South End Citizen 10-19-2022

Dean of Olive-Harvey Urban Agriculture Department Akilah Easter working with hemp plants in the greenhouse.

PROVIDED BY CITY COLLEGES OF CHICAGO.

Dr. Kimberly Hollingsworth is the PresiDENT

COLLEGE. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CITY COLLEGE

CHICAGO.

briefly

Chicago, Ill. -- Families and individuals hoping to increase their savings, launch a business or make smart financial choices received actionable advice on how to create and pass on generational wealth at the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s 2nd Annual WealthNOW Conference last Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Malcolm X Community College. A dynamic slate of financial lead ers addressed the city’s racial wealth gap while providing listeners with the tools to achieve economic prosperity.

Artist and activist Vic Mensa inspired listeners by sharing information about his entrepreneurial journey. Mensa knows first-hand the hustle of growing up on the South-Side of Chicago and credits much of his success to the generosity of others.

Once a teenger using street-smarts to sell cannabis, Mensa is now launching the first black-owned and equity focused cannabis company, 93 Boyz.

A new initiative from the YWCA’s Small Business Development Center provided aspiring female entre preneurs with valuable information on how to start their own home childcare centers. Additional presentations focused on ways to reduce the racial wealth gap through entrepreneurship, funding and franchise ownership.

“We were so proud to host this event and see the number of people yearning for this type of knowledge and financial success,” said Nicole Robinson, CEO of the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.

Other WealthNow sponsors include Liberty Bank, The L3 Agency, and Legacy Franchise Ventures.

Those who could not attend the WealthNOW con ference but would like to learn more information about YWCA Metropolitan Chicago programs and future events are encouraged to visit their website at https:// ywcachicago.org/.

AMA FURTHERS COMMITMENT TO AD VANCING HEALTH EQUITY ON CHICAGO’S WEST SIDE WITH $3M INVESTMENT

CHICAGO – The American Medical Association (AMA) today announced a new $3 million multi-year investment in Chicago’s west side neighborhoods. This investment leverages AMA’s new commitment as an anchor mission partner with West Side United (WSU)—adding to a group of collaborators committed to addressing structural inequities, eliminating health disparities and improving economic vitality and educa tional opportunities in Chicago’s west side communities, which have been devastated by decades of neglect and disinvestment.

The announcement, hosted by the City Club of Chicago at The Hatchery on Chicago’s west side, builds on the AMA’s initial $2 million investment in 2020. The new funding announced today will support WSU’s multi-pronged social impact investing approach. WSU-coordinated impact investing is done in partner ship with community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to help provide much-needed capital to foster economic opportunity, revitalize neighborhoods and support community transformation. AMA’s renewed commitments will lead to more investments in affordable housing, healthy food options, job creation projects and educational programs.

To date, West Side United partners have invested a combined $177 million in Chicago’s west side neighbor hoods through local procurement, small business grants, and impact investing, including the AMA’s 5-year, $5 million investment.

Formed in 2017, West Side United’s mission is to improve social, economic, and structural determinants of health, particularly through improving access to care and community resources, improving mental and behavioral health, and preventing and reducing chronic disease. More specifically, West Side United’s primary goal is to reduce the life expectancy gap between Chicago’s Loop and 10 west side neighborhoods, especially considering the decrease in life expectancy across the nation since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Olive-Harvey College to Offer Associate Degree in Cannabis Studies

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BY TIA CAROL JONES

The Applied Cannabis Studies degree has been a la bor of love for Olive-Harvey College. When recreational cannabis became legal in Illinois, faculty approached Dr. Kimberly Hollingsworth, President of Olive-Harvey College, and said the college needed to leverage the opportunity to be able to provide educational opportu nities for students. Black and Brown people have been disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs, so it was thought that Black and Brown students would bene fit from an educational program that provided a way for them to get a certificate in cannabis studies.

“What we soon learned, was our four-year partners in the industry were looking for even more. Our team ramped up our curriculum efforts to develop a degree program. We worked really hard to develop a curriculum program, alongside our industry partners, that would be relevant, and hopefully improve the economic mobility of the students who would persist through the program,” Hollingsworth said, adding it would also allow those students to take a science-based program, that focused on plant touching.

The program will be available in the Spring of 2023 for those students who are interested in it. The goal of the program is to improve the economic mobility of the students who participate in the program.

Olive-Harvey College already has a greenhouse and hemp is actively growing there. It also has an Urban Agriculture Department. Hemp has a lower THC than cannabis, it can’t get you high. It does give students an opportunity to explore hemp. Cannabis is not legal from

a federal standpoint and the college cannot actively grow it on campus.

The Associates of Applied Science in Cannabis Stud ies degree is a 61-credit hour applied science degree. With the degree, Olive-Harvey wanted to focus on giving students who might be afraid of STEM fields a founda tional background of science. It enables those students in the program to transfer to a four-year institution, they would have foundational science courses. Also, if a student wants to complete the Associates Degree and go into the workforce, they have an extra knowledge base that could lead to them being employed as a cannabis consultant, working in dispensary operations, cannabis extraction technician, or a grow master.

“The more education you have around the plant or around the field, obviously you’re going to have a leg up on someone who walks off the street. What we’re find ing, the cannabis industry in Illinois alone are a billion dollar industry. Generating that type of revenue, clearly there’s some jobs out there,” Hollingsworth said.

The basic certificate and advance certificate in dispensary operations will stack into the Applied Science of Cannabis Studies program. This program has equity at its foundation. Olive-Harvey also is actively starting a justice center to help students get their cannabis records expunged. The hope is those students can find them selves in a much better position than where they started.

The certification programs are part of the City Colleges of Chicago Future Ready Program. With Future Ready, Chicago residents can take part in credit and con tinuing education programs at no cost to them.

For more information about the Applied Science of Cannabis Studies Program, visit https://tinyurl.

CHICAGO HALLOWEEK RETURNS FOR A THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR

CHICAGO — After two successful iterations in 2020 and 2021, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and City departments announced the return of Chicago Halloweek in 2022. ‘Halloweek’ brings together City departments, corporations, and community-based organizations to plan Halloween-related activations for Chicago residents of all ages. Events and activities will be hosted from October 22 through October 31, and all activities can be found at ChicagoHalloweek.org.

“After two successful years, the City of Chicago is ready to celebrate Halloween through ‘Halloweek’ once again,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “This week-long celebration, hosted across all parts of our city, will give children, their families, and residents of all ages fun and safe activities to participate in. I thank our City departments, corporate partners, and community leaders and organizations for continuing to put on this incredible Halloween programming and hope that all who attend have a wonderful time.”

Halloweek activities will begin October 22 with the UPSIDE DOWN Parade from 12 to 3 p.m. in Washington Park, presented by LUMA8 and the City of Chicago and sponsored by Blom mer Chocolate Company. This event turns the traditional parade upside down because attending families will BE the parade as they walk in costume through the park to view entertainment all around them. The street will come alive with dancers, acrobats, puppetry, and sports mascots — and kids will receive a compli mentary goody bag as they exit the route. Blommer Chocolate Company will be giving away thousands of children’s costumes at the entrance to the event and will host a job fair area for those

interested in working in their Chicago factory.

Halloweek will continue throughout October 24 to 28 with ten community ‘Halloweek On the Block’ events and additional trick-or-treating and Halloween- themed programs across the city. The Chicago Park District, with support from sponsors Mars Wrigley and Xfinity, the Chicago Public Library, and other City departments and community partners, host these festivities. All events will be searchable on ChicagoHal loweek.org and the My CHI. My Future. mobile app.

Halloweek will also promote celebrat ing Halloween safely amidst COVID-19. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) encourages youth 5 months and older to get the vaccine in advance of Halloweek for additional protection against COVID-19 and its subvariants:

CDPH is offering guidance on how to celebrate and trick-or-treat safely, including the following:

Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, including all primary series doses and boosters for your age group.

Do not hand out candy or participate in Halloween events if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 or feel sick, even if you have been fully vaccinated.

Wash hands or use hand sanitizer before and after trickor-treating and use hand sanitizer. Eat candy at home, or after washing or sanitizing your hands.

Masks are recommended when trick-or-treating in indoor public settings, particularly if you are at risk of getting very sick. A costume mask is not a substitute for a high-quality mask or respirator.

City offers parades, activities, and safety guidelines via ChicagoHalloweek.org to encourage Chicagoans to celebrate a fun and safe Halloween

ARTIST VIC MENSA AND FINANCIAL EXPERTS PROVIDE TIPS ON GAINING ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AT THE YWCA METROPOLITAN CHICAGO’S 2ND ANNUAL WEALTHNOW CONFERENCE

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL JOINS COALITION TO PROTECT ACCESS TO GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE

Chicago — Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief to fight health care discrimination against trans gender people.

The brief supports a group of trans gender individuals or parents of trans gender individuals who have been denied coverage for gender-affirming care under the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees. It was filed in Kadel v. Folwell, a case pending in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

“Transgender people deserve access to gender-affirming care, and I am committed to fighting against health care discrimination,” Raoul said. “I will continue to work with my fellow attorneys general to support the rights of transgender people and oppose efforts that jeopardize the safety and health of the LGBTQ+

community.”

Raoul and the coalition argue that the Fourth Circuit should affirm a lower court ruling which determined that the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees’ denial of medically necessary, gender-affirming care violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The brief argues that discrim ination against transgender people violates the Equal Protection Clause because it constitutes discrimination based on sex.

The amicus brief notes the efforts that states joining the filing have made to protect transgender health care rights, including prohibiting health care discrim ination based on transgender identity and ensuring that state employee healthcare plans cover medically necessary gender-af firming care. These policies have categori cally improved the well-being of transgen der people and reduced the risk of suicide, substance abuse and depression, without significantly increasing premium costs or expenses to insurers and plan sponsors.

This brief is Attorney General Raoul’s

latest action to defend the rights of trans gender and LGBTQ+ people. In August, Raoul joined two separate coalitions of attorneys general supporting LGBTQ+ students against discrimination in the classroom, filing legal briefs opposing an Indiana school district’s efforts to bar a transgender student from using the re stroom consistent with the student’s gender identity, and against Florida’s controver sial “Don’t Say Gay” law, which limits classroom discussions and has serious implications for LGBTQ+ students. He also joined a coalition of attorneys general opposing an Alabama law that criminalizes evidence-based and medically accepted gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

Joining Attorney General Raoul in filing the brief are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Delaware, Ha waii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia.

POLITICAL AFFAIRS

CASTEN ANNOUNCES $2,250,129,111 HEADED TO ILLINOIS TO STRENGTHEN ROADS, BRIDG ES UNDER DEMOCRATS’ INFRASTRUCTURE LAW

October 13th, 2022 – Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) announced that Illinois will receive $2,250,129,111 from the historic Infrastructure Law to strengthen roads, bridges and tunnels across the state.

“The Infrastructure Law is delivering historic investments to build safer, stronger, smarter roadways,” said Rep. Casten. “This deeply needed funding for our roads, bridges and tunnels that Illinoisans rely on every day will slash commute times, lower car repair costs, reduce pollution and support good-paying, union jobs. I’m proud to have voted for this critical victory and I will continue partnering with our state and local leaders to put these game-changing investments to work.”

Decades of underinvestment has left Illinois’ roads, bridges and tunnels in poor condition: causing longer commute times, higher car maintenance costs and more pollution in neighbor hoods. Nationwide, the United States ranks 13th globally in terms of the quality of our infrastructure, and the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the condition of our infrastructure a C-.

CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST

Chatham, Avalon Park, Park Manor,GreaterGrand Crossing, Burnside,Chesterfield, West Chersterfield, South Shore,and Calumet Heitghts.

SOUTH END Washington Heights,Roseland,Rosemoor, Englewood,West Englewood, Auburn-Gresham, Morgan Park,

Park, Mt. Vernon, Fernwood, Bellevue, Beverly, Pullman, West Pullman, West Pullman,Riverdale, Jeffrey Manor and Hegewisch.

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HYDE PARK

SOUTH SHORE COMMUNITY UNVEILS TRANSFORMATIVE QUALITYOF-LIFE PLAN TO REVITALIZE AND RESHAPE THE SOUTH SHORE CHICAGO—The South Shore Compact today announced the release of the South Shore Quality-of-Life Plan (QLP), an informative strategy to achieve the South Shore community’s shared goals of revi talization and renewal of the neighborhood and the advocacy required to achieve them. The plan reflects insights of all stakeholdersneighbors, business owners, community and faith-based institutions, educators, elected officials, and the many allies in government, foundations, and social service based in the South Shore community. In partnership with LISC Chicago, the South Shore Compact are the co-convenors for the QLP process in the South Shore and is made up of three con vening agencies including the Neighborhood Network Alliance, South Shore Chamber of Commerce and South Shore Works Planning and Preservation Coalition.

by a large portion of the South Shore com munity. It is, by no means, a proposal cast in stone, but rather a dynamic, ongoing process surely to expand and improve once various aspects of the plan are implemented and come to fruition.

“This plan is truly a labor of love that is the product of two years of research, fact-find ing and discussions involving stakeholders from all across the community,” said Jaime Arteaga, Program Office of the Neighborhood Network at LISC Chicago. “The South Shore community is resilient and when this plan is implemented it will provide lasting impact for generations to come and LISC is honored to be a part of it.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included the single larg est dedicated investment in surface transportation infrastructure since the construction of the Interstate Highway System: creating good-paying jobs while improving the safety and efficiency of our roadways.

The new funding for Illinois announced today comes from twelve initiatives under the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration for the upcoming fiscal year. Illinois’ allocation is part of a nearly $60 billion tranche from the Department of Transportation to support critical infrastructure in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each state and territory will have the flexibility to determine how these funds can best address longstanding needs.

Communities across the country are already feeling the transformative impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: The Bridge Formula Program has supported repairs on over 2,400 bridges.

The Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Formula Program has funded over $200 million of projects in 21 states.

The Highway Safety Improvement Program supported improvements on more than 5,300 projects, including a total of 155 roundabout projects throughout the country that will reduce the number of traffic conflict points.

Meadows,

Shores,Douglas,

CHICAGO WEEKEND

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY

The information, insights, and recom mendations contained in the South Shore QLP represents the efforts of literally hundreds of residents, business owners, organizers, and other stakeholders committed to making South Shore a viable, vibrant community. The process of transforming the South Shore into a Center for Black Excellence is inclusive and welcoming of all who wish to participate and craft this vision.

“Given the arrival of the Obama Pres idential Center and subsequent investment and development activity in surrounding areas, NOW IS THE TIME to build on South Shore’s momentum, harness its strengths and pursue opportunities for equitable, inclusive growth,” said Tonya Trice, Executive Director of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. “We can now leverage our Quality of Life plan to attract public, private and philanthropic investment to cure broader economic chal lenges South Shore has faced in the past.”

The National Highway Performance Program has funded more than 6,000 projects to improve safety and efficiency.

JOYCE EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF MANUFACTURING IN ILLINOIS

ESSEX – The “Makers on the Move” statewide bus tour put on by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association visited CSL Behring in Bradley last week, where State Senator Patrick Joyce spoke about the contributions of CSL to the community.

“Manufacturing has continued to have a significant impact to our state’s economy,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The amount of jobs and revenue manufacturing brings to our region and state shows this is a major economic driver in Illinois.”

press release information to: editorial@citizennewspapergroup.com. For more information on subscriptions or advertising, call us at (773) 7831251 or fax (872) 208-8793. Our offices are located at 8741 South Greenwood Suite# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

ELIZABETH “LIZZIE G” ELIE LICENSED REALTOR

Focusing on the eight primary ar eas-of-concern outlined — resident engage ment, economic development, education, housing, community stewardship & beau tification, health & wellness, arts/culture & entertainment, and public safety — the QLP provides a comprehensive analysis and blueprint for specific measures that can be em ployed to meet the present challenges South Shore faces, along with building the founda tion for future revitalization and sustainability. In addition, the plan describes the framework, strategies, and resources required to imple ment and sustain the quality of life envisioned

QLPs are comprehensive visions focused on issues identified and chosen by local stake holders after extensive community engage ment and assessment of local assets specific to the community. Each plan is supported by a neighborhood-based convening agency that leads the planning process and typically con tinues the convening role into implementation.

Since 2000, LISC’s New Communities Program has helped create 29 Quality-of-Life Plans, garnering more than $1B in new investments aligned in support of community visions in neighborhoods across Chicago.

To read the South Shore Quality of Life Plan, visit www.chicagoqlps.org/southshore-2022.

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CSL Behring is a pharmaceutical manufacturer that is a global leader in creating products to cure rare and serious diseases. The company employs over 1,800 individuals in the area.

A recent study found the total economic impact of manu facturing in Illinois is estimated to be between $580 billion and $611 billion every year – the largest share of any industry to the state’s Gross Domestic Product. Manufacturing directly employs 662,298 workers but ultimately supports as many as 1,771,928 jobs, generating up to $150 billion in labor income for Illinois residents annually.

“This tour is a great opportunity to show the public the different career paths that the manufacturing industry presents in Illinois,” said Joyce. “This industry is important to our state and I’m dedicated to supporting job training programs that allow people to choose these careers in manufacturing.”

To learn more about the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association or to see a list of stops on the “Makers on the Move” bus tour, visit https://ima-net.org/2022-manufacturing-month-chicago-bus-tour/ .

Urban One’s “One Solution” Division Appoints Danielle Brown as Vice President, Cross Platform Client Services

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Tiffany Nasralla, Chief Revenue Officer of Urban One’s iOne Digital division, announced the appoint ment of Danielle Brown to Vice President, Cross Platform Client Services (One Solution). Urban One is the largest African American minority-controlled and operated, fully integrated media company that reaches, connects, and engages with the Black and Urban consumer at scale across audio, digital, linear, and experiential. Brown will be responsible for successfully managing, growing, and developing long-term cross-platform ac counts with top-tier clients and agency partners at all levels.

Danielle M. Brown is a results-oriented media executive with a proven track record of exceeding sales targets, developing and strengthening partnerships, breaking new busi ness, selling integrated experiences and fran chises, and delivering client-driven marketing initiatives. She is a seasoned corporate leader, dynamic speaker, and impactful community builder. She maintains a strong reputation for consistently delivering results that exceed ex pectations. Prior to joining Urban One, Brown held leadership positions at BET/ViacomCBS, ESSENCE Communications, Inc, and Time, Inc.– all positions where Brown substantially contributed to company growth, increase in revenue, and expansion of both internal and external client relationships.

Brown’s presence outside the office is a beacon of light and hope in opportunity-challenged communities where young children are often unseen and unheard. Her community impact company —The

Heart To Say It, LLC—creates safe spaces for young girls and women to have open and honest conversations and gives voice to the voiceless with both a gentle whisper and a powerful reminder, “Your Dreams Matter”. She also served on the board of Petals-N-Belles, an organi zation committed to empowering young women while helping them overcome adversities to achieve their goals. In addition, she is the co-host of Cocktails & Cancer with MJ and Dani, a hilarious, chatty podcast about two best friends living their best life after a cancer diagnosis, highlighting the power of friendship and support on the journey of life.

Danielle Brown, Vice President, Cross Platform Services (One Solution), remarked, “How you live your life is your best ministry. I’ve spent my life and career being me… joyfully humanizing and enlightening people from all walks of life on the fabulousness, beauty, and complexities of being a Black woman – unapologetically and with pride. Urban One is the most trusted source in the Black Community that informs, entertains, and inspires. Our missions are aligned! I am beaming with gratitude and excitement because I get to work with such a smart team. I look forward to creative collaboration and developing innovative opportunities rooted in service, giving back to the community, and impact for our brand partners using all Urban One platforms. Together we will truly celebrate and honor our audiencesthe communities who help our businesses thrive.”

SCIENTIFIC GAMES ANNOUNCES NEW LEADER OF GLOBAL HUMAN RESOURCES, DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- Scientific Games has named Mona Garland, an experienced human resources leader, as the company’s Chief Human Resources Officer. In the newly expanded role, Garland joins the Scientific Games Executive Team which has continued to evolve after the company’s sale to Brookfield Business Partners in April 2022.

As CHRO, Garland will lead global people strategy along with employee-fo cused programs and initiatives, including talent acquisition and retention, learning and development, diversity, equity and inclu sion, compensation and benefits, employee engagement, and workplace culture.

Scientific Games’ 3,000 employees are located at 40+ technology and operational centers, production facilities, game design studios, and offices spanning five continents. The company is currently expanding its global employee base.

Pat McHugh, CEO for Scientific Games, said, “Our people are our greatest asset in serving our customers. Mona is a dynamic leader with a passion for coaching and developing talent to evolve organiza tions. We look forward to the tremendous impact she and our Human Resources team will have on our current employees, as well as expanding and further diversifying our work force for the continued growth of our global business.”

Based in metro Atlanta at the company’s global headquar ters, Garland brings more than 25 years of experience building and implementing HR strategies, programs and infrastructure

that develop, engage and retain talent to enable business success at global organizations including General Electric and Bram bles.

Garland’s experience includes supporting global market leaders in technology, manufacturing, logistics, and services industries, making her a great fit for Scientific Games. Most re cently, she served as the Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer and as an integral member of the executive leadership team at a global building materials organiza tion, successfully partnering with key stakeholders to create and advance an Inclusion and Diversity vision, strategy and initiatives across the company’s Americas businesses.

Since 1973, Scientific Games pro vides retail and digital games, technology, analytics, and services to lotteries around the world.

Scientific Games is a global leader in retail and digital products, technology and services that drive profits for govern ment-sponsored lottery and sports betting programs. From enterprise gaming plat forms to exciting entertainment experiences and trailblazing retail and digital solutions, we elevate play every day. We are industry pioneers in data analytics, retail solutions and iLottery. Built on a foundation of trusted partnerships since 1973, Scientific Games combines relentless innovation, perfor mance and unwavering security to responsibly propel the industry forward. For more information, visit scientificgames.com.

Communications firm specializing in providing services to minority-owned and female-owned businesses opens its doors

AUSTIN, Texas, PRNews wire -- A new and specialized agency, Meraki Public Relations was launched today with a mis sion to capture and showcase the stories of female and minority businesses, brands, and organi zations.

With extensive experience in the industry, founder & CEO, Sarindee Patel hopes to create opportunities for a demograph ic that is often overlooked and underrepresented. “As an immi grant, minority, and a woman, I know first-hand the struggles of having your voice heard. I don’t just want to get our clients a seat at the table, I want to ensure they have a VIP invite,” said Sarindee Patel.

The Austin-based firm is now offering a variety of public relations, event marketing, and strategic communication ser vices to US-based companies

including:

Press release writing and distri bution

Media relations

Media training

Crisis management

Thought leadership

Community outreach

Special events and experiences

Event production

B2B & B2C events

Communication strategy

Meraki Public Relations specializes in providing public relations (PR), strategic commu nication, and event marketing services to female-owned and minority-owned businesses, brands, and organizations. Learn more about Meraki PR at www. merakipublicrelations.com.

Danielle Brown. PRNewsfoto/One Solution

Scientific Games has named Mona Garland, an experienced human resources leader, as the company’s Chief Human Resources Officer. PRNewsFoto.

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Modeling the Spirit of Democracy

BY BEN JEALOUS

Some things are unthinkable—until they happen.

For Jamie Raskin, a congressman and father, the first unthinkable thing was the loss of his beloved son Tommy to suicide on New Year’s Eve 2020. As a father myself, my heart breaks when I imagine the grief experienced by Raskin and his family.

The second unthinkable thing hap pened less than a week later. Enraged supporters of the defeated President Donald Trump attacked the U.S. Capitol and hunted for members of Congress to prevent them from affirming the results of the presidential election.

Raskin was at the Capitol that day— the day after his son was buried—to do his duty. And that meant he and the family members who were there to support him had to live through the terror of the attack and evacuation.

After all that, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked Raskin to lead an effort to impeach Trump for his role in the insur rection. Raskin said yes. He did a brilliant job. It was a remarkable show of strength and resilience. The House did vote to

impeach Trump for a second time, though most Senate Republicans refused to con vict him.

Raskin wrote a book about that 45day period between the loss of his son and the impeachment of Trump. “Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy,” is powerful and surprisingly hopeful.

I recently had a chance to talk with Raskin when he spoke with People For the American Way’s new online book club. I asked him about the grounds for his hope. How, given the rising threats to freedom and democracy, does he continue to con sider himself a “constitutional optimist?”

What makes the U.S. exceptional is not that we are somehow immune to the erosion of democracy, he said. What makes us exceptional is the progress we have made together. We can take hope and strength from our own history, and the example of courageous people around the world.

“We are not the first generation to face authoritarianism.”

He reminded all of us that the spirit of freedom and democracy lives in people’s hearts even in the face of repression and attempts to snuff it out—and efforts by farright strategists to smother it.

Raskin has modeled that spirit of democracy as a member of the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection and all that led up to it. In the face of every effort by Trump and his al lies to stall, stonewall, and shut down the investigation, Raskin and his colleagues refused to back down. They have dug out evidence and presented it to the Ameri can people.

Without the committee’s investiga tions, we would know far less about the effort by Trump and his henchmen to overturn the election. Without the com mittee’s truth-telling, there would be no hope for holding them accountable.

The threat to democracy is real. Con spiracy theories are helping drive a rightwing turn away from democratic values and toward repressive authoritarian rule.

At this moment, Americans face a choice: do we go back to the worst of the past, to voter suppression and political violence fueled by racism? Or do we move forward, building on the progress we have made in becoming a multiracial, multiethnic, multireligious democratic society?

It’s up to us. As Jamie Raskin reminded us, “Democracy is always unfinished.”

Raskin wrote a book about that 45-day period between the loss of his son and the impeachment of Trump.

“Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy,” is powerful and surprisingly hopeful.

Jayce Baron and Hailie Sahar Kick-off Black Alphabet Film Festival with ‘Beyond Ed Buck’ Screening

9th Annual LGBTQ/SGL Visual Arts Festival Comes to Chicago Nov. 4-6

CHICAGO, Ill. – Black Alphabet, a nonprofit committed to promoting equity awareness on behalf of the Black LGBT+ community through the use of media and the arts, announced today the 9th Annual Black Alphabet Film Festival (BAFF) will kick off with the screening of Beyond Ed Buck on Saturday, Nov. 5. At the opening event, documentary filmmakers Jayce Baron and Hailie Sahar will join local leaders, including Dr. Keith Green, Executive Director of the Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus and D’Ontace Keyes, Director of Communications at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) for a live, in-person Q&A.

One of the longest running Black LGBTQ/SGL film festivals in the world, the 9th Annual Black Alphabet Film Festi val will run from Nov. 4-6 at the Univer sity of Chicago’s Reva and David Logan Center and feature more than thirty films, including Black Beauty, I Wish I Never F*cking Met You, Rainbow Migrants, Manifold, The Funnel, and Jabari Dreams of Freedom. An opening reception hosted by comedian Otis Mack will be held on Fri., Nov. 4 at 6 PM, at Sip and Savor, 78 E 47th St., sponsored by Miller Coors.

Written, directed by, and starring Jayce Baron and Hailie Sahar (Pose), the documentary film Beyond Ed Buck fol lows the tragic murders that took place at the hands of political donor Edward Buck. The film expands the conversation of the history of Black trans and Black gay-iden tified men falling prey to the sexual fetishes and baiting of crystal meth that exist in America. These encounters often result in fatal endings for many innocent people living under the umbrella of being queer and Black in America. Filled with

real-life survivors, community leaders, and families who give heartfelt testimo nials, Beyond Ed Buck is a call-to-action meant to inspire change.

“This is the festival’s third recent en try featuring the epidemic of crystal meth and its impact on the LGBTQ community in our country,” said Adam McMath, Executive Director, Black Alphabet Film Festival. “This issue continues to ravage our community, and we are proud to highlight the impactful work of Jayce Baron and Hailie Sahar at the opening of this year’s festival, shinning an even brighter light on its harrow ing impact.”

The BAFF was created in 2013 to provide more opportunities for people to see images, hear stories, and relate to unique Black LGBT+ experiences absent from the mainstream media. The annual event provides a global platform for members of the SGL/LGBTQ+ community to showcase their films. This year, the event is sponsored by Here Media, the Chicago Department of Public Health, Aids Health Foundation (AHF), Chicago Community Trust, and VIIV Pharmaceuticals.

Since launching Chicago’s first Black LGBTQ film festival in 2013, Black Al phabet has worked to encourage storytell ing, cultivate new dialogues, and educate communities about the cultural and social contributions that Black LGBTQ-iden tified people have made upon the world. The nonprofit organization advocates for social equity by creating and spreading awareness of issues uniquely or dispro portionately impacting the Black LGBT+ community.

A full list of festival events and screenings can be found online: https:// www.blackalphabet.org/film-festival

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CHA Partners with Jonathan Rose Companies to Preserve Affordable Housing at Barbara Jean Wright Court Apartments Development partner says unit preservation through CHA was critical

CHICAGO (Oct. 13, 2022) – The Chicago Housing Authority has part nered with Jonathan Rose Companies to preserve affordable housing at the Barbara Jean Wright Court Apartments, a 272-unit development located on Chicago’s Near West Side. Rose’s preservation acquisition will secure affordable housing in a quick ly gentrifying community. The purchase of the property closed last month.

CHA will administer 164 tenant protection vouchers that were provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Eighty-two of those vouchers will be converted to a long-term Project Based Voucher (PBV) contract. There are an additional 108 units that receive rental assistance through a HUD-administered long-term contract.

CHA’s financial support will provide more than $32 million in rental assis tance to residents during the 15-year PBV contract. This project highlights the range of CHA’s investment in housing and communities over the past several years, which includes new buildings like the Lucy Gonzalez Parsons development in Logan Square as well as preservation projects such as Mattie Butler Apartments in Woodlawn.

“It’s important that CHA not only focus on building new housing, but also preserving affordable housing stock that’s already here,” CHA CEO Tracey Scott said. “CHA is actively looking for inno vative partnerships that allow families to stay in the communities they love.”

Karyntha Walsh, Senior Project Manager for Jonathan Rose Companies, worked closely with CHA throughout the process.

“CHA has been instrumental in the redevelopment of Barbara Jean Wright Court Apartments,” Walsh said. “The new Project Based Voucher units through CHA are critical on two fronts: the rental assistance ensures long-term affordability

for rent-burdened families; and it also allows the team to leverage additional financing resources to fund the renovation work.”

Barbara Jean Wright Court Apart ments contains 12 four-story walk-up buildings and 15 townhomes. As part of the preservation effort, Jonathan Rose Companies will improve the building exteriors with new roofs, windows, tuckpointing, and HVAC. All apartments will receive new kitchens and bathrooms, flooring, and lighting. The company also plans to offer improved basketball courts and playground, updated landscaping, free Wi-Fi for tenants, and meeting rooms and administrative offices.

This is the first CHA PBV contract with Jonathan Rose Companies, a national owner, developer, and manager of over $1.8B of real estate specializing in the creation and management of affordable housing. The preservation of Barbara Jean Wright Court Apartments represents an $85 million investment in affordable hous ing in Chicago. Additional funding sources include loan funds from the City of Chica go, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds.

ABOUT THE CHICAGO HOUSING AUTHORITY (CHA)

The CHA’s vision is to fos ter strong, vibrant communities throughout Chicago by increasing affordable housing choices for low-income families. The CHA is also the largest rental housing owner in the City of Chicago. It serves more than 133,000 people in 63,000 households across the city through our Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, and Project-Based Voucher programs. For more information, visit www.thecha.org.

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Business Owner Launches Organization to Help Find HighQuality Hair Wigs

LAS VEGAS, PRNews wire -- The American Wig Association was founded in 2022 by business owner Mar quetta Breslin. After learn ing about wig making while helping her mother through cancer and the effects of chemotherapy, Marquetta re alized there was no organiza tion tasked with helping those looking for wigs to easily find capable wig makers. The American Wig Association helps wig makers easily con nect with clients across the United States who are look ing for high-quality wigs.

“The Association was birthed from an idea of help ing connect people who need wigs with people who make them,” explains Breslin. “As a side effect of her chemo

therapy, my mom lost all of her hair and did not have the resources to have a wig made that she was comfortable with,” she said. “I’ve spent a lot of time in cancer centers and seeing and talking with people who suffer from per manent hair loss…those indi viduals have a special place in my heart. It’s always been a dream of mine to create a platform to connect people who need wigs with people who make them.”

To learn more about the American Wig Association, visit http://www.americanwi gassociation.org.

Announcing OPI xPRESS/ON, the Brand’s First Artificial Press On Nails Featuring Iconic Shades and Innovative Finishes

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -OPI, the #1 nail salon brand, introduc es NEW artificial nail, OPI xPRESS/ ON, offering professional quality shades, artistry, and innovative effects available anytime, anywhere. With OPI xPRESS/ON, iconic color, trend setting designs, and a flawless gel-like salon manicure are right at consumers’ fingertips – just xPRESS. Set. Go!

OPI xPRESS/ON launches exclu sively at ULTA Beauty and includes 33 press-on gel-like salon manicure looks with 14-days of wear to instant ly xPRESS. Fans can get all pressed up with 15 iconic OPI shades such as Alpine Snow, Cajun Shrimp, and Big Apple Red; six innovative sa lon-inspired effects like holographic shimmers or glazed finish; and eight professional nail art designs including several French manicure styles. It’s like having a SALON THE GO!

OPI xPRESS/ON is vegan, con taining no animal derived ingredients, and the nails and packaging are made with 94% and 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, respec tively. The nails are also reusable. Packaging is responsibly and sustain ably sourced. A Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) carton is printed with soy ink and can be recycled.

“As the #1 nail salon brand globally, we have the professional quality, color, and innovation that

LILYSILK Partners with National Breast Cancer Foundation to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- LILYSILK is proud to announce a partnership with and donate $5,000 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. ® (NBCF) to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. The donation will support NBCF and Helping Women Now® by providing help and inspiring hope to those affected by breast cancer through essential, life-saving programs and services.

“We are delighted that LILYSILK be comes a new partner with NBCF. Together, we aim to support individuals through their breast cancer journey, and give inspiration, hope and support to those affected,” said Candice Hens ley, Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships of NBCF.

Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that breast cancer is the world’s most prevalent cancer, but survival rates have in recent decades have improved, due to earlier detection and better treatments. According to the American Cancer Society, early detection helped to decrease breast cancer death rates by 40% from 1989 to 2017 among women. This means that early detection is critical for survival.

“We are proud to become a partner of the NBCF,” said David Wang, CEO of LILYSILK. “Through donations, LILYSILK hopes to further increase awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and scheduling routine checkups.”

consumers know and trust,” shares OPI Co-Founder and Brand Ambas sador Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. “With the debut collection of press-on nails, fans can select among 33 looks with a flawless finish, instantly. You can change your look to match the mo ment, even on the go, whether doing a presentation at work or going out for a night with friends.”

OPI xPRESS/ON sets will be available in iconic color (*available in classic and long length):

Iconic OPI Shades: Alpine Snow * Black Onyx Bubble Bath *

Big Apple Red Funny Bunny Malaga Wine

Don’t Bossa Nova Me Around Lincoln Park After Dark * Cajun Shrimp

Throw Me A Kiss *

Mod About You

Gelato On My Mind

Taupe-Less Beach Strawberry Margarita Linger Over Coffee

New innovative finishes: Break The Gold Ask For A Raise

IYKYK Swipe Night Blue-gie Charging My Crystals

Professional nail art & designs: French Press So Into Blue I Want It, I Got It My 9 To Thrive Comin’ In Haute Galac-Tips Certified Chic

Tastes Like Strawberries

Each OPI xPRESS/ON set in cludes 30 professional quality nails, super hold glue, a cuticle tool, and a file. To apply, use the quick and easy four-step process: fit, shape, prep, and xPress. OPI xPRESS/ON offers 14days of gel-like manicure wear.

Beginning this month, OPI xPRESS/ON sets will retail for $12.99 (iconic shades), $13.99 (salon effects & longer lengths), and $15.99 (pro fessional nail art) each exclusively at ULTA, ulta.com, part of the Conscious Beauty at ULTA Beauty collection. OPI is guaranteed only when pur chased through authorized profession al beauty outlets and prestige stores, not from a drugstore, supermarket, mass outlet, or other unauthorized sources.

For more information, please visit OPI.com. Follow along @OPI on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and find the brand on Twitter @OPI_ PRODUCTS.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Aware ness Month, LILYSILK is rolling out special package offerings - customers purchasing LILYSILK’s bra collections will be provided a limited pink package service with a ribbon and self-care card for free, with advice on how to care for the breast listed on the card.

LILYSILK is a world-leading silk brand with a mission to inspire people to live spectacularly and more sustainably, driven by its care for its customers as well as the planet. The brand has been actively engaging in taking social responsibility and contributing to the promotion of people’s sustainable lives. For more information, visit www.lilysilk.com and follow @lilysilk on Instagram and @Lilysilk on Facebook.

Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, NBCF is Helping Women Now® by providing early de tection, education and support services to those affected by breast cancer. A recipient of Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating for 16 years, NBCF provides support through their National Mammography Program, Patient Navigation, breast health education, and patient support programs. For more information, please visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org.

Marquetta Breslin, Founder of AWA. PRNewsFoto.

LILYSILK Partners with National Breast Cancer Foundation to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month

ILBCF 2022 Annual Conference Higghlights

Photos by L.M. Warbington Photography

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST Plaintiff, -v.- GWENDOLYN MCCOY, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2021 CH 04923 8005 S RIDGELAND AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60617

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 22, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 28, 2022, 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 8005 S RIDGELAND AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60617 Property Index No. 20-36-107-002-0000 The real estate is improved with a residence. 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 bal ance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satis fy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichev er is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and sub section (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the prop erty. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this proper ty 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 inter est 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 SEC TION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo iden tification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For infor mation, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSO CIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 EMail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-20-06446 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2021 CH 04923 TJSC#: 42-3205 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt col lector attempting to collect a debt and any infor

CLASSIFIED

mation obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2021 CH 04923 I3205118

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Public Notice/ Legal Notice

Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Certificate of Assumed Name

Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333

The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable customers to be able to identify the true owner of a business.

ASSUMED NAME: Ryan Investments

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 18119 Ravisloe Ter Country club Hills IL 60478 USA

NAMEHOLDER(S):

Name: Address: Trevor Ryan Private Express Trust

18119 Ravisloe Ter Country Club Hills IL 60478

USA

If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this docu ment, this document supersedes the data refer enced in the attachment.

By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this docu ment under oath.

SIGNED BY: UCC 1 - 308

MAILING ADDRESS: None Provided

EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: shyraent@gmail.com

Work Item 1339030000020 Original File Number 1339030000020

STATE OF MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE FILED 09/28/2022 11:59 PM

Steve Simon

Secretary of State (StatePoint) Being new at anything can be intimi

dating. What’s great about hiking is that it’s free and open to all, no matter where you live or your level of experience. You also don’t need much gear or education to get started.

Ready to find the nearest trail? Check out these three tips and hike your way to greater fitness, well-being and adventure.

1. Find Community

The world of hiking gear, apparel and footwear is vast, which might be a bit confusing for those new to the outdoor experience. Look for brands that make things simple. For example, KEEN Footwear is on a mission to make the outdoors more acces sible by providing high-quality footwear at inclusive price points.

Some outdoor and sporting goods stores host out door skills workshops and group-led trips to help consumers feel comfortable prior to hitting the trail. For example, REI offers virtual and in-person courses in topics like hiking and backpacking, along with lessons in everything from being bear aware to avoiding common stings and bites. These classes and events are a terrific opportunity to meet like-minded people with whom to share future outdoor adventures.

2. Take Care of Your Feet

While you don’t need much to enjoy a hike, it’s important to have proper footwear for the terrain that’s comfortable, fits well and has the right tech nology features.

Expensive, bulky hiking boots that need to be bro ken in are not always the right answer for a newer hiker. Innovative solutions are emerging however. The KEEN Targhee has been keeping feet com fortable on the trail for more than 17 years. It’s a go-to hiking boot for backcountry overnights and hiking in rugged terrain. KEEN has created a new option that offers all of the most important features of its iconic, trail-tested Targhee collection with a fresh approach and inclusive pricing. The Circadia line is a back-to-basics alternative that provides the protection and stability of a hiking boot with a lighter, more sneaker-like feel. Expect out-of-thebox comfort, all-day cushioning, and stability on any trail surface, from dirt to gravel. It’s a great choice for local day hikes and short out-and-backs.

Another solid option from KEEN is Ridge Flex. Because this boot requires less energy on the part of the hiker, it’s known as the “e-bike of hiking boots,” and is ideal for beginners and experts alike. This is due to the KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technol ogy that makes it easier to flex the boot right out of the box. Thanks to this design, this boot bends where others may crack and weaken over time, making it a good long-term investment for hikers interested in multi-day backpacking and thru-hikes (hiking a long-distance trail end-to-end).

3. Prioritize Safety

As with any outdoor activity, checking the weather is a must before heading out on a hike in order to have the right apparel for comfort, whether that is heat, wind or the cold. Be sure to bring extra food and water, or a way to purify water on the go, along with a simple first-aid kit and tools to start a fire. Don’t forget your cell phone, but be aware that cell phones do not always work on hiking trails.

It’s also a good idea to read up on the trail you’re planning to tackle to ensure it meets your abilities. Always tell a friend or family member when and where you’re hiking and what time you expect to return.

Whether you’re hoping to spot some elusive wildlife or you’re a fitness buff looking to get a great workout in nature, the outdoors is for you. And with a few simple preparations, you’ll be ready to hit the trail with confidence.

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