Savoy’s cinematic legacy, showcasing only propelled him to fame but has also left an innot only his evolution as a filmmaker but also delible impact on those who have experienced the his dedication to creating narratives that inspire cinematic journeys he creates. SSFILMZ, Savoy’s and unite. Audiences worldwide are invited to production company, has become a source of inexperience the magic of “The Cleaners 2” as it spiration and hope for many, providing a window premieres on FilmHarbor, Prime, and Tubi, sointo new perspectives and cultures. The success lidifying Sedrick Savoy’s position as a trailblazer of “The Cleaners 1” and “When Country Meets The in the world of storytelling.

ARLINGTON, VA, – PBS will celebrate Black History Month with an expanded new slate of programming, specials, and digital content, shining a spotlight on the diversity of people, stories, and experiences in the Black community.

As a complement to the primetime schedule and continuing for the third consecutive year is THE BLOCK PARTY, a streaming collection and social campaign presented by PBS’s Black Culture Connection, created to amplify Black stories across PBS’s digital platforms through curated and original bonus content.

“PBS is proud to bring forth stories from diverse perspectives with documentaries such as GOSPEL and those from INDEPENDENT LENS and POV, which apply a wide lens on the lived experiences of the Black community,” said Sylvia Bugg, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming at PBS. “We’re also excited to bring back audience favorites with the return of FINDING YOUR ROOTS and THE BLOCK PARTY, highlighting content that audiences can access during Black History Month and all year long.”

“At PBS KIDS, we want kids across the country to see themselves represented in our content, and also want to be a window into experiences that may be different from their own,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS. “We’re excited to welcome Lyla and the Loops family to PBS KIDS and know families across the country will be drawn to this warm, funny, and smart series.”

Below is a snippet of the schedule of Black History Month 2024 programs premiering on PBS (check local listings), PBS.org, and the PBS App—available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and VIZIO. GOSPEL LIVE! PRESENTED BY HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR Premieres: Friday, Feb. 9, 9 p.m. ET GOSPEL LIVE! PRESENTED BY HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. is a concert celebration honoring the legacy of Gospel music in America. As a companion to GOSPEL, hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., secular and gospel artists sing their favorite gospel classics.

GOSPEL Premieres: Monday, Feb. 12, 9 p.m. ET Musical styles come and go, but there’s one sound that has been a constant source of strength, courage, and wisdom from the pulpit to the choir lofts on any given Sunday. GOSPEL, the latest history series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., digs deep into the origin story of Black spirituality through sermon and song.

INDEPENDENT LENS “Breaking the News” Premieres: Premieres: Monday, Feb. 12, 9 p.m. ET Frustrated by a broken news media system, a group of women and LGBTQ+ journalists launch The 19th*, an unprecedented digital news startup dedicated to combatting misinformation. Challenging the status quo, the 19th* aims to elevate voices often left out of mainstream news. “Breaking the News” captures honest discussions at The 19th* around race and gender equity, revealing change doesn’t come easy.

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Mental health and confidence -

priorities for the girls of Generation Z NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- In a time when Gen Z has become the focal point for numerous brands, there is a prevalent assumption that we understand how these young individuals think and what matters most to them. Gen Z is driven by purpose and world change. They are socially conscious and aim for success.

As an intimate health brand, INTIMINA wanted to find out more about what young girls and women need and want in the complex tapestry of their lives - and has asked them directly.

The results gave us a peek into the perspectives of young women belonging to Gen Z (13-20 years old), showing us what’s important to them and their aspirations and providing valuable insights that might assist parents in better understanding and supporting their daughters.

INTIMINA’s survey conducted on 2,003 girls aged 1320 in the UK, Italy, France and Spain, shows that the most important aspects of life for Gen Z girls are confidence (63%) and mental health (62%), followed by body image (47%) and successful career (45%).

Mental health takes center stage for Gen Z girls, highlighting its significance in shaping their well-being and life experiences. For the surveyed girls, the best way of maintaining positive mental health is by talking to friends (60%), talking to family (51%), physical exercise (47%), and creative activities (art, writing etc.) (31%), seeking professional help when needed (22%) and talking to teachers, school counselors or mentors (14%).

Gen Z girls know they need many things to feel good about themselves. Whether it’s a confidence boost or embracing a positive body image, they’re looking for different sources to help them out. Mostly, they turn to friends (54%) and parents or family members (46%). Many find confidence in their personal achievements (38%) and positive affirmations (32%). Still, social media (26%) and role models (16%) play a significant role in helping girls feel confident and positive about their bodies, influencing how they perceive themselves in today’s interconnected world.

Periods are a normal part of life, but there’s still a lot of hush-hush around them.

For Gen Z girls, it’s essential to chat about how they feel talking about periods and break those taboos. INTIMINA’s survey shows that there is a general openness towards this topic for young women, and 22% of respondents say menstruation is openly discussed, and they feel comfortable talking about it with everyone. 19% say that sometimes it’s openly discussed, while other times, it’s considered taboo. Many respondents (19%) appreciate the openness about menstruation in their social circles and feel at ease discussing it. Still, 11% feel menstruation is a private matter and should be discussed discreetly, while 11% think there is room for improvement in breaking the taboo around menstruation. Only 6% say menstruation is still seen as a taboo in their circles, and open discussions are limited.

Intimina’s survey also shows what kinds of content or

support girls find helpful in dealing with their current needs and concerns. 51% turn to conversations with family and friends, and 33% find support in personal stories and experiences others share. 31% use educational resources such as books, articles, short videos, or webinars. 27% use access to mental health resources and tools. 19% choose interactive workshops or events focused on well-being and self-development and 19% visit online forums and communities for open discussions.

In conclusion, it is reassuring and comforting, especially for parents, to witness the awareness among young women regarding the significance of a positive attitude towards themselves, their bodies, and good mental health.

This heightened self-awareness is a promising foundation for their growth into happy and confident individuals.

Encouraging open discussions within families about the mental and physical changes that girls and young women undergo is crucial for maintaining mental health. Equally important are conversations with partners and fostering an environment that promotes communication. Furthermore, incorporating physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle is key to nurturing overall well-being. As we collectively embrace these principles, we contribute to a future where young women flourish with resilience, confidence, and a genuine sense of well-being.

Censuswide conducted the research on behalf of Intimina with 2,003 girls, aged 13-20 in the UK, Italy, France and Spain in January 2024.

Established in 2009, Intimina is Swedish brand complete line of products for women’s intimate well-being. With three care ranges - Menstrual Care, Pelvic Floor Strengthening, and Feminine Wellness - Intimina has products for women of all ages. Every product is made from the highest quality body-safe materials, and has been designed and tested with the support of a worldwide group of medical consultants and gynecologists.

Susan G. Komen® Pushing for Public Policies to Eliminate Disparities in Breast Care Access WASHINGTON, PRNewswire -- Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, is committed to making health care more affordable and accessible to all, by passing state and federal legislation in 2024 to remove barriers that prevent people from receiving the timely and high-quality breast care they need.

Breast cancer outcomes are still influenced by a person’s race, income and where they live, but they should not be. Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women – due to delays in care or genetic factors that make them more likely to have an aggressive and deadly type of breast cancer. Public policies that remove ob­­­­­­stacles, such as the cost of care and when and where care is available, would make an immediate difference in mortality rates. In fact, about one-third of breast cancer deaths could be prevented if everyone received the high-quality care that exists today.

Fortunately, legislation has already been introduced or will be introduced this year that removes barriers to care and gets us closer to achieving health equity. Susan G. Komen’s Center for Public Policy is committed to working alongside ­­policymakers from both parties in states and in Washington, DC to enact new policies that make breast imaging and follow-up testing more available and affordable, make needed benefits and treatment available to people with advanced breast cancer and help us detect genetic risk factors earlier, when actions can be taken to hopefully save lives.

Breast imaging, the most effective tool at detecting breast cancers, is available to most people yet is not accessible to all. At the federal level, the SCREENS For Cancer Act would support state and local programs that provide

no-cost breast and cervical examinations for people who are uninsured or underinsured through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). Since the program’s inception in 1991, the NBCCEDP has served more than 6.1 million people, detecting nearly 77,000 invasive breast cancers. The legislation is needed to expand access in under-resourced communities, where access to screening and diagnosis remains a key barrier.

Diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, a critical step when a screening mammogram detects an abnormality or for those considered to be at high-risk for breast cancer, is often inaccessible or unaffordable. These tests can range from hundreds-to-thousands of dollars, out of pocket, and people often forgo them due to cost.

States and the federal government must pass legislation to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for everyone. Already in the 2024 legislative session, 11 states are considering legislation to eliminate the patient cost of this needed imaging, and more states are expected to introduce bills in the coming weeks. Twenty states have already enacted legislation. Federal action must also be taken, and the Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act is pending and supported by lawmakers in both parties in the U.S. House and Senate.

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) affects more than 168,000 women and men in the U.S. As MBC cannot be cured, treatment focuses on extending life and maintaining quality of life, but the average life span is 3 years after diagnosis. Under current law, MBC patients are subject to a 5-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance and a staggering 24-month waiting period for Medicare benefits. Patients cannot afford to

wait and many die before they receive any federal help.

The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act, backed with bipartisan support, is the only way to make benefits available right away to people living with MBC. At the state level, the Center for Public Policy is also leading legislation that would prohibit those living with advanced disease from being subjected to step therapy protocols, Step therapy, also referred to as “fail first,” requires a patient to first try a health plan preferred drug, have that drug fail them – meaning the treatment didn’t work for the patient – before they can use the treatment their provider prescribed.

While breast cancer cannot be prevented, identifying and mitigating genetic risk, which accounts for 5-10% of cases, can save lives. Unfortunately, the testing needed to learn one’s genetic predisposition to breast cancer is expensive and not attainable by all. The Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act would require Medicare to cover testing for some individuals with a known hereditary cancer mutation and those with a personal or family history due to genetics. For those with an inherited gene mutation, Medicare would also cover follow-up testing and imaging and risk-reducing surgeries.

The Center for Public Policy has worked with legislative champions in Illinois and Oklahoma to introduce bills that would eliminate financial barriers to clinically appropriate genetic testing and recommended screenings based on the results of that testing for state-regulated insurance plans (e.g. private group, state employees).

Learn more about Susan G. Komen’s advocacy priorities and ways to get involved at the Komen Advocacy Action Center: https://p2a.co/WDEVEQQn

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REAL ESTATE AC2-7-2024 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NEWREZ LLC F/K/A NEW PENN FINANCIAL, LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING Plaintiff, -v.- KELLI KELLAMS A/K/A KELLI R KELLAMS A/K/A KELLY R KELLAMS Defendants 23 CH 00566 22945 SHERMAN ROAD STEGER, IL 60475 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 13, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 12, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 22945 SHERMAN ROAD, STEGER, IL 60475 Property Index No. 32-34-400-034-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence with a two car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation.

No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

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

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 2213944IL_879874 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 23 CH 00566 TJSC#: 43-4160 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 # 23 CH 00566 I3237449 _______________________________________

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toward money can provide you with a strong base on which to build wealth and achieve goals.

Conversely, a negative outlook can make you reluctant to take the steps you need to establish a strong financial history. For example, being overly focused on displaying wealth can lead to overusing credit. Likewise, becoming preoccupied with financial success to the point of anxiety can prevent you from spending the wealth you do have on items you need and want to live comfortably. By recognizing the factors that influence how you spend and save, you can make new choices that better support your financial goals.

2. Set and manage goals: Establishing and maintaining a set of defined financial goals is the next step when building wealth. Think about what you would like to accomplish over the short-, medium- and long-term, and make a savings plan to help you get there. It’s also important to take actions to safeguard your accumulated savings. This includes being mindful of inflation, guarding your information from scammers, and planning for unforeseen circumstances and emergencies.

3. Be prepared: Building an emergency fund can help you maintain financial stability by putting you in a better position to weather unexpected financial circumstances, such as a loss of income, unplanned medical bills or property damage from a storm. Creating an emergency budget can help you gauge how much you need to save, but in general, you should save up enough money to cover three to six months of your typical monthly expenses. Keep this money separate from your other savings, and don’t touch it until it’s needed. Additionally, having adequate homeowners or renters insurance will help ensure that your wealth is protected in certain unexpected circumstances. Familiarize yourself with your coverage so you understand what is and isn’t covered by your policy.

Want to know more about managing money and establishing wealth? Whether you’re renting a home, are on the path to homeownership or saving for the future, Freddie Mac’s CreditSmart, which is available in English and Spanish, offers free personalized financial educational resources. Visit creditsmart.freddiemac.com to learn more.

By adopting a healthy money mindset and setting tangible financial goals, you’ll be well on your way to a stable financial future for you and your loved ones. _______________________________________

GUNS/HUNTING GEAR BADGER MILITARY COLLECTIBLES & MILITARY FIREARMS SHOW FEB 9 & 10 Large WW2 German/US Sniper rifle collections WAUKESHA EXPO 1000 Northview Rd. 608-752-6677 www.bobandrocco.com _______________________________________

MONEY How to Build a Healthy Money Mindset for a Stable Financial Future ( St a t e P o i n t ) Building and managing your wealth is a lifelong process that can have major implications for you, your children and other beneficiaries. While your path to PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Jacob building wealth Wackerhausen / iStock via should be tailored to your circumGetty Images Plus stances, this three-pron ged approach from Freddie Mac can help you plan for a stable financial future.

1. Understand your money mindset: Understanding your relationship with money can help you identify opportunities to create healthier spending and saving habits. A positive outlook

HEALTHY LIVING 5 Life-Improving Goals and Apps to Help You Accomplish Them ( State Po in t) Setting a goal that will improve your life is simple, but holding yourself accountable and tracking progress can make it difficult to stick with your objectives.

Make your new attempts at reaching your goals different by utilizing PHOTO SOURCE: (c) apps to stay on Farknot Architect / track.

AdobeStock 1 .

Stay Connected with Loved Ones. With busy schedules and loved ones living near and far, it can be hard to keep track of life’s special moments. Luckily, the American Greetings ecards app makes celebrations easy and affordable. With more than 1,000 highly personalized digital greetings including ecards, SmashUps personalized video greetings, Creatacard virtual greeting cards, and Pics & Wishes multimedia cards, you can quickly create, personalize and send greetings for every holiday, occasion, or just because. Plus, with the ability to

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to "An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State," as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y24011390 on January 24, 2024 Under the Assumed Business Name of RVPP SOLUTIONS with the business located at: 8146 SOUTH CORNELL AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60617. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name TOMYRO DOBBS Complete Address 8146 SOUTH CORNELL AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60617, USA _______________________________________

SUBURBAN TIMES

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

773.543.1783 eelie@kalerealty.com elizabethelie.kalerealty.com 2447 N. Ashland Chicago, IL 60614 @SoldbyLizzieG

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schedule cards up to a year in advance and receive reminders for birthdays and anniversaries, the app will ensure your loved ones’ special days are never forgotten.

2. Hit Your Workout Goals. Achieving your workout goals is within reach—even if you are short on time for the gym. Whether you are aiming to start a more active lifestyle, build healthy habits, lose weight, get fit, tone up or just feel amazing, there is a workout routine out there for you. The FitCoach app creates a workout plan each week that includes cardio, strength, recovery and other exercises tailored to your goals, lifestyle and personal data.

3. Dive into A New Book Series.

Exercising your mind is equally as important as exercising your body. Reading can boost your vocabulary, knowledge and creativity and even make you more empathetic. Plus, studies from the Mayo Clinic reveal that incorporating reading into your nighttime routine helps with sleep. Now, finding a new series or page-turner is easier than ever with the Goodreads app. Users can set annual reading goals, see what their friends are reading, write book reviews, and keep track of what they want to read. Struggling with motivation to finish that hefty novel? Online book clubs available in the app can connect you with other readers.

4. Track and Manage Your Finances.

Take charge of your finances and keep an eye on your spending. Utilizing a personal finance app like the Spending Tracker – Budget App helps you create a budget calendar, keep track of transactions and manage your accounts all in one place.

Gaining insight into spending habits can make

saving goals much more manageable.

5. Cook a New Recipe. Stuck in a culinary rut? Find new recipes in the Kitchen Stories app. With more than 10,000 recipes, users of any skill level and diet preference can find a new recipe every day complete with instructional videos and tips from expert chefs. Once you find a favorite meal, add it to your personal cookbook so friends can see what you have been up to in the kitchen.

Grab your phone and start downloading! With these simple and helpful apps you can make your goals stick. _______________________________________

ADVERTISING IS EASY CALL US TODAY FOR A QUOTE (773) 783-1251

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