Citizen Suburban Times Weekly 2-14-2024

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FREE | VOL 7 | ISSUE 26

DAVID YURMAN Unveils First-ToMarket Men’s High Jewerly The Vault - In New Campaign Featuring MIchael B. Jordan P5 State Rep. Marcus Evans, D-Chicago, is joined by a coalition of advocates at a Statehouse news conference to push for a $300 per-child tax credit. (CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS PHOTO BY ANDREW CAMPBELL)

INSURANCE COVERAGE

FOR FERTILITY

Author JESSICA ANN MITCHELL AIWUYOR Showcases Powerful Black Voices From Around the World

P8

TREATMENTS,

CHILD INTERNET REGULATIONS ALSO INTRODUCED After failing to pass a child tax credit last year, advocates returned to Springfield Wednesday to propose a scaled back version of the policy which they say would still reduce child poverty and spur economic growth.

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BUSINESS

P4 Black-Owned Small Businesses Find Success With Support from SCORE

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2 | CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of Dec. 29, 2021

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SUBURBAN TIMES

Suburban Times | Week of February 14, 2024

Insurance coverage for fertility treatments, child New state laws taking effect Jan. 1 internet regulations also introduced

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

The policy would cost the state about SPRINGFIELD $300– Minimum million, wage workers in Illinois will see a according totoErion boost in their hourly pay $12 per hour starting Jan. 1, while tenants Malasi, Illinois in affordable housing units will be allowed topolicy keep pets. director Those are just some of the more the thanfor 300 new lawsEconomic that take effect in the new year.

TheSecurity minimum wageProject, increase is actually the result of a 2019 law that an advocacy phases in a state minimum wage to $15group an hour bybacking 2025. This year, the it will increase by one dollar to $12 proposal. an hour.

BY PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

The law allowing public housing

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per year,” IMA President and CEO Mark Denzler said. “It’s a tenants keep pets isADAMS the result BY to ANDREW great opportunity to help those individuals struggling with COLEBill LONGCOR of Senate 154, by Sen. Linda college debt while also making sure we have a great work& ALEX ABBEDUTO Holmes, D-Aurora, and Rep. StephCAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS force.” anie Kifowit, D-Oswego. It provides NEWS@CAPITOLNEWSILLINOIS.COM Sen. Donald DeWitte, R-St. Charles, filed Senate Bill that tenants of multifamily housing 163 would make a temporary research and development tax units that are acquired, built or renAfter failing to pass a child tax credit last year, adcredit permanent, rather than expiring every five years. ovated with money from the Illinois vocates returned to Springfield Wednesday to propose a The current credit will expire in 2027.

Affordable Fund of the policy which they say would still scaledHousing back Trust version House Bill 3307 would amend graduation requirements mayreduce keep up tochild two cats or one dog poverty and spur economic growth. for students entering high school in 2028, allowing them to weighingThe less than 50 pounds.contained in House Bill 4917 and Senate proposal, fill the requirement of two foreign language courses with ItBill applies to residents of create housing a $300 per-child refundable tax 3329, would career-focused courses. unitscredit that arefor designated as affordfamilies who earn less than the state’s median Fertility treatments ableincome housing for and very-low– lowabout $75,000 per year for couples and $50,000 Members of the state Senate Democratic Caucus introincome families.

The bill passed for single parents. duced three bills Wednesday aimed at increasing access to both chambers in its finalwould form oncost the state about $300 million, The policy infertility treatments and fertility preservation.

Mayaccording 30 and Gov. JB toPritzker Erionsigned Malasi, Illinois policy director for the If passed, the bills would require insurance companies it into law Aug. 6. Security Project, an advocacy group backing the Economic to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, certain Other new laws include: proposal. prescription medications, and preservation of reproductive VehicleAtaxes: SB58 raises the priJanuary report from the Illinois Economic Policy cells by amending the Illinois Insurance Code. a union-backed think tank, found that a $300 tax vateInstitute, vehicle tax, which is a sales tax Senate Bill 2572 would require insurance coverage of would of cost theby state about $471 million, although paidcredit on the purchase vehicles, procedures used to diagnose and treat infertility, as well estimate $75 that for each model yeardoesn’t where theaccount for cost reductions in other as injectable medications used to treat prediabetes, gesstateprice programs, the earned income tax credit or the purchase is less than like $15,000 tational diabetes and obesity – all of which can make it proandsupplemental by $100 for vehiclesnutrition priced harder to conceive and carry a gram for women, and above that amount.

However,infants the baby to term.

“Student debt is a huge issue. This children, known as WIC – and registration fee for trailers weighing Senate Bill 2623 would require assumes that of insurers to cover the freezing of less it than 3,000 pounds will100 droppercent to proposal would allow an employer to families will claim the an individual’s reproductive cells $36 eligible instead of $118. help offset about five thousand dollars credit. without restriction or exclusion.

College admissions: HB226, Frank Manzo, an economist per year,” IMA President and CEO Mark Another measure, Senate Bill establishing the Higher Education with ILEPI and co-author of 2639, would prevent insurance Fair Admissions Act, prohibits Denzler said. “It’s a great opportunity to that report, said a $300 percompanies from denying inferpublic colleges and universities help those individuals struggling with child credit would be lower tility treatment coverage when from requiring applicants to submit than in the other 15 states that recommended by a physician. college debt while also making sure we SAT, ACT or other standardized test have similar policies. Utah, scores as part of the admissions prohave a great workforce.”

Safe screens initiative Minnesota and Oregon – which cess,enacted although prospective students Another pair of bills introa similar credit last mayyear choose– toall submit them if they or more duced this week aim to create offer $1,000 wish. a safer online environment for in credits.

Drug prices: SB1682 children.

“But it doesrequires comport with some budgetary realities pharmacies post aof notice inSen. Sue Rezin’s, R-Morris, proposals mostly affect in the to state Illinois,” he told Capitol News Illinois on forming consumers that they may children’s data and privacy and how content is moderated.

Wednesday. request current pharmacy retail The amended Age-Appropriate Design Code Act is a In December, Gov. JB Pritzker urged a “careful” apprices at the point of sale.year’s budget after his budget office proprivacy law based on a similar one in California that Rezin proach to next FOID cardachanges: HB562 en-deficit. said will help parents set stronger privacy settings and jected $891 million acts several changes to the Firearm Omar Aquino, the chief Senate sponsor of the proposal, change how companies use children’s data, which she said can facilitate the development of addicting content.

Owner Identification card law. said Wednesday he hopes the program, if passed, can be Senate Bill 3355 would require social media companies scaled in the future.

Among otherup things, it provides for to have a customer service line where concerned users can Therenewal bills, process whichfor were introduced Wednesday, await a streamlined report inappropriate content that would need to be resubstantive committee FOID cards and Concealed Carry assignments, a necessary step bemoved within 3 days. fore they can be voted on by the full legislature.

Licenses for people who voluntarily Rezin said a third bill, which is still in development, Manufacturers’ agenda submit fingerprint records. It also would “require social media platforms to create an identity credits were allows theTax Illinois State Police to also included in a wide-ranging verification process.” agenda put forth by the Illinois Manufacturers’ issuelegislative a combined FOID card and The senator compared social media to the tobacco and Association.

Concealed Carry License to qualiGov. JB Pritzker is shown here earlier this year in a Capitol News Illinois file photo. The governor signed more than opiate industries, saying people cannot trust them to regHouse Bill 4670 creates a pilot program to allow manu300 bills that become law on Jan. 1. (Capitol News Illinois file photo) fied applicants, and it establishes a ulate themselves.

She also said Illinoisans cannot wait for facturers to create onsite child care programs and provide new Violent Crime Intelligence Task the federal government to States. take In action. tax credits to those who do.

United June, President Joe its public health authorities from to the appropriate school support Force to take enforcement action “Parents are mad,” Rezin said.

“They want us to act and “We know that the lack of available child care is a hinregulating or shutting down lemon- Biden also signed a bill designating personnel. against people with revoked FOID pass legislation to protect their children. They don’t care if drance to getting and keeping people, especially women, in ade stands or similar operations that Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Official flags: HB605 requires cards. it’s a federal issue or a state issue.” the workforce,” sponsor Rep. Amy Elik, R-Godfrey, said. are operated by children under the state agencies and institutions to Student mental health: HB576 The IMA reaffirmed support for three bills filed last Capitol News Illinois is a purchase Illinois and American flags age of 16. Known as “Hayli’s Law,” and SB1577 allow students in IlliCapitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan spring, including two tax credits – one sponsored by Demnonprofit, nonpartisan news it was inspired by 12-year-old Hayli that are made in the United States. nois up to five excused absences to news service covering state government. It is distribocrats, the other by Republicans. The IMA did not provide state government Martinez, whose stand in ofservice Hair styles: SB817 prohibits attend to their mental or for behavioral utedlemonade to hundreds printcovering and broadcast outlets statecost estimates the tax credits. and distributed tothe moreIllinois than 400 Press FounKankakee was shut down by local discrimination in schools against health without providing a medical wide.

It is funded primarily by Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood, filed Senate newspapers statewide. It isFoundation, funded individuals on the groundsthat of assistofficials. dation and the Robert note.Bill Those students will be given R. McCormick along 1313 to create a tax credit for businesses primarily by the Illinois Press Juneteenth: HB3922 recognizwearing natural or ethnic hairstyles, an opportunity to make up any with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasttheir employees in repaying student loans. andIllinois the RobertEditorial R. June 19, ers or “Juneteenth, ” as an andFoundation which include dreadlocks, braids, work they“Student missed during the first Foundation Southern Associdebt is a huge issue.

This proposal would esalMcCormick Foundation. official state holiday that commemtwists and afros. absence and, after using a second ation. low an employer to help offset about five thousand dollars orates the end of slavery in the Lemonade stands: SB119 prohibmental health day, may be referred www.citizennewspapergroup.com

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Suburban Times | Week of February 14, 2024

SUBURBAN TIMES

NATIONAL NEWS

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Landmark Lawmaker Lauded:

Constance Baker Motley Graces USPS Black Heritage Stamp said Royster. “Behind familiar names like James Meredith, NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- The U.S. Postal Service Charlayne Hunter Gault, Judy Heumann, Melissa Ludke today celebrated the remarkable contributions of Judge and many others was a great servant of the law Constance Constance Baker Motley (1921–2005), a civil rights pioneer Baker Motley.” and judiciary trailblazer, as the 47th honoree in the Black Also, participating in the stamp dedication ceremony Heritage stamp series. were vocalists Craigg Stagg and Anahera Smith-McDaniel.

A dedication ceremony for the stamp was held today The stamp features a portrait of Motat the Constance Baker Motley Recreation Center in New York. ley by artist Charly Palmer, based on an News about the stamps is being shared Associated Press photograph. Rendered in with the hashtags #ConstanceBakerMotley acrylic on canvas work, the portrait displays and #BlackHeritageStamps. A video will be elements of Palmer’s signature style: Stenposted two hours after the ceremony providciled circular shapes around the head that suggest royalty, and the heavy brushstrokes ing more information and insights into the and scratches that provide added textures. stamp on the Postal Service’s Facebook and Stenciled curlicues embellish the lower backTwitter pages at facebook.com/USPS and twitter.com/usps. ground and blend into Motley’s black dress.

“Judge Motley was a brilliant legal Her colorful corsage and a brooch further strategist who conquered adversities, helped enliven the image. dismantle legal segregation, and served as The Constance Baker Motley stamp is a a role model and mentor for those who folForever stamp issued in panes of 20. Forever stamps are always equal in value to the curlowed in her footsteps,” said Anton G. Hajjar, a member of the USPS Board of Governors. rent First-Class Mail 1‑ounce price.

“Her tireless work and unwavering dedicaBackground Constance Baker Motley was the first tion impacted nearly every touchpoint of the African American woman to argue a case 20th-century civil rights movement. The PRNewsfoto/U.S. Postal Service before the U.S. Supreme Court and the first United States Postal Service is privileged to serve as a federal judge. A master legal to honor Judge Motley on the 47th Black tactician, Motley played a key role in knockHeritage Series stamp.”

Joining Hajjar for the ceremony were master of cereing down legal segregation.

She started her career in 1945 when she began workmonies Gloria Browne-Marshall, professor of constitutional law at the City University of New York’s John Jay College ing for the future U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood of Criminal Justice (CUNY); Sue Donoghue, commissioner Marshall at the National Association for the Advancement of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation; of Colored People (NAACP) Legal Defense and Education Constance Royster, niece of Constance Baker Motley; CharFund (LDF). She would stay 20 years, rising to associate counsel, second from the top. ly Palmer, stamp artist; Sherrilyn Ifill, the Vernon Jordan While at the LDF she sued the University of Mississippi distinguished professor of civil rights and former president on behalf of James Meredith, who had been refused enand direct counsel of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Legal Defense Fund; trance, and the state of Mississippi on behalf of “Freedom William Kuntz II, U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern Riders,” who had been jailed while testing the interstate District of New York; and Gillian Lester, dean and Lucy G. transportation laws. She also represented Dr. Martin Luther Moses professor of law at Columbia Law School.

King, Jr., after he was arrested for marching in Birmingham, “It never felt like hers was a household name among Alabama, in spring 1963. Motley worked on about 60 cases the giants of the civil rights movement, or easily associatthat reached the Supreme Court. She won nine of the 10 cases she argued before the Court. ed with landmark cases or clients, when in fact she was,”

Motley and her colleagues often faced danger and disrespect as they challenged the entrenched racist system of the South. She also experienced sexism at a time when lawyers were a rarity.

In 1966, Motley was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson to a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York — the largest and busiest federal trial court in the country. Despite her nominations being held up for seven months by Sen. James Eastland, a strident segregationist from Mississippi, Motley was sworn in on Sept. 9, 1966 — the first African American woman on the federal bench. She rose to chief judge in 1982 and senior judge in 1986.

Motley was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2001 by President Bill Clinton. She died on Sept. 28, 2005.

Postal Products Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon.

Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 167 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

Rainbow PUSH Coalition Formally Installed Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III as President and CEO DALLAS, PRNewswire -- On the first day of Black History Month, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III was formally installed as the President and CEO of Rainbow PUSH Coalition on Thursday, Feb. 1, at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters. The sold-out installation event featured VIP program participants and attendees from all over the country, including Roland Martin, Rev. Al Sharpton (NAN), Shavonne Arline-Bradley (NCNW), Dr. Michael Sorrell, Dr. Amos Brown, and Dr. Ron Daniels, among others. Tashara Parker, 4X Emmy award-winning journalist, served as the mistress of ceremonies. A livestream is available to watch on YouTube, courtesy of Roland Martin Unfiltered, a Black-owned media network. Both the installation ceremony and the President’s Inaugural Social Justice Conference were presented by Sound Design Studios, a Dallas-based Black-owned production company.

While Rev Al Sharpton delivered the keynote speech, nearly every speaker echoed his sentiments in favor of Dr. Haynes’ selection, his previous work in the community, the role of the Black church in the fight for social justice and the need for community support.

Many speakers also shared their gratitude for the work that Dr. Haynes has already done, as well as

their high hopes in his ability to lead Rainbow PUSH Coalition and serve as an example for the next generation. In doing so, each speaker ultimately connected the work from the Civil Rights Movement to the work being done today. Several speakers also expressed the importance of community support, when speaking in favor of Dr. Haynes’ elevation and the formal work ahead of him in this new role.

“I’m here to tell you that the transformation is up to all of us,” expressed Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, who is a member of Dr. Haynes’ congregation at Friendship-West Baptist Church and represents Texas’ 30th District. “There is no movement that doesn’t take all of us.”

Award-winning journalist Roland Martin, who, like Dr. Haynes, is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, particularly emphasized the need for Black businesses, churches, organizations and press to all work together. “This is an opportunity for us to say we are going to create an ecosystem that speaks for us, that represents us, that is going to stand for us, that is going to fight for us,” said Martin.

Dr. Haynes was sworn in by Paul Quinn College President, Dr. Michael J. Sorrell.

“How appropriate it is during Black History Month, that we look back… but we look forward to a

great future,” said Dr. Haynes immediately after taking the oath at the sold-out installation. Dr. Haynes also thanked every person who mentored, worked with or otherwise supported him in his work, particularly Rev. Jesse Jackson, who he compared to Jackie Robinson in opening doors for those who came after him.

The installation’s location in Dallas holds great significance not just to Dr. Haynes, but the greater Dallas community which he has faithfully served and poured into for decades. In addition to this new role at the helm of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Dr. Haynes is the senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church, a megachurch in Dallas, Texas, with more than 13,000 members. The location of the conference at Paul Quinn College also holds significance for Dr. Haynes. He teaches college courses and workshops at several institutions of higher learning, including Paul Quinn College. Dr. Haynes also serves on the Board of Trustees for Paul Quinn College as well as various other boards, particularly those in underserved and minority communities. Additionally, he is the namesake of the Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III Global Preparatory School, located on the campus of Paul Quinn College, which serves students grades 6-12 who seek to enter the International Baccalaureate program.

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SUBURBAN TIMES

Suburban Times | Week of February 14, 2024

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ASHEVILLE BLACK CULTURAL HERITAGE TRAIL

Brings Focus to Black History in the Blue Ridge Mountains ASHEVILLE, N.C., PRNewswire -- For the first STEP OFF THE TRAIL AND INTO COMMUNI- a Green Book-era landmark that provided safe lodgtime, Asheville’s Black heritage and culture is on TY: ing for traveling luminaries like Richard Pryor and permanent display around the city through a new Shoppers can connect with a variety of Black- Duke Ellington. Now it’s an art studio and music walking trail. Unveiled in December 2023, the owned small businesses, such as Different Wrld, an rehearsal space co-owned by 30-year Ween drumAsheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail is the first underground arts collective and performance space mer Claude Coleman, Jr. of its kind in Western North Carolina and one of in West Asheville, or Healed Skin and Candle Co., BLACK MUSICAL HERITAGE: R&B singer Robera few Black heritage trails in the 13-state Appala- where groups can craft personalized candles that ta Flack is honored in a mural in Black Mountain, chian region. It marks a significant milestone in transform into luxury skin care.

NC where she was born. the growing effort to amplify and preserve AffrilaVisitors to The Block can stay at The Foundry The River Area: Trailblazer Matthew Bacoate chian heritage, granting visitors an opportunity to Hotel, which once crafted the bricks for the Biltmore Counseled Presidents | The River Area, also known retrace compelling narratives that make up Ashe- Estate, and now hosts a free Live Jazz Night every as the River Arts District, exists today as a colorville’s Black history – including stories that have Saturday. ful mecca for creatives of all stripes (and the new never been shared in a public space.

Southside: “Urban Renewal” and a Green Book- art-inspired boutique hotel, The Radical). However, From well-known figures like Nina Simone, Era Landmark | Stops on this portion of the trail the River Area was once a historic center of Black who attended boarding school in Asheville (her explore the dark history of urban renewal – a series business. One stop honors Matthew Bacoate, Jr., an nearby childhood home will Asheville Civil Rights icon who soon be open to the public), to integrated a local bowling alley community landmarks like the and golf course, opened the first YMI Cultural Center, one of the Black-owned textile factory in oldest Black community centers North Carolina, counseled Presiin America, to everyday citidents Nixon and Carter on Black zens like William R. “Seabron” entrepreneurship, and continues Saxon, who refused to give up to run the Skyview Golf Tourhis bus seat four years before nament, the oldest Black golf Rosa Parks, the Asheville Black tournament in the nation.

Cultural Heritage Trail unSTEP OFF THE TRAIL AND earths intimate and fascinating INTO COMMUNITY: stories of dignity, struggle and Black Wall Street AVL resilience. The trail comprises continues this legacy of Black 14 stops and 20 panels across commerce with its business three historically significant incubator and events space.

Black neighborhoods.

Co-founders J. Hackett and Community activist CathBruce Waller Jr. own GRIND erine Mitchell, who shepherded coffee shop, also located in the the trail to completion after River Area. years of extensive communiDigital Content Brings Histy efforts, said, “Our goal was tory to Life with Inspirational focused on lifting up Black Music and Augmented Reality | From L to R: Matthew Bacoate, Jr., Catherine Mitchell, Vice Mayor Sandra Kilgore, Buncombe County Comhistory in an inclusive way by QR Codes on interpretive panels missioner Al Whitesides and others in front of an Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail panel. Explore illuminating stories of resilience Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau. along the trail open up a well of and resourcefulness. The trail’s supporting multimedia content completion represents a moon the trail website and app, ment of celebration, unity and remembrance.” of policies in the mid-20th century that ultimately including: How to Experience the Asheville Black Cultural demolished the homes of half of Asheville’s Black The Swannanoa Tunnel Song was a stirring folk Heritage Trail – Three Historic Neighborhoods and residents. The trail also celebrates local Black lumi- song created by incarcerated Black laborers, many Exclusive Digital Content Provide an Immersive naries like Dr. John Wakefield Walker, the first Black of whom died while building the Swannanoa Tunnel Experience pulmonologist in America who opened a tubercuin the 1880s. Watch local musician Leeda “Lyric” Trail-goers can explore each leg of the threelosis clinic in 1915 when patients were flocking to Jones perform an emotional tribute to the lives lost part trail – Downtown, Southside, and the River Asheville for its clean mountain air. with this Appalachian folk song.

Area, also known as the River Arts District – and STEP OFF THE TRAIL AND INTO COMMUNITY: gain an uncommonly immersive experience of the Ashleigh Shanti, who was a James Beard Dr. Oralene Simmons was the first Black stupast, walking past historically significant sites. semi-finalist for “Rising Star Chef of the Year” and dent at Mars Hill College (now University) which, Downtown: a Renaissance of Black Business- competed on Season 19 of Top Chef, has described in a previous era, used Dr. Simmons’ enslaved es on The Block | In the Downtown section of the her cuisine as “Afro-lachian”, a signature blend of great-grandfather as collateral for its founding loan. trail, visitors can learn about the enduring legacy traditional Southern and foraged mountain ingrediSylvester Owens went from chauffeur to head of the YMI Cultural Center, one of the first Black ents. gardener at the Biltmore Estate where he grew and community centers in the country that was deNEW RESTAURANT: Shanti’s first brick-andphotographed award-winning azaleas (his photos signed by Biltmore architect Richard Sharp Smith mortar restaurant, the highly anticipated Good Hot grace the back of trail panels). and will host a grand re-opening in 2024 after Fish (a classic North Carolina “fish camp”) opened Step into history with an augmented reality extensive renovations. The YMI anchors The Block, in January 2024 along the Southside portion of the experience at the YMI Cultural Center. historically a center of Black innovation and cretrail.

To access a shared image gallery, click here. ativity that is experiencing a renaissance of BlackArt-lovers can explore Southside’s rich colAll images are for editorial use only and should be owned small businesses like Noir Collective AVL, a lection of public art with Mountain Mural Tours, credited to ExploreAsheville.com. boutique vendor for Black artists and creators, and including artist Jenny Pickens’ “Black Lives Matter” For more information about the Asheville LEAF Global Arts, a gallery and retail space that mural in the center of downtown.

Black Cultural Heritage Trail, please visit BCHT. produces an annual multicultural festival.

SoundSpace@Rabbit’s was once Rabbit’s Motel, exploreasheville.com.

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Suburban Times | Week of February 14, 2024

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FASHION

SUBURBAN TIMES

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Vontélle Brings Diverse Eyewear to National Shelves with Official Frame Collection at America’s Best

Michael B. Jordan for David Yurman “The Vault” Men’s High Jewelry, Spring 2024.

PRNewsfoto/ David Yurman

DAVID YURMAN

UNVEILS FIRST-TO-MARKET MEN’S HIGH JEWELRY - THE VAULT - IN NEW CAMPAIGN FEATURING MICHAEL B. JORDAN watch-making – The Vault designs feature NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- David bespoke cuts and illusion settings using Yurman, America’s foremost luxury jewelry hand-selected gemstones chosen for their brand is pleased to announce its newest rarity and exceptional quality. Oval links global brand ambassador, actor and director hand-set with pavé diamonds create a Michael B. Jordan, who will appear as the sparkling landscape with seamless moveface of the brand’s first-ever Men’s High Jewelry collection – The Vault – and 2024 ment and effortless feel. Each jewelry campaign. piece is meticulously crafted by master “Curiosity and innovation have stood artisans and transformed by exceptional at the core of David Yurman from the very custom diamond cutting and setting to beginning, and there’s no better time to create bold stone treatments with a low forge a new path in men’s jewelry than now,” profile. said President and Chief Creative Officer “Your designs are only as good as the Evan Yurman. “Michael is crafts people who are able a multitalented artist who to realize your creations,” exhibits a mastery and elesays Yurman. Employing custom gem cutters, master gance in every project that setters, state of the art he takes on – there’s no one technology, hand engravers, better suited to communiengineers, and alchemists, cate the magnitude of this he has spent the last decade collection than him.” developing relationships Directed and phoand techniques to apply to tographed by renowned his latest collection.

American photographer The Vault collection Tyler Mitchell and styled will be available excluby Jason Bolden in Los Angeles, the series of imsively by appointment in select David Yurman stores ages and short film tell the beginning today. The Spring story of architectural design 2024 campaign – which will through creativity. “The PRNewsfoto/David Yurman feature additional David theme of this campaign is Yurman collections throughout the year where all artists thrive to be: being your own – launches today on DavidYurman.com, person,” said Jordan. “We all bring someand across all global social channels: @dathing different to the table; it’s what makes us unique. Working with David Yurman has vidyurman and @davidyurmanmen. Visit given me the chance to work with artists davidyurman.com for more information. to create something universal, classic and David Yurman is a celebrated Amerireimagined.” can jewelry company founded in New York Marrying 20 years of design innovation,

by David Yurman, a sculptor, and his wife, engineering experience, and storytelling, Sybil, a painter and ceramicist. When the David Yurman’s The Vault collection marks artists began collaborating, their goal was a significant milestone and new category for simply to make beautifully designed obthe brand and the industry, reinforcing the jects to wear. Lead today by their son Evan, brand’s positioning as the leader in men’s David Yurman creates timeless, yet conjewelry. For Yurman, the creation of Men’s temporary collections for women and men High Jewelry is a natural progression of his defined by inspiration, innovation, concontinuous passion for the highest form of summate craftsmanship and Cable – the his craft and collecting the most exquisite brand’s artistic signature. David Yurman gems and antiquities to realize these pieces. collections are available on DavidYurman.

Inspired by architecture, mytholocom as well as 51 retail stores throughout the United States, Canada, Hong Kong and gy, and nature, the 30-piece assortment France and at over 300 locations worldconsists of bold necklaces, bracelets, rings, and cufflinks. Utilizing the highest form wide, through their exclusive authorized of jewelry making and artistry – as well as fine jewelry and timepiece network of techniques borrowed from the world of high retailers.

DULUTH, Ga., PRNewswire in Baltimore. The frame line includes -- National Vision, Inc. the nation’s rich design elements juxtaposing second largest optical retailer and patterns and textures to reflect many provider of quality, affordable eye sorority and fraternity colors. care and eyewear, announced its “We are passionate about makcollaboration with women and Black- ing eyewear that’s both comfortable owned eyewear company, Vontélle and stylish, while also bringing in Eyewear, on an exclusive frame colors and patterns that reflect our collection celebrating Black History African, Caribbean and Latin heriMonth. The limited-edition Official tage,” said Nancey Harris, co-foundby Vontélle frames will be available er of Vontélle. “Our products are while supplies last in all 900+ Ameri- designed to celebrate our cultural ca’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses retail history, and we are so excited locations, marking the first time to make our frames available to Vontélle frames will be available on even more customers through this the shelves of a nationwide retailer.

Official collection with America’s Not only does Best,” said Tracy the release offer Green, co-founder of a more accessible Vontélle. avenue for eyeglass Beginning Febwearers to support ruary 1st, and while an emerging women supplies last, cusand Black-owned tomers can purchase business this Black Official by Vontélle History Month, frames at over 900 but it also increasAmerica’s Best retail es accessibility to locations and online.

Vontélle’s signaNational Viture better-fitting sion Holdings, Inc. frames. According (NASDAQ: EYE) is to Vontélle, the the second largest frames are expertly optical retail compacrafted to compleny (by sales) in the Vontélle Eyewear’s Douglass Frame. ment the diverse United States with National Vision. faces and personover 1,200 stores in alities of the people 44 states and Puerwho wear them, including wider to Rico. With a mission of helping nose bridges, longer temples for people by making quality eye care behind the ears and larger lenses for and eyewear more affordable and high cheekbones to ensure a comaccessible, the company operates fortable fit. The Official by Vontélle five retail brands: America’s Best collection includes 15 frames featurContacts & Eyeglasses, Eyeglass ing colorful, bold, statement-making World, Vision Centers inside select designs for both men and women.

Walmart stores, and Vista Opticals “Glasses are not a one size fits all inside select Fred Meyer stores and product,” said Megan Molony, senior on select military bases, and sevvice president, chief merchandising eral e-commerce websites, offering and managed care officer at National a variety of products and services Vision. “The fit and style of glasses for customers’ eye care needs. For are just as important as the lenses more information, please visit within them. Glasses are not meant www.nationalvision.com. to hide who you are and should inVontélle was founded in 2019 stead be a reflection and celebration to satisfy the demand for better-fitof everything that makes you unique. ting, vibrant, fashion-forward We chose Vontélle for this collaboraeyewear. Vontélle is a Black womtion because they share our passion en owned, designed and operated for empowering eyeglass wearers to luxury eyewear company providing showcase their culture and personal- bespoke textiles & prints from the ity through their eyewear.”

African Diaspora on optical frames The names of the individual and sunglasses. They offer sizes frames were inspired by notable Afri- that complement diverse faces, can American figures who have made fulfill prescriptions and custom significant contributions throughout lens color/tints including blue light history in various fields such as civil blocker lenses. Vontélle designs rights, literature, science, politics, are tailored to empower humanity law, innovation, public service and to see the world through a cultural more. The co-founders of Vontélle and global lens. For more inforare both HBCU alumnae and met as mation, please visit https://www. students at Morgan State University vontelle.com.

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Lights, Camera, Culture!

It’s more than just the big screen—it’s a celebration where diverse stories and untapped brilliance in our community take center stage.

Just say ‘Black Experience’ into your Xfinity Voice Remote and embark through a curated content collection of movies, TV shows, original documentaries and much more that pays homage to Black culture, amplifies our narratives, and illuminates our imagination.

Learn more at xfinity.com/blackexperience The Black Experience on Xfinity can also be watched on the Xumo Play app and Xfinity Stream.

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Author Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwuyor Showcases Powerful Black Voices From Around the World

WASHINGTON, PRNewswire -Author Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwuyor’s new Black History book, Black Voices: Inspiring and Empowering Quotes from Global Thought Leaders, features quotes and biographies of Black authors, poets, educators, politicians, activists, artists, musicians, visionaries, and thought leaders around the Pan African World.

From this diverse spectrum of perspectives and experiences, readers gain a deeper understanding of Black culture and history.

The book also features beautiful Black art from artists across the African Diaspora.

Black Voices is a new release by Quarto Publishing Group USA and Wellfleet Press.

Aiwuyor is the founder of the National Black Cultural Information Trust, Inc., an organization that provides cultural and historical information, tools, and resources that inform and empower Black communities. The National Black Cultural Information Trust, Inc. will host a year-long Black Voices Book Tour, including book signings at various national cultural events.

Black Voices is an engaging and

Author Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwuyor. National Black Cultural Information Trust

information-packed book that touches on various aspects and subjects relevant to Black life and culture, including and featuring, among many others, the voices of: Werewere Liking, author (Cameroon),

Micere Githae Mugo, author, poet, and playwright (Kenya), Ida B. Wells, journalist and activist (USA), Paul Stephenson, civil rights activist (UK), Ketanji Brown Jackson, first Black woman to serve on the United States

Supreme Court (USA), Basetsana Kumalo, businesswoman and television personality (South Africa), Dudley Laws, activist (Canada), Claudia Jones, political activist and co-founder of Notting Hill Carnival (UK), Francia Márquez, 13th vice president of Colombia, Walter Rodney, scholar and activist (Guyana), Amy Jacques Garvey, Pan Africanist, journalist, and civil rights activist (Jamaica).

“Black Voices: Inspiring and Empowering Quotes from Global Thought Leaders was my opportunity to continue uplifting the legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and his peers. Woodson wanted us to remember what the Negro has accomplished in the world. Thus, we must always remember that Black history is world history. The legacies and futures of people of African descent worldwide are intertwined,” said Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwuyor, founder of the National Black Cultural Information Trust, Inc. View upcoming Black Voices Book Tour dates at nbcit.org/blackvoices.

TIME Reveals Inaugural ‘The Closers’ List of Extraordinary Leaders Working to Close the Racial Wealth Gap NEW YORK, PRNewswire -TIME reveals ‘The Closers,’ a new list recognizing 18 Black leaders working to close the racial wealth gap.

TIME’s ‘THE CLOSERS’ LIST INCLUDES: TIME’s 2024 ‘The Closers’ List cover featuring honoree Issa Rae TIME’s 2024 ‘The Closers’ List cover featuring honoree Issa Rae Adriana Barbosa, president and CEO of PretaHub Angelica Ross, president of Miss Ross Inc. and founder of TransTech Social Enterprises Arian Simone and Ayana Parsons, leaders at the Fearless Fund Aurora James, designer and founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator Cory Booker, U.S. Senator Darrick Hamilton and William Darity, economists at the New School and Duke Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, chief of membership, policy and equity at the National Community Reinvestment Coalition Erin Horne McKinney, national executive director of the Howard University and PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship Imani Ellis, founder of CultureCon Issa Rae, actress, writer, producer and CEO of Hoorae John Hope Bryant, founder and CEO of Operation Hope Leandris Liburd, acting director for CDC’s Office of Health Equity Lisa Rice, president and CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance Ramogi Huma, executive director of the National College Players Association Rebecca Ajulu-Bushell, CEO of

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10000 Interns Foundation -Read more about the honorees on TIME’s 2024 ‘The Closers’ list: time.com/closers TIME’s ‘The Closers’ issue features an in-depth cover profile on Issa Rae and how she is balancing the larger fight for equity with her creative and entrepreneurial priorities. See the cover featuring Issa Rae here: https:// bit.ly/3vYxrvE and read the cover story here: https://bit.ly/3vQY1qk.

On how TIME chose ‘The Closers’ list, TIME editors write: “TIME has selected for its new list of Closers, people who are spearheading efforts to close the racial wealth gap, particularly the substantial gulf between Black and white households. TIME editors spent months researching and fielding recommendations, from both editorial staff and the Black Innovation Alliance, our knowledge partner in this project, and the resulting list, highlights Black leaders who are working toward this goal through business, policymaking, health care, entertainment, and more.” https://bit.ly/42C9sPf To celebrate, on February 22, TIME will host an intimate invite-only gathering in New York City. The event will feature appearances from honorees on TIME’s inaugural ‘The Closers’ list, including Issa Rae, Cory Booker, Aurora James, Angelica Ross and more.

TIME’s inaugural ‘The Closers’ is presented by signature partner L’Oréal Groupe, supporting partner Pronghorn and knowledge partner Black Innovation Alliance.

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Celebrating Black History Month!

THE FIRST BLACK LANDOWNER ANTHONY JOHNSON (?-1670)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: FIRST BLACK LANDOWNER ANTHONY JOHNSON (?-1670) FROM BLACKPAST.ORG

CONTRIBUTED BY: DEBORAH MCNALLY Anthony Johnson was the first prominent black landholder in the English colonies. Johnson arrived in Virginia in 1621 aboard the James. It is uncertain if Johnson arrived as an indentured servant or as a slave, early records list him as “Antonio, a Negro.” Regardless of his status, Johnson was bound labor and was put to work on Edward Bennett’s tobacco plantation near Warresquioake, Virginia. In March of 1622 local Tidewater Indians attacked Bennett’s plantation, killing fifty-two people. Johnson was one of only five on the plantation who survived the attack.

In 1622 “Mary, a Negro Woman” arrived aboard the Margrett and John and like Anthony, she ended up on Bennett’s plantation. At some point Anthony and Mary were married; a 1653 Northampton County court document lists Mary as Anthony’s wife. It was a prosperous and enduring union that lasted over forty years and produced at least four children including two sons and two daughters. The couple was respected in their community for their “hard labor and known service,” according to court documents.

At some point between 1625 and 1640 Anthony and Mary gained their freedom and moved to Virginia’s Eastern Shore where they purchased a modest estate. They began raising cattle and hogs and by 1651, Johnson claimed 250 acres of land along Pungoteague Creek. He claimed the land by virtue of five headrights, one of which was in the name of his son, Richard Johnson. It is impossible to know if Anthony imported the other men whose names appear on the headright land claims, but it is possible that he did. It is also possible that he purchased headright certificates from other planters. Either way, 250 acres was a sizeable plantation by the standards of the day. By 1654 Johnson’s two sons, Richard and John, both owned acreage adjoining their father’s land.

In addition to being a landowner, Anthony Johnson was also a slaveholder. Court records reveal that Johnson won a 1655 case against white planter, Robert Parker, to retain ownership of Johnson’s slave, John Casor. Casor, with the help of Robert Parker, tried to claim that he was an indentured servant, not a slave. Although the courts initially found in Parker’s favor, temporarily freeing Casor, they subsequently reversed the decision, returning Casor to the service of his master, Anthony Johnson.

A fire in 1653 destroyed much of the Johnson’s plantation. As a result of the fire, Anthony and Mary petitioned the court for tax relief, which was granted on the grounds that they would have

Anthony Johnson’s Virginia and Maryland: Anthony Johnson's Virginia and Maryland: map of colonia settlement by 1700.

BLACKPAST.ORG.

map of colonial settlement by 1700. BLACKPAST.ORG.

difficulty obtaining a livelihood. Sometime in the 1660s Anthony and Mary Johnson, their dependent children, and their married sons, John and Richard, all moved north into Maryland. In Maryland, Anthony leased a 300acre farm, Tonies Vineyard, where he lived until his death in 1670. Mary survived her husband, and in her 1672 will she bequeathed a cow to each of her grandsons. Five years later, in 1677, Anthony and Mary’s grandson, John Jr., purchased a 44-acre farm which he named Angola. John Jr. later died without leaving an heir, however, and by 1730, the Johnson family had vanished from the historical records.

McNally, D. (2010, December 14). Anthony Johnson (?-1670). BlackPast.org. https://www.blackpast.org/africanamerican-history/johnson-anthony-1670/ SOURCE OF THE AUTHOR'S INFORMATION: T.H. Breen, Stephen Innes, “Myne Owne Ground”: Race and Freedom on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, 1640-1676 (New York: Oxford U Press, 2004); Peter Wood, Strange New Land, Africans in Colonial America (New York: Oxford U Press, 2003).

BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

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DIABETES DIGITAL LAUNCHES

Inclusive & Accessible Virtual Nutrition Counseling Service--Insurance Accepted The Founders of Food Heaven Introduce a Virtual Platform for Diabetes and Prediabetes Care, Expanding Access to 23 States

SAN FRANCISCO, PRNewsbility. wire -- Diabetes Digital, the latest Weight Inclusive & Culturally venture from Jessica Jones and Humble: Offering comprehensive Wendy Lopez of Food Heaven, is hour-long appointments, virtual proud to announce the launch of consultations available in Spanish, its innovative virtual nutrition culturally humble care, and embraccounseling service. Based in San ing a weight inclusive/Health at Francisco and extending services Every Size (HAES) approach. across 23 states, Diabetes Digital Dietitian Founders: Jessica is set to transform the landscape Jones, MS, RDN, CDCES, CEO, and of diabetes and prediabetes manWendy Lopez, MS, RDN, CDCES, agement.

COO, bring their expertise and viDeveloped by the respected sion from their successful venture, dietitians and founders of the Food Heaven. popular multimedia platform and Extensive Reach: Services availpodcast, Food Heaven, Diabetes able in over 23 states, addressing a Digital combines convenience broad spectrum of client needs. with inclusivity. The service is Quote from Jessica Jones, CEO: designed to honor the cultural “Diabetes Digital is more than a heritage and unique health jourplatform; it’s a movement towards a neys of its clients, representing Diabetes Digital Co-Founders, Registered Dietitians, and Dia- more personalized and empathetic a major leap forward in virtual betes Educators Wendy Lopez (left) and Jessica Jones (right). approach to diabetes care. Leveragdiabetes care. ing our extensive experience from PRNewsFoto.

In-Network with Insurance: Food Heaven, we’re thrilled to offer a In-network with Aetna, BCBS, service that truly resonates with the Cigna, Health Net, Medicare, and United, expanding accessineeds of today’s clients,” states Jessica Jones, CEO.

BlackDoctor.org Unpacks Relationship between Health and Trust NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- A new study from BlackDoctor.org (BDO) highlights the complex factors that build and break trust in healthcare among Black communities. Comprised of more than 45 million people in the U.S., Black communities have historically had a complicated, and often painful, relationship with the healthcare system. The BDO Black Community Trust Study uncovers how Black individuals think about trust and their health and identifies ways pharmaceutical and healthcare organizations can best partner with Black community members to meet their needs. The study findings were unveiled to healthcare leaders at the Community Voices in Health Equity Summit, hosted by BDO in collaboration with USA TODAY, Omnicom Health Group (OHG) and Omnicom Public Relations Group (OPRG), including Ketchum.

The study, which surveyed more than 500 Black individuals within the BDO community, found that more than 80 percent of respondents say honesty and transparency are defining elements of trust in health (83%). A majority also agree that trust requires healthcare providers to see and treat patients as whole people vs. just their symptoms (77%) and believe them when they describe how they are feeling (68%). In a signal to companies that one-time efforts are not effective in building trust, 58 percent of respondents say their trust is dependent on organizations demonstrating a long-term commitment to their community.

The study also explores what pharma and healthcare companies can do to earn trust and improve the health of Black community members.

When asked what steps companies should take to earn their trust, 40 percent said hiring more Black employees would help earn their trust, indicating a growing desire for companies to reflect the diversity

of the communities they serve. The survey data also highlight a desire for pharma companies to facilitate racial bias and empathy training for healthcare providers and make it easier to access patient navigators.

Clarity and transparency also rose to the top as key elements of establishing trust. More than half (54 percent) see pharma companies playing a role in making health information easier to understand, and 34 percent say using simpler language would go a long way in earning their trust. This desire for jargon-free, plain language is gaining greater prominence among physicians and healthcare organizations according to Ketchum, a global communications consultancy with deep health equity expertise and part of Omnicom PR Group (OPRG). More and more, they say, the conversation is shifting away from patient health literacy to the need for more equitable and inclusive language.

The Community Voices in Health Equity Summit held at the USA TODAY office in New York City brought together more than 70 leaders from top pharma and healthcare organizations to engage in much needed dialogue around health equity and community engagement. Panels during the full-day event covered topics such as medical gaslighting, early detection of cancer among Black men and clinical trial diversity.

Clinical trial diversity was also highlighted in the study. When asked what they need help with to live their healthiest life, many respondents indicated a need for greater access to health information. Half (50%) want more information on new, innovative treatments, and 36 percent are seeking more information on clinical trials.

“Trust remains the number one gap we must overcome to achieve clinical trial diversity and health

equity, and we are committed to walking hand-inhand with pharma to get it right and move quickly,” said BlackDoctor.org CEO Reggie Ware. “Trust is the foundation for health equity strategies, and reaching Blacks in a trustworthy manner, in places they trust, by people they trust must be the lens.”

BDO Chief Marketing Officer Derrick Lane also underscored the organization’s commitment to normalizing Black participation in clinical trials, leading with trust and educating BDO’s 20 million audience reach on Facebook and six million monthly visitors to its website. “We are entering new territory to meet diversity in clinical trials standards,” he said. “Awareness and collaboration are paramount to improve health and set up our legacy in good health.”

In 2024, BlackDoctor.org intends to work closely with pharma companies, community health workers and local influencers to bring awareness to its Clinical Trial Resource Center (CTRC) and engage in important conversations around health equity for measurable impact and improved health outcomes.

Valarie Clark, MPA Senior Vice President of Health Equity at Ketchum, says the Community Voices summit is just the beginning of the health equity partnership with BDO. “Being able to effectively communicate with patients and communities can actually save lives – we saw this happen throughout the pandemic. Clear, simple and concise messages are most effective, but equally important is who is communicating – a valued member of the community can help establish more trust and engagement.

Everyone involved in the healthcare system has a responsibility to make the complex simple to ensure patients get the care they need. Achieving better outcomes really requires all of us to communicate differently, and our summit was a great step forward in advancing that communication.”

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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 _______________________________________

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 _______________________________________

GUN SHOW GUN SHOW - February 23-25, 8505 Durrand Ave., Fountain Hall. Sturtevant, WI Friday 3pm8pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 9am-3pm.

Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns. Buy-Sell-TradeBrowse Information contact Marv: 563-608-4401 www.marvkrauspromotions.net _______________________________________

MONEY Romance Scams on the Rise and Elderly are Particularly Vulnerable

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

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long time in cultivating trust, which makes these scams particularly nefarious,” Kwapiszeski says.

To protect against potential romance scams, follow these tips: • Before sending money or sharing financial information, consult a friend or family member. Simply talking to someone not involved in the situation is often enough to identify red flags.

• Trust your gut. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

• Beware of “love bombing,” when a person lavishes you with excessive flattery, affection and praise early in the relationship to manipulate your emotions.

• Be wary of strangers reaching out on social media.

• If you like someone, ask for a quick video chat. If they refuse or make up outlandish excuses, that’s a red flag.

• Stay alert to photos or biographical details that don’t match up with what someone’s told you.

• Use image and name-reverse searches to validate the identity of people you meet online.

• Never send intimate photos to strangers or invest without doing your due diligence.

• Confide in family and friends if you grow suspicious.

Elders have lost homes, emptied out retirement accounts and risked lifetime savings for a love interest that never truly existed. Once the shock abates and the money is gone, the shame sets in and some have even resorted to self-harm instead of admitting to being defrauded in this way.

If a loved one falls victim to a romance scam, it’s important to respond with empathy.

If you believe you or someone you love has been a victim of fraud, PNC Bank’s web resources, as part of its Security and Privacy Center (pnc.com), can help. After taking immediate measures to protect yourself, block the scammer on all accounts, change your passwords, and report the incident to the FTC and FBI. The best line of defense against romance scams is awareness. Understanding common tactics can help you stay protected. _______________________________________

COMMUNITY

(StatePoint) They say, “you can’t buy love,” but scammers have figured out a way to exploit it for profit.

Romance scams are at an all-time high and, while victims cross all demographics, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that elders are increasingly targeted. Why? Because they often have retirement savings at their disposal and may be more be isolated and less tech savvy.

“Romance scammers often manipulate emotions to gain trust,” says Mark Kwapiszeski, head of enterprise fraud for PNC. “Those who fall victim end up putting feelings above logic. This can create embarrassment and, as a result, these crimes are less likely to be reported.”

Scammers will create convincing profiles on dating and social media apps, reaching out to their target feigning familiarity or attraction.

Things move quickly, but there is always a reason they can’t meet on video or in person. They may claim to have a reason that requires them to be overseas or out of reach. They tell their target everything they want to hear, and the hook is set.

Suddenly, a crisis arises that they insist they need help financial help with to mitigate.

Or maybe they need finances to set up a new life together. They ask for the money, but would prefer it be sent in a form like cryptocurrency or gift card where there is little chance of the victim ever recovering it.

Such scams are highly effective. In 2022 alone, romance scams resulted in $1.3 billion lost, more than double the money lost in the previous year, according to the FTC. To add insult to injury, scammers may convince their target to send them revealing photos they will later use to extort them. They may even play the long game and build trust over time, then convince their target to invest with them, without the victim ever getting any return.

“A romance scammer can invest a

Classifieds

Protecting Americans’ Access to High-Quality Health Care (StatePoint) Accepting Medicare is becoming increasingly unsustainable for physicians, which has resulted in many practices refusing to take new Medicare patients, or even to shutter their doors. At the same time, millions of additional Americans are projected to rely on Medicare in the coming years. With a 3.37% reduction to Medicare imposed at the start of this year, the American Medical Association (AMA) says that reforms are needed to protect millions of Americans’ access to their physicians.

“After three consecutive years of Medicare cuts, physicians and patients are at a crossroads. Physicians have faced reductions in Medicare payments each of the past four years on top of steeply rising practice costs and the burdens of nearly four years of COVID-19. Continuing down this road is unsustainable for many physicians, particularly those in smaller private practices,” says Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, president of the AMA. An AMA analysis of Medicare Trustees data finds that Medicare physician payments increased by just 0.4% a year between 2001 and 2023. Meanwhile, the cost of running a medical practice—including office rent, employee wages and insurance premiums—went up by 47% during that same period. Today, physicians are the only Medicare providers who do not receive an annual inflationary update, hindering their ability to adequately pay staff, purchase new equipment and invest in their practices.

Struggling physician practices nationwide have

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

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already been forced to make such tough choices as refusing to accept Medicare, absorbing their practices into larger companies, and even shutting down operations entirely. As a result, some Medicare patients—like Dr. Ehrenfeld’s own parents, who recently struggled to find a new physician—will increasingly be left without access to high-quality care, with the largest burden on rural and underserved areas. New cuts will erode this access even further.

“Congress has the power to prevent these cuts and save patients’ access to their physicians,” says Dr. Ehrenfeld. “The Preserving

Seniors’ Access to Physicians Act of 2023 is a bipartisan legislative fix that will completely eliminate the cuts. I urge everyone to visit FixMedicareNow.org and contact their member of Congress. Tell them to pass H.R.6683, and protect Medicare patients.”

To learn more, visit FixMedicareNow.org.

Through reform, advocates say that the Medicare system will better meet the needs of patients and physicians, and safeguard access to high-quality care.

12 | Suburban Times | Week of February 14, 2024

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