Tammy Rutledge always loved serving people. Growing up, serving people was part of her ministry at church and in her community. In College, Rutledge became a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and continued serving people by doing community service as part of the organization, serving the elderly and visiting children’s hospitals, as well as raising and distributing funds to stop domestic
Tammy Rutledge during the ribbon cutting at the Roseland Mental Health Clinic. PHOTO
CURRENT STATE FLAG IS DECISIVE WINNER IN FLAG REDESIGN CONTEST
Flag Commission to Report Findings to General Assembly for Final Decision
The public overwhelmingly favors retaining the current state flag, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced following the five-week voting period to consider a redesign of the flag.
Voters had the option to choose their favorite design from one of the Illinois Flag Commission’s Top 10 new designs, or one of three former flag designs, including the current one, which has not had a major redesign in the past century.
Of the nearly 385,000 votes that were received, over 165,000, or 43 percent, were cast for the current Illinois State flag, which received more votes than the next five top designs combined.
“Some may call it an SOB – a seal on a bedsheet – and the vexillogical community may hate it, but people overwhelmingly prefer our current state flag,” Giannoulias said. “Thank you to everyone who made their voice heard on the future of this important symbol of state pride.”
The Illinois Flag Commission will prepare a report detailing its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by April 1. Lawmakers will then vote on whether to adopt a new flag, return to a previous iteration or keep the current one.
Senate Bill 1818, sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner (48th District— Springfield) and State Representative Kam Buckner (26th District—Chicago), was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2023, creating the commission to gauge public desire for a new flag. The commission selected its Top 10 finalists in December from the 4,844 entries it received during the six-week submission period that closed in October.
SIMMONS PUSHES FOR LANGUAGE TRANSLATIONS ON STATE WEBSITES
SPRINGFIELD – To provide translation for the most commonly spoken languages in Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons is pushing for legislation that would require state websites to engage automatic translation of the website into the 100 most commonly spoken languages in the state.
“Dozens of languages are commonly spoken in Illinois, and especially within the 7th District. Many state programs and resources are simply inaccessible due to language barriers, which in turn disenfranchises entire communities,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Translating state websites communicates the importance of being able to access information in a person’s native language, and increases the likelihood that people receive the help they need when turning to state resources.”
Simmons’ Senate Bill 1262 would require the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology to develop and implement a system that automatically translates websites operated by the state into the 100 most commonly spoken languages in Illinois by Jan. 1, 2026.
Current law requires DoIT to provide and coordinate communications services when in the best interests of the state. Currently, translation is available in six languages across some state websites.
“It’s very simple - people should be able to access state resources in their native language, and I am dedicated to working with DoIT to achieve this practical goal,” said Simmons.
Senate Bill 1262 passed the Senate State Government Committee on Wednesday, March 5.
Clinician Wants People To Educate Themselves About STI’s and HIV
Continued from page 1
BY TIA CAROL JONES
Rutledge has been in public health for almost 29 years, working at the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). For the past 20 years, Rutledge has worked specifically in the STI/ HIV Section in various roles, including as the STI Prevention Administrator and Director of HIV/STI Surveillance. Currently, she is the Director of Program Operations and Clinical Services for CDPH. Rutledge took the time to answer questions for the Citizen Newspaper.
Citizen Newspaper: What are some ways your work in the public health space has changed throughout the last 30 years?
Tammy Rutledge: Oh, it certainly changed when I first began here! When I first started in public health, I was working with TB, Communicable Diseases and the Immunization Programs. Those first few years were filled with direct service to the community in which we provided education to residents, listened to their stories and provided additional resources as they needed. We had hundreds of nurses and because the infrastructure was much larger, we were able to provide more services and support for the community. When I started with the health department, we had over 2,000 employees, currently we have approximately 500.
There were larger numbers of communicable diseases back in the 90’s along with a few outbreaks that occurred, and we had to pull together across programs with the measles outbreak, in the late 80’s and early 90’s where we were going in housing projects that no longer exist such as Robert Taylor, State Way Gardens and Ida B. Wells. The heatwave in 1995 where we were educating seniors, working with our Department on Aging (name at that time) developing strategies on how to ensure seniors were safe and then the anthrax threats that occurred in the early 2000’s that built our Bioterrorism Unit (oh, yes, I worked there as well...lol), to our current Division of Emergency Preparedness.
HIV was prevalent and very new as it was less than 10 years old when I came to Public Health and very early on, the priorities were around education, disease investigation, understanding the infection and how to “intervene” and stop the escalation of infections. Actually, with all the changes then and now, disease intervention is still a priority in public health. However, there has been lots of transformation to improving technology (barely had computers in the 90’s), decreasing infrastructure (6 comprehensive clinics no longer exist, 7 STI Specialty Clinics decreased to 3 and mental health facilities decreased from 22 to 5, but now back up to 7).
Current trends transitioned over the years to “health equity” the hot topic term that is used today, but honestly, my experience here has been that we follow disease and infections and target those populations. So “back in the day”, we didn’t use terms like health equity and equality, diversity and inclusion, BUT all the services we offered was to ensure that all Chicago residents could receive support and have equal opportunities to healthcare access, however our populations primarily, the black and brown communities that had limited access or resources to get the services we offered.
This still exists today. COVID also brought about a change in public health, on how we view responses to pandemics and “contract tracers” were the new hot topic term, but again, my team of communicable disease control investigators led efforts in Chicago to develop the contact tracer roles and responsibilities and train staff on how to investigate disease trends. This was
Red
Clay Dance Company’s 16
pivotal to identifying disease transmission, the commonality of symptoms and who were the populations at increased risk. This is how we were able to educate the community by our front-line staff and team of expert investigators and epidemiologists identifying trends to COVID and working with CDC, resulting in the ability to provide more information to the public to protect themselves. See why I love my job?!?!! This is some exciting stuff!
My work has changed over the last 3 decades as I’ve had to observe those who may not have as much experience working in public health but look at me and some of the other “historians” of CDPH as a resource. Some of the tools we have used historically still work today. You know that phrase, what is old is new again? Well, it honestly works, but sometimes with a twist. Automation of systems, evaluative tools to improve quality of services and technology to create more efficient systems. I can’t believe that 20 plus years when I first started in the clinics, we were still using paper clip boards up until 2 years ago.... Well, we are almost there! We have electronic check-in, finalizing electronic registration and the ability to access your test results without making a phone call. Do you know how this frees up staff to be able to focus on the quality of care they give clients instead of data entering in registration forms? Again, you see why I love my job??? (smile).
CN: Working in STI/HIV Section of Public Health, how important is it to educate people about STI’s, STD’s and HIV?
TR: My parents always taught me knowledge is power, I guess that’s another passion of mine. I used to be a trainer for our communicable disease control investigators community-based organizations who had staff providing STI and HIV education and outreach. Seeing the transformation of new staff coming in to learn about STI’s, the myths and facts and to gain confidence in their knowledge is indescribable! It’s like looking at my “babies” in public health become young adults after those 2-to-4-week intensive training classes. As far as the community is concerned, the importance is because I understand and relate to those who come into our clinics. When I first started here, I practiced my educational training on my siblings and cousins, aunts and uncles; so, when I’m talking to the community, I see my cousins, my siblings, my families in their faces and so it motivates me to make sure they understand STI’s and HIV and how to protect themselves.
CN: What do you wish more people knew when it comes to contracting and spreading STIs, STD’s and HIV?
TR: What I wish more people knew is that, especially with our younger generation, you don’t just get STI’s from having what they call “regular” sex. Anal, oral and vaginal sex are all ways to contract STIs and HIV and there are many ways a person can protect themselves from HIV and STI, including abstinence, condoms, routine screening, STI treatment, HIV treatment to viral suppression, HIV PrEP and STI doxyPEP. We offer most of these services in our STI Sexual Health Clinics.
CN: Where can people go to receive important information about, as well as get tested for STI’s, STD’s and HIV?
TR: I am so glad you asked! They can come to any of our three clinics. We have Lakeview on the north side, Austin on the west side and Roseland on the far southeast side. Please go to https:// tinyurl.com/3a8ckhe6 to get more information about all the services we provide and the hours of operation. We accept walk-ins but prefer that you make an appointment. This way your wait time will be shorter. People can also contact the CDPH-funded HIV/STI Resource Hub at 844-482-4040 or at HIVhub.org.
centers perseverance and
legacy in Vershawn Sanders-Ward Revival and Bebe Miller Premiere
CHICAGO — The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago announces 16 by Red Clay Dance Company for three performances only, April 17-19, 2025, featuring Founding Artistic Director and CEO Vershawn Sanders-Ward (‘02)’s new staging of Written on the Flesh and a premiere by Bebe Miller—commissioned and set on Red Clay Dance Company dancers including Columbia alumni Amaya Arroyo (‘23) and Celeste Brace (‘23).
Season 51 welcomes the return to the Dance Center of two extraordinary dance artists who have significantly impacted the dance ecosystem in Chicago and beyond —
Bebe Miller and Vershawn Sanders-Ward. New York- and Ohio-based Miller was dubbed a “MoMing Sensation” by the Chicago Tribune in 1986 when she first performed in Chicago at MoMing Dance and Arts Center. Sanders-Ward founded Red Clay Dance Company in Chicago in 2009 and began making a local, national and international name for herself. Sanders-Ward returned to her alma mater for Red Clay Dance Company’s collaboration with Uganda-based Keiga Dance Company in 2018.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON LAUNCHES ONE SUMMER CHICAGO ONLINE APPLICATION FOR 2025, SETS AMBITIOUS HIRING GOAL
Mayor Johnson aims to add up to 1,000 additional positions for young people with the goal of increasing youth summer employment for three consecutive years
CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) announced the launch of the 2025 One Summer Chicago (OSC) application portal, marking another major expansion of the City’s youth employment initiatives. This year, Mayor Johnson aims to connect an additional 1,000 young people to paid opportunities and life-skills development programs, bringing the total number of jobs to nearly 29,000.
“After two consecutive years of expanded youth employment, I am proud to announce that we are aiming to give one thousand more young people a paycheck and a purpose this summer through One Summer Chicago,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “We believe in our young people and we want to see them thrive. Our vision is simple: we will keep fighting until every young person who wants a job in Chicago can get one every summer.”
One Summer Chicago is a collaborative youth employment program that partners with local businesses, nonprofits and city agencies to provide paid work experiences for young people ages 14-24 over six weeks during the summer.
Last year, 27,793 young people were employed through the One Summer Chicago (OSC) program during the summer of 2024, representing a 12 percent increase from the previous year and a 39 percent increase since Mayor Johnson took office. Across all OSC partners, participants completed 2.935M hours of work experience and project-based learning. Youth earned nearly $41M in wages.
laborer,” said Dereon Wiley, a graduate of the Laborers Trainee Program. “I am truly grateful to Mayor Johnson for my job and to have the opportunity to work for the City. It provides me with a steady income to support myself and my family while allowing me to contribute to the well-being of my community. Every day, I take pride in keeping the streets clean, ensuring safe and sanitary conditions for everyone.”
One Summer Chicago Offers Three Key Programs:
Chicago Youth Service Corps (CYSC): Employs youth ages 16-24 year-round, focusing on leadership development and civic engagement.
NAVIGATING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: A STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH TO DIAGNOSIS
Understanding Medical Journeys
“Medical Journeys” is a comprehensive set of clinical resources designed for both medical professionals and the patients they serve. Each installment includes physician guidelines and downloadable patient resources, providing a structured path through the complexities of a disease. This ongoing support system ensures that both caregivers and patients have access to the information they need at every stage.
“Last summer, I was an intern in the Basketball Skills and Management Camp – which was way more than just basketball. We learned what really goes in to running a sports program,” said Rodrick Winston, a participant in One Summer Chicago through After School Matters. “Thank you to Mayor Johnson for fighting to fund these programs – they really make a difference for Chicago teens as we figure out our future.”
The top 10 communities with the most hires last year include three West Side and six South Side areas, with Austin leading the way at 1,672 hires.
The City of Chicago is proud to have employed 183 young people directly, 70 of whom were employed through the Laborer’s Trainees Program.
“Completing the Laborer Trainee program secured me a full-time spot working for Streets and Sanitation as a
Red Clay Dance
Chicagobility: Engages youth ages 14-15 in project-based learning and skill-building experiences.
Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP): Provides job placements and training opportunities for youth ages 16-24 to build skills and gain career experience.
The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) manages the program, with direct support from the Mayor’s Office of Education, Youth, and Human Services (EDYHS).
“Giving young people the opportunity to work is key to creating pathways to future employment,” said DFSS Acting Commissioner Maura McCauley. “DFSS is grateful to all of the nonprofit, corporate, and public sector partners who make this possible for Chicago’s youth.”
For more information or to apply, visit OneSummerChicago.org.
...Continued from Page 2
The Importance of Early Identification
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is crucial. It not only allows individuals to make informed decisions about their future but also enables timely intervention with disease-modifying treatments. Additionally, early identification expands opportunities for participation in research studies that could lead to more effective therapies.
However, diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease is not straightforward. No single test can confirm the condition. Instead, a combination of clinical assessments and objective testing is required to rule out other potential causes of cognitive decline.
The Diagnostic Process Diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history review. This includes an assessment of cognitive, functional, and behavioral changes, often obtained from a close family member or caregiver. Other important factors include current medications and family history of Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
Certain medical conditions, such as depression, untreated sleep apnea, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, delirium, and excessive alcohol use, can mimic Alzheimer’s symptoms. Blood tests may be necessary to identify and treat these conditions.
CHATHAM-SOUTHEAST
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SOUTH END
Washington Heights,Roseland,Rosemoor, Englewood,West Englewood, Auburn-Gresham, Morgan Park, Maple Park, Mt. Vernon, Fernwood, Bellevue, Beverly, Pullman, West Pullman, West Pullman,Riverdale, Jeffrey Manor and Hegewisch.
SOUTH SUBURBAN
Serves communities in Harvey, Markham, Phoenix, Robbins, Dixmoor, Calumet Park, Blue Island,SouthHolland,and Dolton. Shopping- their favorite pastime!
HYDE PARK
Lake Meadows, Oakland, Prairie Shores,Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Kenwood, Woodland,South Shore and Hyde Park.
CHICAGO WEEKEND
Chicago Westside Communities, Austin and Garfield Park
SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY
BloomTownship, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor,FordHeights, Glenwood, Homewood, Lansing ,Lynwood, Olympia Fileds, Park Forest,Sauk Village,South Chicago and Steger
Citizen Newspaper Group
Tickets for Red Clay Dance Company’s 16 at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago (1306 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago) are now available for $30, with non-Columbia student tickets available for $10. Performances are Thursday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. (includes post-performance Q&A with Bebe Miller and Vershawn Sanders-Ward); Friday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit dance.colum. edu/events/2025/4/17/red-claydance-company.
Alongside the performances, advanced/professional dancers and students can take a masterclass with Bebe Miller at Red Clay Dance Company (808 E. 63rd Street, Chicago) on Thursday, April 17. Tickets are available for $30 on the Red Clay Dance Company website.
When Written on the Flesh first premiered in 2016 at Chicago’s DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, it had been sparked by a Ta-Nehisi Coates’ 2014 essay in The Atlantic where he wrote: “elegant racism is invisible, supple, and enduring.” In developing the dance work, Vershawn Sanders-Ward and the Red Clay Dance Company dancers were struck by how memories of direct, in-your-face bigotry were easy to call
up and respond to, “But some of the underpinnings of the things that we just move through in our lives become a way of living,” says Sanders-Ward. “They are actually invisibilized. I was intrigued about how to make those things visible.”
This 2025 restaging takes the inquiry deeper, drawing additional inspiration from Isabel Wilkerson’s 2020 book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents: “As we go about our daily lives, caste is the wordless usher in a darkened theater, flashlight cast down in the aisles, guiding us to our assigned seats for a performance. The hierarchy of caste is not about feelings or morality. It is about power—which groups have it and which do not.” Reimagining the work with the current dancers in the company, Sanders-Ward seeks to confront systemic racial inequities while searching for resilience, forgiveness, and love.
“There are systemic issues that we still don’t have the courage to really lay bare,” says Sanders-Ward. “Even when it’s bubbling up there’s still this powerful dynamic to suppress and suppress and suppress, not let’s address it head on no matter how disruptive it’s going to be. We see pockets of it. But are we willing to let it all come out?”
Additionally, neurological disorders such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, brain tumors, or fluid buildup in the brain must be ruled out using brain imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans. A neurological exam assesses reflexes, coordination, muscle strength, eye movement, speech, and sensory function.
Cognitive and Behavioral Assessments A variety of tests are used to evaluate cognitive function, including:
• Ascertain Dementia 8
• Functional Activities Questionnaire
• Mini-Cog
• Mini-Mental State Exam
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment
• Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire
Digital cognitive tools, such as Cognigram, Cognivue, and the Cognision headset, provide additional insights by measuring brain activity and cognitive function.
While many cases can be diagnosed clinically, diagnostic accuracy remains a challenge. Studies show that traditional clinical assessments have a sensitivity ranging from 70.9% to 87.3% and specificity from 44.3% to 70.8%, compared to pathological diagnosis at autopsy.
About the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter
The Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) that is available 365 days a year. Specialists and master’s-level clinicians provide confidential support and information to individuals living with dementia, caregivers, families, and the public.
PRIMO Partners CEO Antonio McBroom
Announces Book Launch to Further Mission of Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
CHARLOTTE, N.C., PRNewswire -- From being a scooper at his local Ben & Jerry’s to a visionary CEO, Antonio McBroom embarks on his next venture with the launch of his first publicly released book: The Self•ish Servant: Inspirational Lessons from a Visionary CEO to Create Extra-Ordinary Life. Offering an innovative framework for leadership that combines self-development with servant leadership principles, The Self•ish Servant is available today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other major online booksellers.
McBroom founded PRIMO Partners, a Southeastern-based, award-winning, multi-unit and multi-brand organization, with the goal of improving racial and socioeconomic equity in local communities. Through mentorship, coaching, and leadership development programs, McBroom and his team are creating the next generation of leaders. Now, McBroom is furthering this mission with the launch of The Self•ish Servant.
“I went from living in a house without running water to becoming the youngest franchise owner in Ben & Jerry’s history and building a multi-unit, multi-brand organization,” says McBroom. “My transformation didn’t come through conventional business strategies—it came through learning to be selfish and servant-minded, a paradox that unlocks extraordinary potential—and this was the most meaningful lesson I’ve ever learned.”
In his book, McBroom chronicles his journey from growing up in rural North Carolina to becoming an award-winning CEO, offering an innovative framework for leadership that combines self-development with servant leadership principles. Along with practical business insight, McBroom shares his unique “Seven Principles of CEO Life” and is living proof of the success that comes from combining tenacity, self-awareness and servant leadership.
A Morehead-Cain Scholar at UNC-Chapel Hill, McBroom discovered early on that true leadership requires an unconventional balance of deeply investing in one’s self-development and having an unwavering commitment to serving others. Despite facing significant obstacles including racial discrimination and near-bankruptcy, McBroom developed a revolutionary approach to business leadership that has produced remarkable results across multiple industries.
With the rising demand for authentic, values-driven leadership, particularly among next-generation business builders, The Self•ish Servant offers fresh perspective on one of the fundamental questions in business: How do you create lasting impact while building sustainable success? The book serves as an inspiring personal narrative and a practical guide to McBroom’s innovative leadership philosophy. For more information, visit selfishservant.com.
As a 100 percent black-owned business, PRIMO Partners is on a mission to develop diverse businesses and leaders. PRIMO breaks down barriers for Black entrepreneurship and business ownership challenges faced in marginalized communities. Using their business as a vessel to help bridge the generational wealth gap for minorities, they invest a percentage of their revenues every year to support communities and organizations, providing access to education, consulting, mentorship, resources and staff development to build future leaders and business owners.
The mission of PRIMO Partners, LLC, is to close the financial achievement gap by providing growth opportunities to people from all backgrounds. Primo Partners is a Black-owned and operated company that develops diverse business, diverse communities, and leaders. For more information, visit https://www.primopartners.com/.
Novae COO Shaneeì McCambry has been Inducted into the Prestigious Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry
CONYERS, Ga., PRNewswire -- Shaneé McCambry has been inducted into Marquis Who’s Who in America. This prestigious list tracks accomplished individuals who hold leadership positions in their fields, from scholars and artists to CEOs and politicians. McCambry’s induction comes after a lifetime of entrepreneurial and community service work, and the publication of her first book, Perfectly Imperfect, in early 2024. She is also a member of the International Association of Women, 100 Women in Finance, and Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network.
McCambry serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Novae, a fintech company that has been among America’s Inc 5000 fastest-growing businesses for the last four years running. Her oversight and direction of Novae’s employees, maintaining vendor relations and streamlining processes have been credited as a major factor behind the company’s rapid sustained growth. She had previously distinguished herself in Director of Operations roles before advancing to the Chief Operating Officer role at Novae.
Trained as a teacher, McCambry taught in Title 1 schools before turning her full attention to business as her own growing family became her focus. In Novae, she joined a company she could help to shape in accordance with her ideals. Novae isn’t just a fintech company; it’s a leading Black-owned fintech company with an explicit mission to reduce wealth inequality and inequality of opportunity by providing fintech products and financial education designed for people in traditionally underserved communities.
McCambry has ensured that community service work is incorporated into her role at Novae. She oversees the philanthropic activities of Novae Cares, as the non-profit’s Chief Executive Officer, whose work focuses on serving underprivileged students and senior citizens living in retirement homes in underserved areas across the country. She masterminds and runs the women’s empowerment event, Women That Win - a 2 and ½ day seminar she holds across the country, and in 2024 published her first book and guided journal to support readers in healing from childhood trauma and encourages readers to claim their power from their pain.
In Perfectly Imperfect, McCambry shared an unflinching account of her own childhood trauma, which led to two attempts to end her own life. In the book she chronicles her journey of realizing her own self-worth and confronting her abuser in hopes that sharing her story will help others to see a thriving future for themselves. The companion Perfectly Imperfect guided journal invites readers to examine their own lives and emotions for marks left by adverse experiences and ultimately begin to confront and heal their own self-image.
McCambry’s story shows that even the most severe of traumas can be overcome and provides a roadmap for those struggling with feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness to realize their value and ultimately become forces of nature in their own right. She wants individuals that read her book to consider the possibility that there is nothing wrong with them - but instead they have a purpose in life and it is ok to be perfectly imperfect, just as God made us.
This will not be the last we hear of Shaneé McCambry as she continues her work in the business world and in uplift ing her communities.
Novae LLC
Antonio McBroom. PRIMO Partners
A New Era of Style and Vision: Ray-Ban Names A$AP Rocky as First-Ever Creative Director
Reinforcing its values of innovation, pioneering spirit and courage, global multihyphenate artist A$AP Rocky is now the first-ever Creative Director for Ray-Ban Studios, bringing his distinctive vision and trendsetting influence to guide creative projects that will shape the future of the brand.
(Black PR Wire) This exclusive collaboration is expected to develop the next chapter for Ray-Ban, kicking off with the ‘Blacked Out Collection’ expected in April 2025.
The collection brings bold ideas to life, with Rocky launching disruptive frames that blend classic elements alongside bold and modern influences. It includes traditional iconic styles turned ‘Mega,’ featuring gold-plated details and brand new ultra-black lenses.
Leveraging his ability to push boundaries, his involvement will extend beyond designing eyewear to include directing campaigns and redesigning Ray-Ban stores while incorporating music, fashion and the arts.
Major Milestone in Ray-Ban’s Evolution
For nearly 80 years, Ray-Ban has been shaping and re-shaping the status quo, leading cultural
revolutions of all the times. Today, this partnership marks a major milestone in Ray-Ban’s evolution, blending its rich heritage with contemporary culture infused with Rocky’s signature style.
A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, has been a trailblazer since his debut in 2011, captivating audiences worldwide with his unique style and sound. With billions of musical streams and multiple award nominations, Rocky’s influence extends far beyond music. Now, on the heels of his fourth studio album, ‘Don’t Be Dumb’, Rocky also embarks on a new creative journey with Ray-Ban Studios, the creative platform that launched in 2016 to celebrate the power of music and stories of courageous artists.
Together, Ray-Ban and Rocky are poised to lead a new era of innovation and creativity, inspiring both employees and customers alike.
Levy’s Fine Jewelry Unveils the Lineage Collection, a Tribute to the Enduring Beauty of Antique and Vintage-Inspired Design
New York, NY -- For over a century, Levy’s Fine Jewelry has been the premier destination for antique and estate jewelry in Birmingham, Alabama, offering vintage and antique jewels that carry the stories of generations past. Now, the multi-generation family business blends their expertise in estate jewels with the artistry of their in-house design team, as Levy’s Fine Jewelry launches the Lineage Collection, a new offering of vintage and antique-inspired designs that honor the past.
Jared Nadler, Co-Owner of Levy’s Fine Jewelry, says “For over 100 years, we have had the privilege of working with incredible antique and estate jewelry. The Lineage Collection allows us to blend this expertise with our passion for craftsman ship, offering pieces that feel truly timeless. Each design reflects the artistry and history that make antique jewelry so sought after, but with the op portunity to create something new and deeply personal.”
The Lineage Collection is a celebration of what is timeless, crafted for those who appreciate the allure of heirloom-quality jewel ry. Each piece draws inspiration from historical styles—whether it be the geo metric designs of Art Deco, the alluring curves of the Belle Époque, or the romance of Edwardian craftsmanship. The collection includes one-of-a-kind pieces such as the 1.72-carat antique oval mine-cut diamond and platinum ring, which captures the beauty of old-world diamond cutting with a halo of baguette and European cut diamonds, and the Art Deco-inspired plat-
inum and emerald necklace, a composition of French, princess, trillion, and mine-cut diamonds accented by meticulously set calibre-cut emeralds.
Other highlights include the Modern Belle Époque platinum diamond and emerald necklace, with its breathtaking heart-shaped diamond framed by European cut diamonds and emeralds, and the Art Deco-inspired aquamarine and diamond ring, which has a stunning 5.52-carat oval aquamarine flanked by French cut diamonds. The platinum orange sapphire and diamond ring, which is set with an exceptional 1.81-carat oval orange sapphire, adds a pop of color to the collection for those looks for an eye-catching
While Levy’s Fine Jewelry remains the go-to source for estate pieces, the Lineage Collection marks a new chapter for the storied jeweler, demonstrating its ability to create jewels that look and feel as though they have been passed down for generations. Customers who have inherited diamonds or gemstones can also work with Levy’s expert artisans to have them set into a custom vintage-inspired design, ensuring that their jewels live on in a setting reflecting their history. “Jewelry is a connection to the past. It is a symbol of love and legacy,” said Joseph Denaburg, Marketing Director & Digital Strategist at Levy’s Fine Jewelry. “With the Lineage Collection, we are honoring the tradition of estate jewelry while giving customers the opportunity to create their own heirlooms. Whether you choose a piece from our collection or work with us to repurpose a treasured gemstone, the result is a jewel that tells a story—one that will continue for generations
to come.”
Levy’s Fine Jewelry has long been known for its curated selection of antique and estate pieces, but its inhouse design team allows customers to experience the best of both worlds—authentic historical inspiration with modern craftsmanship. Each jewel in the Lineage Collection is carefully designed and handcrafted to reflect the artistry and attention to detail that make antique jewelry sought after. Whether one is drawn to the opulence of Art Deco, the romanticism of Edwardian design, or the understated beauty of Belle Époque styling, this collection offers something for every connoisseur of fine jewelry.
For those looking to own a piece of history—or create their own—Levy’s Fine Jewelry invites customers to explore the Lineage Collection in-store and online. To learn more about Levy’s Fine Jewelry, visit https:// levysfinejewelry.com/, email Info@LevysFineJewelry. com or call 205-251-3381.
A fourth-generation family business, Levy’s Fine Jewelry is a testament to over a century of artistry, service, and community engagement in Birmingham, Alabama. Established in 1922 by Joe Denaburg and Ethel Levy, the company began as a pawn shop in Alabama and is internationally renowned for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Today, Levy’s Fine Jewelry curates a diverse collection of antique, estate, and vintage jewels spanning from Georgian through Modernist periods. Sourcing exquisite jewels and watches from around the world, the atelier ensures each item in its collection has a unique story to tell. Through customization, the store offers jewelry design services for personalized engagement rings, wedding bands, and milestone gifts. For those walking through the door, “It’s like having a relative in the jewelry business.”
Levy’s Fine Jewelry
BlackPRWire
Gov. Pritzker Breaks Ground on Wieland North America’s Modernized East Alton Facility
EAST ALTON -- Governor JB Pritzker, Wieland Rolled Products North America, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) joined local leaders and partners to celebrate the groundbreaking of Wieland’s modernized East Alton facility. Wieland’s $500 million investment in this modernization project will retain 800 jobs throughout Illinois, enabling the company to increase production of critical copper and copper alloy components that are used in electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging infrastructure, and renewable energy production while supporting the state’s clean energy economy.
“Today, we continue Wieland’s centuries-long journey by breaking ground on this major new expansion – a $500 million company investment in the future of Illinois and a driver of growth and opportunity in East Alton for years to come,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “More than just a job creator and economic driver – Wieland has been a community anchor – here in East Alton, but also in its other locations in Illinois like Wheeling and Tinley Park. The good jobs it has brought to our state have helped support Illinoisans to lay down roots and support their families.”
“Wieland’s massive investment and expansion is an investment in the future of the East Alton community and builds upon our commitment to a sustainable, clean energy economy,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “When businesses invest in our state, they aren’t just choosing a location—they’re choosing our shared commitment to both innovation and working families.”
The company’s half-billion dollar investment reinforce its long-term commitment to its six facilities across the state and the future of advanced manufacturing in Illinois. Wieland’s modern plant in Vöhringen, Germany, which Governor Pritzker toured
alongside Wieland CEO Dr. Erwin Mayr, was used as a benchmark for the modernization of the East Alton facility – a testament to the shared commitment for longevity and growth in Illinois. Wieland’s footprint in Illinois also includes facilities in Carol Stream, Granite City, Montgomery, Tinley Park, and Wheeling.
“Thank you to Governor JB Pritzker and all governmental officials for their partnership and support during this exciting new chapter for our East Alton facility and Wieland as a whole. This transformative expansion represents a significant step forward for our dedicated team of employees and the local community, reinforcing our foundation for success and ensuring that we create value for future generations, which aligns with our company mission,” said Greg Keown, President, Wieland Rolling & Recycling.
Weiland North America’s groundbreaking comes as Illinois is ranked #2 in the nation for corporate relocations and expansions for the third year in a row by Site Selection Magazine. Illinois increased the number of business expansions or relocation projects by 20 percent over the previous ranking, with over 650 businesses expanding or relocating to Illinois.
The modernization paves the way for increased and improved production of high-quality copper and copper alloy components for EVs, EV charging infrastructure, and renewable energy production through the installation of a new state-of-the-art hot rolling mill in the East Alton facility. By re-equipping, expanding and modernizing its facility, Wieland will increase its operational efficiency and deliver even higher standards of quality and reliability for its portfolio of copper and copper alloy rolled product solutions.
“Wieland’s modernization of its East Alton facility is a true in-
vestment in southwestern Illinois,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Guided by Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan, the State is committed to supporting advanced manufacturing – an industry in which this plant and its employees have thrived for more than a century in East Alton.”
Wieland’s total incentive package from the State of Illinois, which includes REV and other incentives, is valued at approximately $231 million. Through REV, Wieland is eligible to receive tax benefits totaling $172 million over 30 years. A link to the executed REV agreement can be found here. The remaining benefits include capital funding for infrastructure projects in East Alton, which includes the construction of a new electricity substation, flexible funds for workforce support, and additional tax incentives.
“The modernization of Wieland’s East Alton facility is an exciting step forward in economic development for our region,” said East Alton Mayor Darren Carlton. “I want to thank the State for making this investment possible. We look forward to continuing our meaningful partnership with Wieland that creates jobs and grows our Southwest Illinois economy.”
“Today’s groundbreaking of Wieland’s $500 million investment in its East Alton facility marks a transformative moment for both the company and Illinois. This expansion strengthens our leadership in advanced manufacturing and drives the future of electric vehicle production. We are proud to partner with Wieland to foster economic growth and ensure continued innovation in our state,” said Christy George, President & CEO of Intersect Illinois.
“Wieland’s expansion is another sign that Illinois is open for business and attractive for foreign direct investment,” said Mark
Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “Governor Pritzker and lawmakers have created a suite of economic development tools resulting in capital investment and job growth.”
Wieland’s investment builds upon major EV and clean energy sector agreements from 2024, including EV manufacturer Rivian investing $1.5 billion in Central Illinois to produce its highly anticipated R2 model, Avina Clean Hydrogen’s $820 million sustain-
able aviation fuel (SAF) investment in Southwest Illinois, Wiegel Tool Works, Inc.’s Wood Dale headquarters expansion to grow production for EV and renewable energy markets, Crysalis Biosciences’ firstof-its-kind SAF plant in Sauget, EV manufacturer Ymer Technology opening its U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove, EV battery material supplier Bedrock Materials locating its research and development headquarters in Chicago.
Get Your House In Order
title as “Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship.” This meant that each sibling owned an equal share, and upon the death of one, their ownership interest would automatically pass to the surviving owner—bypassing probate entirely. As a result, the brother’s widow after twenty-five years of marriage, found herself without any rights to the property. Not only did she lose out, but the brother’s children also had no ownership stake, despite years of contributing to the property which they thought was family property.
This case highlights the importance of proper estate planning and clear financial agreements. Here are some key lessons to take away:
1. Understand Ownership Structures
2. Put Agreements in Writing
3.Estate Planning is Essential
4.Review Plans Regularly
5. Consult Professionals
By taking these precautions, families can avoid unintended consequences and ensure their financial and property decisions reflect their true intentions. Looking before you leap can save not only money but also preserve family relationships. Bye for now, Bren.
QUIZ: Are all hospital-issued Powers of Attorney durable? Answer to last week’s quiz: Term life insurance is an excellent financial tool to use for paying predictable expenses, such as a mortgage, that would be difficult or impossible to pay if the primary wage earner dies. Answer last week’s quiz: It depends on many factors. Was there a will, a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, or did the deceased die intestate? If this is an issue that may affect you, seek professional advice. Get a more detailed answer to last week’s QUIZ question or for any financial questions that you may have, please call me: 773-817-0601 or 773-819-1700.
Disclaimer: The illustrations presented in this column are not, nor are they intended to be, legal, financial, or any other licensed professional advice, you should contact the licensed professional of your choice for advice on your individual situation.
Bren Sheriff
Look Before You Leap
ENTERTAINMENT
CIARA, CO-FOUNDER OF TEN TO ONE RUM,
TAKES CENTER STAGE AT TRINIDAD CARNIVAL IN CULTURAL IMMERSION
POWERED BY PRONGHORN
Temptations
SARASOTA, Fla., PRNewswire -- Otis Williams, the last surviving original member of the Motown group The Temptations, receives a special gift from longtime friend and artist René Dickerson. Dickerson unveiled his interpretation of My Girl, based on the iconic hit by the Motown superstars. “My Girl” (the song) was released in November 1964 and went No. 1 in January 1965, 60 years ago.
Dickerson and Williams attended the event “Visible Art Grows Hearts,” presented in partnership with Waterkolours Fine Art Gallery. “Visible Art Grows Hearts benefits Visible Men Academy (VMA), a tuition-free public charter school for boys K-5 located in Bradenton, Florida. VMA’s mission is to provide boys with outstanding academic, character, and social education in a nurturing school environment.
Dickerson, who works in acrylics on canvas, was the event’s featured artist. His paintings can be
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, PRNewswire -- Grammy-winning superstar Ciara joined the world’s most electrifying celebration, immersing herself in the heart of Trinidad Carnival in a cultural experience powered by Pronghorn and Ten To One Rum. Her presence at the historic festival — a centuries-old beacon of Caribbean culture and global creativity — not only highlighted her love for the region but elevated Carnival to a global stage, blending music, heritage, and diverse entrepreneurship into a singular moment of cultural pride.
Draped in a custom teal, gold, cream and green costume created by Trinidadian designer Rhion Romany, Ciara crossed the stage with SPIRIT Mas Band, dancing alongside thousands of masqueraders and revelers who flock to Trinidad each year for Carnival’s unmatched energy and artistry. From the paint-splattered streets to the grand parade’s vibrant spectacle, she celebrated shoulder-to-shoulder with locals and visitors alike — raising a glass of Ten To One Rum in tribute to the culture and creativity that define the festival.
“There is nothing like the energy of Trinidad Carnival - it’s pure magic. From the music to the people to the history behind it all, this celebration is a powerful expression of culture and joy,” said Ciara, Grammy Award-Winning Music Artist and Co-Founder of Ten To One Rum. “Being here, dancing in the streets, and raising a glass with Ten To One and Pronghorn, I feel the heartbeat of the Caribbean in every moment. It’s an honor to experience and celebrate this incredible tradition.”
A Global Icon at the Heart of a Cultural Institution Trinidad Carnival is more than a party — it is a cultural phenomenon rooted in freedom, expression and resistance. With a history stretching more than 200 years, Carnival has grown into a global attraction that welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually and draws millions more who follow the celebration from around the world.
More than 80 bands participate, each showcasing dazzling costumes and live music.
Global viewership and livestreams amplify the festivities, introducing new audiences to the energy and artistry of Caribbean culture.
This year, Ciara’s arrival signaled a new chapter — where global icons not only witness Carnival but actively participate, helping to ensure the culture is preserved, respected and amplified.
Pronghorn and Ten To One Rum: Uniting Culture, Commerce and Celebration
Ciara’s Carnival debut was made possible by
Williams
found in the private collections of Oprah Winfrey and Berry Gordy, among others. Along with his celebrity clients, Dickerson has a long-standing relationship with The Temptations and has created artwork for their album covers, including Mt. Rushmore in 2001.
A self-taught artist, the influence of the Cubism style can be seen in many of Dickerson’s works. He draws inspiration from the Old Masters, modern-day artists, and everyday life. His artwork catches the viewer’s attention immediately with his precise, linear application and masterful marriage of colors.
“Art is a constant in our lives. Its influence is everywhere,” Dickerson says.
For more information on Visible Men Academy, visit www.vmacademy.org. For more information on Rene Dickerson, go to https://www. renedickerson.com/
Pronghorn, the leading incubator dedicated to accelerating diversity within the spirits industry, and Ten To One Rum, the award-winning Caribbean rum brand redefining rum culture on the world stage. Together, they brought Ciara to Trinidad not simply to attend, but to fully embrace the culture — reinforcing their shared commitment to uplifting diverse entrepreneurship and promoting authentic Caribbean stories.
“Ten To One was founded to celebrate the true depth and diversity of Caribbean culture,” said Marc Farrell, Founder and CEO of Ten To One Rum. “To see Ciara dancing with our people, honoring our heritage, and raising a glass of Ten to One Rum at the heart of Carnival — it’s a powerful reminder of the global reach of Caribbean culture and the responsibility we have to share it authentically.”
Ciara’s Trinidad Carnival Experience: A Moment of Cultural Pride and Global Connection
As Ciara danced through the streets of Port of Spain, it became clear this was more than a celebrity visit — it was a celebration of culture, identity, and connection. It was a reminder that Trinidad Carnival, born of resistance and rooted in creativity, has always been a global story — now with Ciara helping to write its next chapter.
Founded by proud Trinidadian Marc Farrell, Ten To One offers a range of premium and award-winning rums that unlock a contemporary view of the Caribbean and seek to reinvigorate the way people taste, experience and talk about rum. The current portfolio blends rums from Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, the Dominican Republic and Barbados, and features three core expressions: an extra-proof white rum, an aged dark rum, and Five Origin Select, a versatile and complex sipping spirit.
Pronghorn is a standalone business focused on creating a template for effectively diversifying any industry. Starting with the spirits industry, Pronghorn is laying the groundwork to develop a scalable methodology that can be applied to other industries and communities in the future.
By leveraging capital investment, incubation, and recruitment initiatives, Pronghorn is actively building this template by accelerating access to the spirits industry for underrepresented businesses and individuals. Co-founded by industry veterans Dia Simms, Erin J. Hall, and Dan Sanborn, Pronghorn embodies the endurance and speed of its namesake, the fastest land mammal in North America. Pronghorn believes that creating meaningful, lasting change is a marathon, not a sprint.
Left to Right: The Temptations, Anthony Grant, Otis Williams, Terry Weeks, Ronald Presson. Visible Men Academy
Pronghorn
Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant’s Black Church Target Boycott Mobilizes 150,000
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent
Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, an Atlanta-based pastor of the New Birth Baptist Church, has reported a robust national turnout for his consumer boycott against Minneapolis-based retail giant Target. The fast-selectivebuying campaign, which began during Lent Season from March 5 to April 17, targets what Bryant describes as the company’s neglect of the Black community.
According to Bryant, the boycott has mobilized over 150,000 participants and persuaded over 100 Black vendors to withdraw their products from Target. The movement has led to a $12 drop per share in Target’s stock and a $2 billion decrease in its overall value. “We just hit 150 thousand people who have signed up to be part of it, with over 100 black vendors that pulled out of Target, so the momentum is going steadily,” Bryant explained.
The NAACP and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing the Black Press of America, have simultaneously announced the planning and implementation of a national public education and selective buying campaign in response to Target and other corporations that have dismantled their respective Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
commitments, programs and staffing. “Now is the time for the Black Press of America once again to speak and publish truth to power emphatically,” NNPA Chairman Emeritus Danny Bakewell Sr. explained.
NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry Sr. added,
“We are the trusted voice of Black America, and we will not be silent or nonresponsive to the rapid rise of renewed Jim Crow racist policies in corporate America.”
“The Black Press of America continues to remain on the frontline keeping our families and communities informed and engaged on all the issues that impact our quality of life,” Henry noted.
Despite the traction, Bryant revealed that there had been no communication or planned meetings with Target. He humorously speculated that the White House may have encouraged Target officials to avoid meeting with civil rights groups. “No, we’re waiting.
As we understand it, the administration is trying to get them not to meet and is hoping that this is just going to taper off,” Bryant remarked. “But unless President [Trump] is in trouble and buys a whole bunch of toilet paper, I don’t know what they expect the White House to do for them.”
Bryant also discussed the Black Church leadership’s historical and present role in America’s civil rights and social justice movements. “The Black
Attorney General Raoul Wins Temporary
Block On Mass Firing Of Federal Probationary Employees And Gets Fired Employees Their Jobs Back
Attorney General Kwame Raoul secured a decision from the United States District Court for Maryland to temporarily stop unlawful mass federal layoffs and reinstate the jobs of thousands of employees.
The Trump administration fired thousands of federal probationary employees without giving states the 60-day notice required by law. Last night, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) for 18 federal agencies, ordering them to stop the illegal mass layoffs of federal probationary employees and to reinstate fired employees by 1 p.m. on Monday, March 17.
“This ruling requires the Trump administration to stop these indiscriminate and unlawful layoffs and also orders it to undo the harm inflicted by restoring the jobs of hardworking federal employees,” Raoul said.
“These mass firings reflect disregard for both the law and the essential role of civil service in maintaining government stability. I am proud to join my fellow attorneys general in seeking due process for the many federal employees, in Illinois and across the country, whose lives have been abruptly and groundlessly thrown into chaos.”
The TRO order comes a week after Attorney General Raoul joined a coalition of 20 attorneys in filing a lawsuit against numerous federal agencies for causing irreparable injuries to Illinois and the other plaintiff states. The lawsuit sought immediate relief. Raoul and the attorneys general argue in their lawsuit that the firings threatened state economies and risked overwhelming their
ability to assist those who were out of work. In the two months since the president’s inauguration, more than 440 terminated federal employees in Illinois have applied to the state for unemployment benefits. That number is almost as many claims as were filed by former federal employees in all of 2024.
The TRO stops the unlawful mass firings, orders the agencies to give those employees their jobs back, and applies to the following 18 federal agencies: Consumer Financial Protection, Bureau, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Education, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Interior, Department of Labor, Department of Transportation, Department of Treasury, Department of Veterans Affairs, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, General Services Administration, Small Business Administration, and United States Agency for International Development. While the judge ordered a stop to the illegal firings and required that employees be reinstated, the TRO acknowledges that the administration can lay off employees if it follows the process outlined in federal law.
Attorney General Raoul was joined in filing the lawsuit by the attorneys general of Maryland, Minnesota, the District of Columbia, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.
Church has always been the heartbeat and the epicenter of the civil rights movement,” he said, acknowledging the changing perceptions among younger generations regarding the church’s involvement in social justice.
Bryant called for continued focus and support from the community to maintain the boycott’s impact. “It is critical that Black people can’t afford to get A.D.D; we can’t taper off and lose synergy. It’s important that people stay the course and keep amplifying our voices because it is being heard from Wall Street to Main Street,” he urged.
NNPA President & CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., said he’s known and witnessed the national and international rise of the Black Church leadership and commitment to Bryant. “In the tradition of Richard Allen, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are pleased to state for the sake of historical accuracy that Jamal Bryant is today the personification of the prophetic tradition of the Black Church,” Chavis remarked.
“We in the Black Press of America stand in rigid solidarity with Rev. Dr. Bryant as we target campaign Target’s egregious disrespect of Black America.”
CLASSIFIED
REAL ESTATE
AC3-19-2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY
DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY
AMERICAS, AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL
ACCREDIT LOANS, INC., MORTGAGE ASSET-
BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES,
SERIES 2007-QA1 Plaintiff, -v.- SHEPHERD B. GROSS, JR A/KA SHEPHERD B. GROSS A/K/A
SHEPHERD GROSS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR HOMECOMINGS FINANCIAL,LLC (F/K/A HOMECOMINGS FINANCIAL NETWORK, INC), ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECU-
RITY Defendants 2022 CH 12153 8225 S. INDIANA AVE. CHICAGO, IL 60619 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 9, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 10, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 8225 S. INDIANA AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60619 Property Index No. 20-34-121-008-0000 The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence. The judgment amount was $212,962.59. 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. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy 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, whichever 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 subsection (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 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(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Alexander Potestivo, POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 263-0003. Please refer to file number 314860. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago IL, 60606 312-263-0003 E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw.com Attorney File No. 314860 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 2022 CH 12153 TJSC#: 45-299 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 # 2022 CH 12153 I3262463
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY
DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR ELLINGTON LOAN
ACQUISITION TRUST 2007-1, MORTGAGE
PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES
2007-1 Plaintiff, -v.- KESHA D. FORD Defendants 2024 CH 03858 8013 S CLYDE AVE 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 14, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 14, 2025,
Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public in-person sale to the high-
est bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 8013 S CLYDE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60617 Property Index No. 20-36-210-004-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $134,807.06. 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(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact CHAD LEWIS, ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ
SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Plaintiff's Attorneys, 205 N. MICHIGAN SUITE 810, CHICAGO, IL, 60601 (561) 241-6901. Please refer to file number 24-200556. 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. CHAD LEWIS ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ
SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 205 N. MICHIGAN SUITE 810 CHICAGO IL, 60601 561241-6901 E-Mail: ILMAIL@RASLG.COM Attorney File No. 24-200556 Attorney ARDC No. 6306439 Attorney Code. 65582 Case Number: 2024 CH 03858 TJSC#: 44-2255 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 # 2024 CH 03858 I3262606
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION METROPOLITAN TOWER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Plaintiff, -v.- L&C GENERATIONAL ALIGNMENT LLC, LAUREN KISER A/K/A LAUREN MARIE KISER, KSH REALTY LLC, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2024CH09419 7751 S CHAMPLAIN AVE CHICAGO, IL 60619 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 19, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 15, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public inperson sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 7751 S CHAMPLAIN AVE,CHICAGO, IL 60619. Property Index No. 2027-421-019-0000 The real estate is improved with a commercial property. 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. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 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
E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-24-04321 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2024CH09419 TJSC#: 45-651 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 # 2024CH09419 I3262622
AC 3-26-2025
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING Plaintiff, -v.STEPHANIE D. COX, ELOISE COX, CITY OF CHICAGO Defendants 2024 CH 05283 9536 SOUTH CALUMET AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60628
NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 9, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 28, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 9536 SOUTH CALUMET AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60628
Property Index No. 25-10-104-032-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $123,660.93. 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. For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff's Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number IL 24 0892. 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. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. IL 24 0892 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2024 CH 05283 TJSC#: 45-188 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 # 2024 CH 05283 I3262906
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION Plaintiff, -v.-JENNIFER BLACKMAN, STATE OF ILLINOIS Defendants 24 CH 05811 9657 SOUTH YATES BOULEVARD CHICAGO, IL 60617 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 27, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 29, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following
described real estate: Commonly known as 9657 SOUTH YATES BOULEVARD, CHICAGO, IL 60617 Property Index No. 26-07-113-058-0000
The real estate is improved with a single family 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 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. 2315552IL_1080369 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 24 CH 05811 TJSC#: 45-288 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 # 24 CH 05811 I3262927
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.- ELIZABETH L. LOVE AS INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF GLADSTON G. LOVE, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF GLADSTON G. LOVE, ELIZABETH L. LOVE, VASHTI LOVE, JONATHAN LOVE, CITY OF CHICAGO, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2024 CH 05278 6627 S SAINT LAWRENCE AVE CHICAGO, IL 60637 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 6, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 22, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public inperson sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 6627 S SAINT LAWRENCE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60637 Property Index No. 2022-228-010-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family 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 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. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff's Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 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. 14-24-03348 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2024 CH 05278 TJSC#: 45-685 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 # 2024 CH 05278 I3263097
2025
The building has an elevator, communal rooftop space, parking for $250/month, subject to availability, is pet friendly, and the unit contains in-unit washer/dryer, and full kitchen.
Vouchers Accepted: We welcome applicants with vouchers or third-party subsidies.
****These units are subject to monitoring, compliance, and other restrictions by the City of Chicago’s Department of Housing. For more information visit www.chicago.gov/ARO
For more information, or to schedule a tour, visit www.thetopazapartments.com
(StatePoint) Global Volunteer Month, celebrated in April, is a time to honor volunteers while encouraging volunteering in communities around the world.
This annual celebration is especially pertinent right now. According to a Pew Research report, only 54% of Americans feel a connection to others near them.
“Communities around the country are facing increased needs at a time when many people are feeling more isolated. Volunteering fills the gaps to strengthen community and the fabric of our society,” says Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service.
But as Sirangelo points out, volunteering doesn’t just build healthier and more equitable communities, it’s also good for the individuals who are lending their time and talents. “Engaging in volunteer activities has been identified as an effective way to build confidence, alleviate anxiety and depression, and provide a sense of purpose and connection,” she says.
Here are some ways you can take action this Global Volunteer Month and beyond: Take the Pledge: Let your community know you are committed to volunteering and service by taking the Points of Light’s Global Volunteer Month Pledge. With nearly 50% of volunteer postings going unfilled, your participation can help meet critical community needs and ensure essential services are delivered. Already committed to a cause you care about? Take this opportunity to deepen your engagement. Commit to one extra volunteer project a month, or consider taking on a leadership position with an organization you work with.
Thank a Volunteer: Volunteers are the heartbeat of strengthening communities, and throughout the month, you can help recognize the vital role they play.
Thank a volunteer or organization that is making an impact in your community starting on April 1 and throughout the month using the hashtag #ThankAVolunteer.
Spread the Word: Use social media to spread the word about the importance of volunteering using hashtags like #GlobalVolunteerMonth. To inspire others to take action, share your own volunteer story using #WhyIVolunteer.
Get Started: Not sure how to get started or where your efforts will make the biggest social impact? Visit Points of Light Engage, at engage.pointsoflight.org. This
enormous database allows you to search for volunteer opportunities in your city or zip code based on your interests. Whether you’re volunteering on your own, with coworkers, or with family, you’ll be sure to find an opportunity that’s right for you. “Volunteering is needed more than ever before. This April, we are urging everyone to join us in taking action. Lend your time, talent and passion to making a real difference in your own neighborhood and to creating a better world,” says Sirangelo.
