Chicago Weekend Citizen 3-4-2020 by CITIZEN NEWSPAPERS

Citizen Project Hope continues to make impact in community — Page 2 Week of March 4, 2020

| Vol. 51 | No. 10 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CHICAGO WEEKEND

(in white shirt) Sheldon Smith, founder and executive director of the nonprofit The Dovetail Project, enjoys a moment with fathers enrolled in the organization’s free, 13-week fatherhood class. Photo credit: Courtesy of The Dovetail Project

MANHOOD FURTHER DEVELOPED FOR YOUNG FATHERS BY DOVETAIL PROJECT

BUSINESS

FASHION

ENTERTAINMENT

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graveyard shift On Stage Now At The Goodman Theatre

During National Nutrition Month®, Academy Encourages Healthful Eating At Work

Aramark Good Cause Coffee to Benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America PAGE 4

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2 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of March 4, 2020

NEWS briefly EDUCATION UIC NAMES RISING DATA SCIENTIST TO TRANSUNION ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIP “Big data” is getting a big boost in the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Liberal Arts and Sciences through a new professorship endowed by TransUnion, a leading global information and insights company. The partnership between UIC’s largest college and the Chicago-based company will address the overwhelming demand for data science research, education, careers, talent, and information in a world that is becoming increasingly data-driven. Yichao Wu, an expert in functional data analysis and machine learning, has been appointed the inaugural TransUnion Professor at UIC. Wu will develop and nurture research in data science, engage with businesses, and train graduate and undergraduate students for careers in a wide variety of professions. He also will play a pivotal role in the new multicollege bachelor’s degree program that is being launched at UIC and will assume the position of director of multidisciplinary research in data science, a new administrative post in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences that will focus on the development of research initiatives for faculty and students in the college and across UIC.

HEALTH

THE 2020 AHA INNOVATION CHALLENGE IS ASKING THE FIELD TO HELP MAKE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE MORE ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE The 2020 AHA Innovation Challenge is ready to: disrupt behavioral health care; inspire new strategies and test bold ideas that will make it easier for people living with psychiatric or substance use disorders obtain and afford proper treatment; and shatter the stigma commonly associated with behavioral health conditions and change lives for the better. The challenge is open to all American Hospital Association members and their partners. The top three proposals will receive $100,000, $25,000 and $15,000 to help bring the winning ideas to life. To learn more about the submission requirements and apply, visit aha.org/innovation-challenge. The deadline to submit applications is May 15, 2020. Award recipients will be honored at the AHA Leadership Summit July 19-21 in San Diego.

LAW & POLITICS

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL AND SEVERAL ATTORNEYS GENERAL OPPOSE RULE CHANGES PROPOSED BY HHS AND DOE Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a multistate coalition, recently opposed proposed federal rules that roll back critical safeguards that protect the rights of patients and students. The federal government’s proposals would allow faith-based organizations to deny services by circumventing some requirements in federal law, according to a press release. In two comment letters, Attorney General Raoul and several attorneys general oppose rule changes proposed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). In both letters, Raoul and the coalition argue that the proposed rule changes are arbitrary and could allow health care providers and schools to discriminate against individuals for faith-based reasons. The two comment letters can be found at http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/ pressroom/2020_02/Multistate_Letters.pdf

Project Hope continues to make impact in community Continued from page 1 BY TIA CAROL JONES

A program that began more than 30 years ago is still changing the lives of pregnant and parenting teenage girls and young women. Project Hope began with Maureen Hallagan and her mother, Kay, who had been doing some volunteer work at Marillac. They wanted to do a teen care program. And, what began as a three-year pilot program, became Project Hope. The program provides resources to pregnant and parenting teens, ages 12-25, and includes doula services, home visits and education classes, as well as child care. “At that time, there were very few programs that were specific for teens and pregnant and parenting teens,” said Hallagan, who is the chief operating officer at Marillac St. Vincent Family Services. “We received funding from the Community Trust to do a pilot program.” The program also received funding from the Ounce of Prevention Fund, which was just starting out at the time. It started at Rockwell Gardens, a housing project in East Garfield Park. “It started out very small. We had one home visitor and Sister Helen who was working with us at the time,” Hallagan said. “When it was at Rockwell Gardens, the majority of the young women lived at Rockwell. So, we had sort of a pipeline of young women to work with from being there.” Once the program moved to the Marillac building when it was on Jackson Street, Project Hope became a bigger grantee of An Ounce of Prevention. One of the key components of the program is the home visiting piece, where home educators and doulas work with the pregnant teens and their families. Peter BealeDelVecchio, CEO of Marillac St. Vincent Family Services, said while there’s programming at the center, there’s also the convenience of in-home participation. Hallagan said 23-24 years ago, Project Hope was one of the first programs to bring

A key component of Project Hope is the doula program, which is embedded in the home visits to pregnant teens. Photos courtesy of Marillac St. Vincent Family Services

in the doula. And, it added Health Connect One and Irving-Harris Foundation as partners. “Irving-Harris was really big on wanting the doula program to be brought to teens that were at risk, that were pregnant or parenting,” she said. “Ounce of Prevention, Irving-Harris, along with the Robert Wood Foundation, they came in to help us develop the doula program. It took about a year in the planning. The whole idea was that it would be embedded in the home visiting program.” Hallagan said the home visiting program goes by the age of the mother. So, participants can stay in the program until age 25. They also made a change to the doula program that made a difference. “We did change it to meeting the young girl at the hospital and her family. And so, where we used to get young girls coming into our program when the babies were 10 months old, now we were starting to get them when they were in their first and second trimester,” she said. Hallagan said the home visitors/educators and doulas receive a tremendous amount of training and their role is to nurture and support the mom. Beale-DelVecchio said the relationship between the doula and the pregnant teen girl is very important. “I think it really helps, having the doula

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Another component of Project Hope is the home educator, which helps the parenting teens once they bring the baby home. Photos courtesy of Marillac St. Vincent Family Services

as someone who’s been there, and been in their home and talked to them, I think it gives them more comfort when they’re encouraging them to make sure they get [to] their medical appointments. They’re more likely to go,” he said. The participant and the doula work on the birth plan, which has also resulted in positive outcomes. According to Hallagan, the numbers of DCFS or hotline calls have decreased and the number for the subsequent pregnancy rate, is more like 2 or 2 ½ years. She added the doulas are also able to help the father when fathers are present during the birth of a child or when fathers are at the appointments. Even if the father doesn’t stay with the mom, “he’s much more likely

to stay involved with the child and participate in the prenatal group,” Hallagan said. The doula follows the mom and baby six weeks postpartum. Then, the home visitor/educator works with them on goals, which include getting the participant back to school. Child care is also offered for participants and starts with babies who are six weeks old. “It also ties to our mission statement, in terms of just empowerment,” BealeDelVecchio said. “So much of what we give families, not just the young women, is really empowering them for their future; training for how to be a parent, and how to help their young child grow and develop.” For more information on Project Hope, visit https://bit. ly/2wR8Mur

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of March 4, 2020

NEWS IRS increases visits to high-income taxpayers who haven’t filed tax returns

The Dovetail Project, a Chicago nonprofit, provides a free, 13-week fatherhood class for young fathers between 17 and 24-years-old, and afterwards a graduation ceremony is held for participants. Photo credit: Courtesy of The Dovetail Project

Manhood Further Developed for Young Fathers By Dovetail Project BY WENDELL HUTSON Contributing Writer

As a husband and father, Sheldon Smith said he has made it his mission in life to help young fathers become better men by providing them with parenting, financial literacy, educational, and life skills through his nonprofit organization. In 2009, Smith said he founded The Dovetail Project as a way to continue the community organizing he had already been doing for years, and to help fathers become a positive example for their families and especially for their children. The name “dovetail” means to bring two things together, according to Smith, who said that is where the organization’s name came from. “My father had me when he was 18-years-old and both he and my mom struggled to provide for me and that has not changed today for young fathers,” he said. “And while our [free] 13-week fatherhood program is open to all fathers between 17 and 24-years-old, our focus is helping black fathers.” But the deadline to apply for the program is March 6 and enrollment can be done online at thedovetailproject.org or by calling the office, 7300 S. Cottage Grove Ave., at 773-952-4255. The threemonth program runs from March 23 and ends June 11 with a graduation ceremony afterwards. The next class won’t begin until Sept. 21 and ends Dec.10. “We have a 86 percent completion rate for the program and graduates receive a $450 stipend at the end,” said Smith, the organization’s executive

director. “For many of the young men in the program, they make less than $1,500 a year, so $450 is very significant to them. About 95 percent of the men in our program grew up without their fathers.” The age range for program participants was derived from when Smith’s mother struggled to raise him and his four siblings. “My parents had me when they were 17 and 18 and had a difficult time taking care of their children during the age range 17 to 24-yearsold,” explained Smith, 31. “Our resources, unfortunately, do not allow us to go above or below this age range.” He added that his father was in and out of his life until age 28, when Smith got married and reconnected with his father. “He’s more of a father to me now than when I was little growing up on the South Side in Woodlawn,” recalled Smith. “We talk all the time now and have a good relationship.” As for the program Smith teaches, he said among the things taught are conflict resolution; job readiness; educational assistance; establishing paternity; the ins and outs of child support; and a ‘street law’ component that teaches fathers ways to avoid conflicts with the police. “Too many young, black men are being shot by the police because of conflicts and not because they did anything wrong,” contends Smith. “We tell fathers to do what you are asked by the police even if you disagree. There’s a time and place to debate the incident, but on the street is not the place.”

According to Smith, grants account for 40 percent of the organization’s funding and 60 percent comes from “everyday people mainly white women who want to see our work continue for young fathers.” Historically, Smith said the welfare system has encouraged fathers, unable to provide for their families, to leave home so his family could then receive public assistance, such as food stamps, medical, educational, childcare, and housing assistance. “I do not make excuses for ‘deadbeat’ dads because if you are going make these babies, then you should provide for them,” added Smith. “But we know the government has not been in the business of keeping families together, but dividing them.” And Smith disagreed with society’s notion that a woman cannot teach a boy how to be a man, and that if a boy is raised by a woman and grows up around mainly females, that he may end up becoming gay as an adult. “I was raised by a woman and I am not gay and I know a man who was adopted by two gay men and he is a successful attorney today, so I do not agree with either of these stereotypes,” said Smith. And having a criminal background does not disqualify fathers from the program. “We don’t do criminal background checks on applicants because it wouldn’t prevent a father from enrolling,” said Smith, who was convicted of armed robbery. “Our goal is to help fathers become better men and not put up barriers to hinder them from getting the help that they need.”

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As part of a larger effort to ensure compliance and fairness, the Internal Revenue Service recently announced that it will step up efforts to visit high-income taxpayers who in prior years have failed to timely file one or more of their tax returns. Following the recent and ongoing hiring of additional enforcement personnel, IRS revenue officers across the country will increase face-to-face visits with high-income taxpayers who haven’t filed tax returns in 2018 or previous years. These visits are primarily aimed at informing these taxpayers of their tax filing and paying obligations and bringing these taxpayers into compliance. “The IRS is committed to fairness in the tax system, and we want to remind people across all income categories that they need to file their taxes,” said Paul Mamo, director of collection operations, Small Business/Self Employed Division. “These visits focusing on highincome taxpayers will be taking place across the country. We want to ensure taxpayers know their options to get right with their taxes and avoid bigger issues later.” For the current tax season, the IRS reminds taxpayers that everyone should file their 2019 tax return by the April 15 filing deadline regardless of whether they can pay in full. Six-month filing extensions are also available, although that does not extend the April deadline for paying any taxes owed. “Taxpayers having delinquent filing or payment obligations should consult a competent tax advisor before waiting to be contacted by an IRS revenue officer, Mamo said. “It is always worthwhile to take advantage of various methods of getting back into filing or payment compliance before being personally contacted by the IRS.” For the new visits taking place, high-income non-filers taxpayers are those who generally received income in excess of $100,000 during a tax year and did not file a tax return with the IRS. Taxpayers who exercise their best efforts in filing their tax returns and paying or entering into agreements to pay their taxes deserve to know that the IRS is aggressively pursuing others who have failed to satisfy their filing and payment obligations. During the visits, IRS revenue officers will share information and work with the taxpayer to hopefully resolve the tax issue.

4 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of March 4, 2020

BUSINESS

Aramark Good Cause Coffee to Benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America Each year, Aramark provides over one billion cups of coffee and 400 million cold drinks to workplaces around the country. This year, Aramark is donating a portion of sales from javia®, its private label coffee, and Reserve by javia, its new, premium line, to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Reserve by javia and javia coffees have been designated as a “Good Cause Coffee,” where a portion of sales is donated to local non-profit organizations. Now in its fifth year, the “Good Cause Coffee” campaign has donated $500,000 to various community centers across the country. Aramark became a corporate partner of Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 2019, and this year will focus the “Good Cause Coffee” dollars on supporting their mission of helping all youth achieve great futures. Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which had its beginnings in 1860, help keep kids and teens

This year, Aramark is donating a portion of sales from javia®, its private label coffee, and Reserve by javia, its new, premium line, to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

safe after school by providing a positive environment where they can learn, play and grow. The organization’s goal is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring,

responsible citizens. “We are so excited to be the beneficiary of Aramark’s ‘Good Cause Coffee’ this year,” said Chad RoyalPascoe, national Vice President, corporate and cause partnerships,

at Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “These donations will help us reach more youth and give them access to the tools and resources they need to succeed in life. We are so thankful to Aramark and their commitment to great futures.” There are more than 4,600 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country that serve over 4.7 million young people. Many of Aramark employees volunteer at these Clubs through Aramark Building Community, the company’s global volunteer and philanthropic program. Going forward, Aramark is exploring ways

to work with the Boys & Girls Club, to integrate health and wellness and workforce programs – which are the focus of Aramark Building Community – into activities at the Clubs. “Our Refreshments team is pleased to offer a high quality, whole bean coffee program, with Reserve by javia, along with our traditional javia coffees. We’re delighted to be able to energize not only workplaces, but also a very deserving cause,” said Jim Frost, president of Aramark’s Refreshment Services division. “As North America’s leading office coffee provider, we’ve made it part of our mission and promise to give back to the local communities in which we live and work.”

U.S. Department of Labor Publishes Amendments and Technical Corrections to OSHA Standards The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently published technical corrections and amendments to 27 OSHA standards and regulations. This administrative rulemaking corrects minor misprints, omissions, outdated references, and tabular and graphic inaccuracies. The revisions apply to several industry sectors, including general industry, construction, shipyard employment and longshoring. Some revisions may reduce employer costs, and none expand employer obligations or impose new costs. Under the Occupational Safety

and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

Consumer Culture Report Reveals Millennial Spending Increases with Charitably Conscious Companies 5W Public Relations, one of the top 15 independently-owned PR agencies in the U.S., has released their 2020 Consumer Culture Report and has found that 67% of Millennials believe it’s important that a brand they purchase from has a charitable component, illustrating Millennial’s ongoing effort to be purposeful in both how and with whom they choose to spend their money. “Millennials are recognized by older generations as being hyper aware of the influence their actions hold,” said 5WPR CEO and founder, Ronn Torossian. “The report’s insights support these claims, suggesting that Millennials aren’t blindly engaging with brands, instead taking an active role in learning what the brands stand for and paying attention to their marketing efforts. As Millennials grow to accumulate a disposable income, they’re able to make a shift from physically volunteering to showing support through monetary contributions.” For more insights into consumer culture, download 5WPR’s Consumer Culture Report at this link https://www.5wpr.com/new/research/5wpr-2020consumer-culture-report/ www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of March 4, 2020

NEWS

‘It Impacts Weight, Sleep and Mental Health’ Family Features - Michele Adams is quick to say, “I don’t want to throw anyone under the bus,” but it took her being hit by a car for her thyroid disease to finally be diagnosed. Adams has always been an active person, but for a few years, she had felt tired and had a constant tightness in her throat. She was diagnosed with post-nasal drip but did not feel relief after a year of treatment. “I thought this exhaustion, hoarse voice and lump in my throat were just my new normal,” Adams said. “I’d accepted it, and I shouldn’t have.” During this time, Adams went on a bike ride in northeastern New Jersey - something she still does frequently. However, on this day, Adams was struck by a car as she was biking. The incident resulted in an MRI scan. Adams was not seriously injured, but doctors noticed something unexpected. The scan revealed nodules in her lower neck, which suggested thyroid disease. “I now realize I had symptoms of a thyroid condition for years,” Adams said. “I’d had it up to here with not feeling like myself. Once I had the MRI results, I knew to seek out a thyroid expert, and I found an endocrinologist.” What you probably do not know about your thyroid Thyroid disease is more common than diabetes and heart disease, but more than half

of Americans with thyroid disease are unaware, according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE). This lack of awareness can endanger a person’s health and well-being. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located low in the front of the neck below the Adam’s apple. It produces thyroid hormones that influence almost every cell, tissue and organ in the human body. Common signs of thyroid diseases include: l Unexplained changes in weight l Depression, anxiety or feelings of irritability l Changes in memory or ability to concentrate l Joint or muscle pain or weakness l Fatigue or trouble sleeping l Fast or irregular heartbeat l Irregular menstrual periods Cheryl Rosenfeld, D.O., is a thyroid expert and AACE member. Rosenfeld is also the physician who treated Adams’ thyroid disease. “If the thyroid does not function correctly, it can affect every possible aspect of a person’s life,” Rosenfeld said. “Remember that thyroid conditions can cause changes in mental health, including depression. I’ve also spoken to patients who’ve experienced an inability to concentrate, which seriously affected their performance at work.” Several disorders can arise if the thyroid produces too much hormone

(hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism). Other thyroid diseases include: l Nodules l Thyroid cancer l Graves’ disease l Hashimoto’s thyroiditis l Thyroid eye disease Undiagnosed thyroid issues can also place a person at increased risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, infertility and other serious conditions. What to do if you are ‘up to here’ with not feeling like yourself “Once I was placed on treatment for Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism, my life changed Thyroid disease is more common than diabetes and heart discompletely,” Adams said. “My throat ease, but more than half of Americans with thyroid disease are is no longer sore, and I’m able to go unaware, according to the American Association of Clinical out with my family or spend time at Endocrinologists (AACE). the gym without feeling completely hormone-related diseases and conditions, drained of energy.” including thyroid cancer and all other diseases The first step to ensure your thyroid gland related to the thyroid gland. functions properly is to speak with a health Visit thyroidawareness.com to learn more care provider about your symptoms and about thyroid health. whether a thyroid test is needed. SOURCE: American Association of Clinical An endocrinologist is a specially trained Endocrinologists doctor who is qualified to diagnose and treat

If I could do one thing, I’d tell the world she counts. Communities are as rich and diverse as their needs. That’s why completing the 2020 Census matters. It’s a safe and confidential step toward having an impact on how public funds flow through our communities. That could mean more resources in your area for special needs. It’s within your control.

Learn more at:

2020CENSUS.GOV Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau.

2019_Census_Braile_Newspaper_HalfPage_SizeA_9_75x6.indd 1

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1/15/20 4:11 PM

6 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of March 4, 2020

CITIZEN On The Move

Comcast Xfinity Expands Its Community Footprint With A New Store Located In The Marshfield Shopping Center (Left): Workers are all smiles as they assist Tamikko Mayo (Pictured in white sweater), Store Assistant Manger and members of the Comcast/ Xfinity employee with the official cutting of the ribbon at the grand opening celebration held recently. Comcast Xfinity opened a new store in the Morgan Park community. Photos by Jerome Simmons

Store manger Mayo and others enjoyed the hands on painting station at the opening.

Pictured: Janece Simmons, Far South Community Development Corp.; Tamikko Mays and Andrea Reed, Exec. Director of Greater Roseland Chamber of Commerce.

Tamikko Mayo and Lisette Martinez senior director of retail Comcast Chicago. Martinez point out the store features during the grand opening ceremony.

Honoring Those Who Do Great Work During Black History Month The African American Employees Committee (AAEC) recently honored the “African Americans “Treasures” who do great work for their organizations as well as the community they serve. The President of AAEC is Russell Ermon who is a representative of the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Photo by Parachute Top Row, Left to Right: AAEC President, Russell Ermon, Dr. Shaffdeen Adenlyl Amuwo, Clinical Professor Emeritus, University of Illinois; Rev. Walter Jones, Founder & Executive Director, Fathers Who Care, Donald Dew, President/CEO, Habilitative System, Inc. (HSI); Melissa Ford (for Dr. Gail Baker), Vice President, Academic Affairs, University of San Diego); Rev. Johnnie Miller, Pastor, Mt. Vernon Baptist Church; Dana Jackson, AAEC Vice President. Seated, Left to Right: Judge Freddrenna M. Lyle, MC; Angela Robinson, Ronald Wade Awardee; Jacqueline Tolliver, Ronald Wade Awardee; Clerk Dorothy Brown; Arshele Stevens, CEO, Girls, Inc.: Myetie Hamilton, Vice President, City Year Chicago; Not pictured - Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Chicago City Treasurer.

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CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of March 4, 2020

MIKE BLOOMBERG DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

As someone who has been very lucky in life, I often say my story would have only been possible in America – and that’s true. But I also know that because of the barriers of discrimination, my story likely would have turned out very differently if I had been Black, and that more Black Americans of my generation would have ended up with far more wealth, had they been white. That’s why as President, I’m committed to act to build generational wealth for Black Families.

THE MIKE BLOOMBERG GREENWOOD INITIATIVE PLAN: Create 1 Million New Black Homeowners Double The Number of New Black-Owned Businesses Invest $70 Billion In The Country’s 100 Most Disadvantaged Neighborhoods

MIKE BLOOMBERG HAS THE BEST PLAN FOR CREATING WEALTH FOR BLACK AMERICA

For more information visit

MikeForBlackAmerica.com Paid for by Mike Bloomberg 2020

8 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of March 4, 2020

FASHION

During National Nutrition Month®, Academy Encourages Healthful Eating At Work The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages everyone to eat healthfully at work. Follow the same guidelines as you would at home: Enjoy a wide variety of foods from all the food groups and pay attention to your portion sizes. “Healthful eating habits shouldn’t stop once you get to work,” says registered dietitian nutritionist Jennifer Bruning, a national Academy Spokesperson in Chicago. “Whether you are buying lunch or bringing your lunch and snacks from home, a few simple steps can make the workday a healthful one.” Nearly 25 percent of employed adults consume foods and beverages at work at least once a week – items that often are high in calories and include refined grains, added sugars and sodium, according to a study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2019. The study looked at foods and beverages purchased from vending machines or cafeterias, or obtained for free in common areas, during meetings, or at social events. Brown Bag It Skip the prepackaged foods from the vending machine and instead pack a nutritious lunch and snack following these tips from Bruning: Lunch: •Use healthful recipes to create your meals. •Use a grocery list to shop for nutrient-rich foods. •Make your meals colorful and satisfying by including lean sources of protein, whole grains, vegetables, fruits and low-fat or fatfree dairy. •Turn your healthful dinner leftovers into the next day’s lunch. Snacks: •Pack whole fruit or cut, raw vegetables for snacks with a crunch. •Keep unsalted nuts, dried fruit, a jar of peanut butter and whole wheat crackers in your desk. •Snack on protein foods and sources of dietary fiber, such as an apple with peanut butter, to fill you up and keep you satisfied until the end of the day. Plan It If you plan to have lunch in the cafeteria or a fast-food restaurant: •Look for key words on the menu such as “grilled,” “broiled” or “steamed,” which means the food is cooked with less fat. •Consider swapping French fries for a green salad and ask for sauces on the side. •Be mindful of your portion sizes and consider splitting large portions into two meals. •Eat your meal slowly to give your stomach time to tell your brain that it’s full. •Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Celebrate It It’s difficult to resist the lure of the office snack table or birthday celebration, so:

Unfiltered is created with 95% naturally-derived ingredients plus botanicals – made with only the essentials.

Raw Sugar Launches ‘Unfiltered by Raw Sugar’ Personal Care Collection

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages everyone to eat healthfully at work.

•Eat lunch before perusing the snack table. •Savor foods you truly enjoy and pass up those that don’t interest you. •Move your socializing away from the food to minimize unconscious nibbling. “Small changes, such as planning your meals in advance, eating foods from all food groups and practicing portion control can lead to big health benefits in the long run,” Bruning says. “Incorporating healthful foods and physical activity habits into each day is something all of us can do.” A registered dietitian nutritionist can help create a personalized eating plan tailored to your lifestyle, food preferences and physical activity goals. Use the Academy’s online Find an Expert service to find one near you. About National Nutrition Month® 2020 National Nutrition Month®, celebrated each March, encourages people to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits all year long. This year’s theme is Eat Right, Bite by Bite. Follow National Nutrition Month® on the Academy’s social media channels including Facebook and Twitter using #NationalNutritionMonth.

Small changes, such as planning your meals in advance, eating foods from all food groups and incorporating physical activity habits into each day leads to a healthier lifestyle.

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Raw Sugar Living has just launched a new brand extension, ‘Unfiltered’. Expanding their mission to promote clean and healthy living, Raw Sugar figured out how to provide an elevated in-home premium spa experience – affordably. Unfiltered is created with 95% naturally-derived ingredients plus botanicals – made with only the essentials. “Our Unfiltered line is a beautifully uncomplicated and uncompromising collection that is uncluttered by all the extras,” said Donda Mullis, co-founder & CMO, Raw Sugar Living. “Unfiltered is a perfect solution for the health-conscious consumer on a search for a beauty routine with minimal ingredients and original scents that can fill their souls and lift their spirits—and deliver an upscale spa experience. We’ve made sure to thread through our brand messages of ‘Lead with love’ and ‘Live life purely unfiltered’ in all aspects of the collection, from the packaging and marketing, to how the products smell, feel, and benefit the skin.” Unfiltered by Raw Sugar is inspired by smallbatch family formulas that were the original recipes conceived by soap maker, Arnie Shugar in the 1960s who perfected his art of making soaps with real and natural ingredients. He eventually passed down his reserve formulas and ‘unfiltered’ philosophy on life to his son, Ronnie, who alongside Mullis created a beauty brand empire around the simple concept of loving the skin you’re in. “My dad won a soap machine in a poker game 65 years ago, which really honed his craft in the soapmaking business. He was ahead of his time in that he started to disrupt an industry with natural soaps before ‘natural’ was even trending,” said Ronnie Shugar, co-founder & CEO, Raw Sugar Living. “Our Unfiltered line honors his love for authentic, uncomplicated and uncompromising quality.” Unfiltered offers a full regimen of elevated luxe spa products ranging from Body Butter, Hand Cream, and Face & Body Mist, to Salt Soak, Shower Gel, and Sugar Scrub, and they are all vegan, cruelty-free and sulfate-free. The Unfiltered beauty lineup also offers a variety of scents including: Blueberry + Thyme, Pineapple + Mango, Rosewater + Cucumber, Watermelon + Pink Cactus. Unfiltered is available exclusively in Target stores and Target.com. Learn more about the ‘Unfiltered by Raw Sugar’ products at unfilteredbyrawsugar.com.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of March 4, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

graveyard shift On Stage Now At The Goodman Theatre Rising stars playwright korde arrington tuttle and director Danya Taymor reunite for graveyard shift, following its appearance as a developmental production in the Goodman’s 2018 New Stages Festival. Featuring an ensemble cast of five, graveyard shift is an unflinching but open-hearted look at how we navigate a world full of fear, loosely inspired by the legacy of Sandra Bland. Casting note: Debo Balogun replaces previously announced actor Kyle Vincent Terry, who has left the production. Full casting is below. Graveyard shift appears through March 8 in the Goodman’s 350-seat Owen Theatre. Tickets ($10-45; subject to change) are on sale now at GoodmanTheatre. org/graveyardshift, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 North Dearborn). When she receives the opportunity of a lifetime, Janelle relocates to Texas and moves in with her partner, Kane. Meanwhile, a small-town police officer’s life is thrown into flux when the coworker he’s romantically involved with decides to leave town. When their worlds collide, Janelle experiences firsthand how

Rising stars playwright korde arrington tuttle and director Danya Taymor reunite for graveyard shift.

dangerous power can be. The ensemble cast features Debo Balogun (Kane), Keith D. Gallagher (Brian), Rae Gray (Elise), Aneisa Hicks(Janelle) and Lia D. Mortensen (Trish). The creative team includes Kristen Robinson (Set Design), Montana Levi Blanco (Costume Design), Marcus Doshi (Lighting Design) and Richard Woodbury (Original Music and Sound Design). Rebekah Heusel is the Production Stage Manager.

Aneisa J. Hicks (Janelle) and Debo Balogun (Kane) in graveyard shift by korde arrington tuttle, directed by Danya Taymor (Now - March 8, 2020). GoodmanTheatre.org/graveyardshift

Rae Gray (Elise) and Lia D. Mortensen (Trish) in graveyard shift by korde arrington tuttle, directed by Danya Taymor (Now - March 8, 2020). GoodmanTheatre.org/ graveyardshift

Keith D. Gallagher (Brian) and Aneisa J. Hicks (Janelle) in graveyard shift by korde arrington tuttle, directed by Danya Taymor (Now- March 8, 2020). GoodmanTheatre.org/graveyardshift

Aneisa J. Hicks (Janelle) in graveyard shift by korde arrington tuttle, directed by Danya Taymor (Now- March 8, 2020). GoodmanTheatre.org/graveyardshift

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Debo Balogun (Kane) in graveyard shift by korde arrington tuttle, directed by Danya Taymor (Now March 8, 2020). GoodmanTheatre.org/graveyardshift

10 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of March 4, 2020

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Pilot Light Announces Inaugural Citizen Food Conference Pilot Light recently announced the inaugural Citizen Food conference, welcoming chefs from across the U.S. including notable award-winning chef Dan Barber (Blue Hill, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Row 7 Seed Company), Dan Giusti (Noma, Brigaid), Camilla Marcus (west~bourne, TechTable), Tunde Wey (SAARTJ, BabyZoos), Anthony Myint (Mission Chinese Food, The Perennial, Zero Foodprint), Betti Wiggins (Houston Independent School District), Geeta Maker-Clark, MD, ABOIM (University of Chicago), and life-long food advocate Ann Cooper “The Renegade Lunch Lady.” Pilot Light founding Chicago chefs Paul Kahan (One-Off Hospitality Group, Black Bird, Avec, Publican, Big Star), Jason Hammel (Lula Café, Marisol, Superkhana International), and Matthias Merges (Folk Art Management Group, Billy Sunday, Mordecai, Hush Money) will prepare the evening’s dinner for guests, to be hosted at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The day-long Citizen Food conference will be held at the Ace Hotel in Chicago on Monday, April 20, 2020, and will include breakfast, lunch, a cocktail reception and dinner. Following the chef speaker

Food advocacy and social change are at the heart of the Citizen Food conference. Speaker topics will include racial and gender equality, education and school lunch programs, sustainability and immigrant rights.

Pilot Light recently announced the inaugural Citizen Food conference. The day-long Citizen Food conference will include breakfast, lunch, a cocktail reception and dinner.

presentations, attendees will be bussed to the Museum of Contemporary Art for a cocktail reception, keynote address, and a family-style dinner experience hosted by Pilot Light’s founding chefs. Food advocacy and social change are the heart of the Citizen Food conference. Speaker

topics will include racial and gender equality, education and school lunch programs, sustainability and immigrant rights. “The goal of Citizen Food is to bring together thought-leaders, activists, and community members to help encourage positive change and action, through food,

within our communities,” said Pilot Light founding chef, Jason Hammel. More guest speakers and topics will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets to the conference, cocktail reception and dinner are $250. To purchase tickets, visit CitizenFoodConference.com.

League of Chicago Theatres and ComEd now accepting applications for the 2020 Powering the Arts grant program The League of Chicago Theatres and ComEd are now accepting applications for the 2020 ComEd Powering the Arts grant program to help local arts institutions reach audiences that otherwise would not have access to the arts. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to nonprofit arts and cultural institutions located within ComEd’s service territory in northern Illinois. Eligibility details and applications are available at LeagueOfChicagoTheatres.org/ ComEdPoweringTheArts/ and due by 5 p.m. Central time Friday, March 13, 2020. Recognizing that access to art is crucial to the quality of our lives, ComEd partnered with the League of Chicago Theatres in 2018 to commit to supporting cultural

institutions in northern Illinois in their efforts to reach new and diverse audiences in ComEd communities. The ComEd Powering the Arts Program provides funding for some expenses toward these goals. Through this program ComEd and the League of Chicago Theatres look to reach audiences that have been unable to access the richness of cultural offerings available throughout the ComEd service area. In 2019 ComEd and the League of Chicago Theatres awarded a total of more than $100,000 in grants to 13 non-profit arts organizations throughout northern Illinois. From local performing arts troupes to galleries and theatres, each grantee proposed a unique project to support the expansion of arts and cultural

offerings for new audiences in the communities ComEd serves. Program Guidelines Eligible Powering the Arts applicants are nonprofit arts and cultural institutions located within ComEd’s service territory in the following counties: Boone, Bureau, Carroll, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Ford, Grundy, Henry, Iroquois, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, Marshall, McHenry, Ogle, Rock Island, Stephenson, Whiteside, Will, Winnebago and Woodford. Projects located outside the ComEd service territory boundaries are unable to be funded. Schools, school districts, governments, and government run organizations are not eligible to www.citizennewspapergroup.com

apply. Eligible applicants must be in good standing with ComEd related to provision of utilities and cannot have previously received grant/sponsorship funding from ComEd or Exelon within the past two years. 2019 Powering the Arts grant recipients are not eligible to apply. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate the ability to reach significant numbers of new and diverse audiences and commit to retaining the underserved audiences after the funding period ends. Powering the Arts grants will be for amounts up to $10,000 and may be used to pay for up to 75 percent of eligible activities. The grantee must have either secured a source of matching funds or have submitted a pending application for such

funds. Applicants awarded funds for their projects will be expected to fully expend the grant award within 12 months of receiving funds. A final grant report is due within two months of the full expenditure of funds. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed and ranked by an advisory committee composed of members of the region’s nonprofit arts and culture community. Final decisions on awards are at the discretion of ComEd and will be announced by late June or early July 2020. Additional information on the ComEd Powering the Arts Program can be found at: LeagueOfChicagoTheatres.org/ComEdPoweringTheArts/.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of March 4, 2020

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BUILDING CREDIT AT 18: TIPS FOR A SOLID FINANCIAL FOUNDATION (BPT) - When a young person turns 18, it's an exciting time full of possibilities. Being able to vote and no longer adhering to a curfew is just the beginning. Now an official adult, it's time to begin a new chapter that sets the foundation for the rest of their life, including their financial wellness. "How you manage your money today will impact your financial future because at 18, you're now building a credit history that matters for many years to come," Jeff Richardson, head of Marketing and Communications at VantageScore Solutions. "Getting bank accounts, using credit wisely and taking out loans thoughtfully all are important aspects of building and maintaining a good credit report and score." Richardson recommends young adults take these five steps to start building a positive credit history: Check your credit score for free VantageScore credit scores were introduced in 2006 and the credit scoring model was initially developed by the three nationally recognized credit reporting companies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Over 12.35 billion VantageScore credit scores were used between July 2018 and June 2019 alone. Know your credit score, manage it well and take steps to improve it. Visit your.vantagescore.com/free to learn where you can go to get your credit score at no cost. Pay bills on time every time Paying bills on time or even ahead of time is one of the best things you can do to build a positive credit report and raise your credit score. Find a system for managing your bills and expenses that works well for you. Some people keep a spreadsheet, others use online programs or digital apps. In fact, your current bank may offer online bill pay options so that you can set up your payments automatically (just make sure you always have enough in your account so that you don't bounce payments). Discover what works best for you to ensure that you always pay bills before the due date. Budget and create an emergency fund

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Start a viable budget by analyzing wants versus needs for each month. When creating a budget, you should also make sure to use your net income after taxes rather than your gross income before taxes so that you will get a realistic idea of what you can afford and where you should make cuts. Furthermore, if you don't already have a savings account, consider opening one up. While a savings account won't show up on your credit report, it does provide you with a simple way to save in case of an emergency. That way if you're hit with an unexpected bill, you will still be able to pay it on time, and that timely payment can protect your credit report and score. Take out loans wisely Taking out a loan and paying monthly installments diligently helps build good credit. However, you shouldn't take out more than the amount you need or can afford. For example, if you need to get a car loan, consider a moderate car that does the job rather than an expensive upscale one that will take much longer to pay off. Likewise, school loans are a necessity for many people. While you likely won't have to start making payments on these loans until after graduation, you should try to keep student loan debt at a minimum. Take out what you need for tuition and associated school expenses, rather than borrowing additional amounts for things like vacations. That way you will have a smaller loan to pay off when you start working so you never have to stress about making a payment on time. Every other financial transaction while you are in college is an additional chance to build and enhance your credit history and you should treat them as such. Pay your bills on time, especially those with your name on them, such as utilities. "Smart steps at 18 can help you achieve a great credit score and set you up with a lifetime of good financial habits," says Richardson. "Even if you're older than 18, there's no better time than the present to make wise financial decisions that will help you build a credit history that will benefit you long term."

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