Chicago Weekend Citizen 5-19-2021 by CITIZEN NEWSPAPERS

Y O U R S O U R C E F O R C O R O N AV I R U S N E W S

Citizen Week of May 19, 2021

| Vol. 52 | No. 21 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CHICAGO WEEKEND

As Young Adults Continue to Navigate the Challenges Posed by COVID-19, Seize the Awkward is Here to Help Page 2

Lilly to Commit $5 Million to Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity Page 4

Morgan Phelps is the founder and CEO of Colorful Connections, a firm that assists organizations in building and retaining racially inclusive teams. Photo provided by Vanessa Abron

ThePureBag® Collection Designed To Protect Against Germs Page 9

FIRM LOOKS TO MAKE DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION SUSTAINABLE Morgan Phelps founded Colorful Connections, a diversity, equity and inclusion ﬁrm after her experiences in the workplace. PAGE 2

Serving The Black Community For Decades |

advertising@citizennewspapergroup.com thechicagocitizen@thechicagocitiz www.facebook.com/durrell.garth.9 www.citizennewspapergroup.com

2 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of May 19, 2021

NEWS briefly EDUCATION NEW POLICY BRIEF CALLS FOR PRIORITIZATION OF EDUCATION OVER CRIMINALIZATION DURING TOUGH BUDGET FIGHTS A recently released policy brief by The Leadership Conference Education Fund shows that, in previous moments of economic crisis, state policymakers have moved to cut education spending in favor of protecting funding for prisons, police, and courts — a choice with particularly harmful consequences in high-poverty, Black, Native, Latino, and immigrant communities, according to a press release. “Budgets are moral documents. Faced with the lost revenue of the Great Recession, state policymakers chose to protect mass incarceration over education and investing in our future. As they face tough budget decisions again, they must not repeat the mistakes of the past,” said Steven Almazán, K-12 education program analyst at The Leadership Conference Education Fund. “State policymakers have the power, the opportunity, and the responsibility to make better choices about how and where to prioritize funds. We need the necessary investments in communities to advance equity and justice, and create opportunities for people to realize their full social, economic, and political rights.” The Leadership Conference Education Fund builds public will for federal policies that promote and protect the civil and human rights of all persons in the United States.

HEALTH

AS YOUNG ADULTS CONTINUE TO NAVIGATE THE CHALLENGES POSED BY COVID-19, SEIZE THE AWKWARD IS HERE TO HELP To coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month and the continual impact of COVID-19 on the lives of young people, Seize the Awkward is launching several partnerships throughout the month of May, equipping young people with the inspiration, tools and language to check in on one another’s mental health. Throughout the past year, many young adults have been forced to miss significant life events or milestones like graduation, starting a new job or moving out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. New research indicates that these abrupt pandemic-related changes have taken their toll on the mental health of young adults. To encourage young people to check in with one another, the Seize the Awkward Instagram recently released an original, fourpart video series featuring Dr. Doreen Marshall of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Dr. Wenimo Okoya of The Jed Foundation (JED). Throughout the series, Drs. Marshall and Okoya will offer tips to help 16-24-year-olds spot the signs of a friend who may be struggling, ways to reach out and start a conversation and tools to follow up. To learn more about the campaign, visit SeizeTheAwkward. org and @SeizeTheAwkward on Instagram. To get immediate, free support 24/7, call 1-800-273-8255 or text “SEIZE” to 741741.

LAW & POLITICS

ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT UNVEILS NEW JURY ORIENTATION VIDEO The Illinois Supreme Court’s Illinois Judicial Conference (IJC) recently announced the release of a new jury orientation video which will serve as an introduction to jury service for all 24 Circuit Courts in Illinois. The video is available at: https://youtu.be/ uOZhGc1emjQ “Jury service is a hallmark of the American justice system,” said Chief Justice Anne M. Burke, who also serves as chair of the IJC. “This video serves as an excellent introduction for those called to jury duty and answers many questions they may have to make for a positive experience.” Jury orientation provides an important first impression of the court for prospective jurors. This orientation video helps prepare jurors for service and answers common questions in a systematic and consistent manner. The video was developed and produced by the IJC Public Relations Task Force (Task Force). The Task Force was formed to help fulfill a goal of the inaugural IJC Strategic Agenda to educate people about the Judicial Branch and ensure courts across the state speak with one voice.

Firm looks to make diversity, equity and inclusion sustainable Continued from page 1 BY TIA CAROL JONES

Morgan Phelps founded Colorful Connections, a diversity, equity and inclusion firm after her experiences in the workplace. Phelps worked in a traditionally homogenous industry of the agency world. She said there was a lot of talk about inclusion and diversity, but there was a disconnect when it came to action. Phelps said if a client had asked to create a structure for diversity and inclusion, a company would work to figure it out. But, within its own infrastructure, those changes were not taking place. “I was kind of frustrated with a lot of the internal politics that you’re seeing, and lip service and gaslighting and just after a certain point, enough became too much,” she said. Phelps said she was in the position and had the opportunity to do something about it, and that is where Colorful Connections came from. Colorful Connections provides recruiting support, trainings, workshops and coachings, as well as assessments. Colorful Connections also has career coaching for professionals and a network for job seekers. Phelps said that advertising, PR and communications industry are an example of industries that need help and transformation. She added, tech, legal, film also need help when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion. “There’s so much disparity. And, when you’re thinking of the dimensions of diversity, too, I think that’s important because not everyone acts,

thinks, looks and behaves the same way,” she said. At Colorful Connections, Phelps said she tries to get business leaders to latch onto what the business needs. She said oftentimes they want to do something, and want to do the right thing, but it can be tied to a fleeting desire or one leader. She added, those campaigns or projects don’t last because they don’t “have teeth” or connection to the business strategy because people in the company don’t understand the need for it because it doesn’t hit on the business level. “For all these different industries, where there is a homogenous representation, meaning from gender to race to thinking to socioeconomic background to having similar pedigree, this is not what the world looks like, nor is this the type of world the majority of companies are trying to market to,” she said. Phelps added, research shows that if at least one member of a team represents the target and the user, the company is 150 percent more likely to innovate accordingly. She said they try to stress what is a longstanding sustainable solution to create change. She said it is necessary that everyone in the company understand that diversity, equity and inclusion are important to what the business needs. Phelps said people have seen a one-time program, like Black History Month programs, but those same companies might not do anything throughout the rest of the year to acknowledge the accomplishments of the diverse staff.

Phelps said during the past year, there have been statements from corporations about their dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion and being racially inclusive, or implementing different programs or philanthropic efforts, but it is not clear if those are sincere. She said job seekers should do their research, look beyond the corporate statements and take time to look at company reviews and social media. “You’ll be able to get a temperature check on is this company, first off, aligned with what I want out of my career, is this the type of work I enjoy doing, is this role in the company aligned with my trajectory? If so, great, then continue moving forward. Then, as you’re looking at what the company does for their client with the work they do, what are their values, their mission statement, the vision statement,” she said. Phelps also said to look at the team on the company’s website. If a person doesn’t see anything about representation, continue to go forward. She said it is time during the interview to ask about representation and DEI. “You’re interviewing your hiring manager and other members on their team just as much as they’re interviewing you. This should be a part of your line of questioning,” she said, adding to ask questions based on the research done about the company. “Ask them those hard questions that hopefully they’re having talks about internally and they would have an answer for you during the interview.” For more information about Colorful Connections, visit www.colorfulconnections.com.

National Sex Ed for All Month Recognized In May May is Sex Ed for All Month, the third annual national effort led by a coalition of sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice organizations committed to ensuring young people have equitable and accessible sex education. Consistent with this year’s theme, “Equity and Access for All,” the coalition aims to raise awareness of the critical need for national sex education. This month, the coalition will continue its pledge: Promote the equitable access to the sex education and sexual health care young people deserve; and ensure these critical resources are available to all youths — including young people of color; LGBTQ+ youth; immigrant youth; young people with disabilities; youth in the juvenile justice and foster care systems; as well as those who have lower incomes and live in rural areas. Polling shows strong support for sex education among parents, educawww.citizennewspapergroup.com

tors, young people, and the general public. Yet only 17 states require medically accurate sex education, and 35 states require sex education to stress abstinence. The U.S. does not have a national sex education mandate and sex education is not funded at the federal level, leading to inconsistent funding and uneven program quality across the country, according to a press release. This leaves many young people lacking the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health. Sex Ed For All Month 2021 is being coordinated by the Sex Education Collaborative — which represents 24 national, regional, and state-based organizations with extensive experience training educators to deliver schoolbased sex education — in conjunction with the federal Sex Education Coalition and other national partners. Organizing partners include Advocates for

Youth, Answer, Healthy Teen Network, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, State Innovation Exchange, and URGE, among others. Decades of research have found that sex education not only helps prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs. Sex education can also help prevent child sex abuse, create safer school spaces for LGBTQ+ young people, increase healthy relationships, reduce relationship violence, improve social-emotional learning, and increase media literacy. Research also has shown that sex education can have a profound effect on school climate — with the use of intersectional approaches that affirm race, gender, and other aspects of identity. High-quality sex education can contribute to dismantling barriers to social and racial justice by promoting equity and inclusion in classrooms and school environments, the press release continued.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of May 19, 2021

NEWS

Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place Returns Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot recently joined elected officials, tourism backers and labor leaders to announce the return of the annual Chicago Auto Show, a marquee event that draws tourists from around the world. While the Auto Show marks the first large convention to take place since the COVID-19 pandemic began, officials expect to welcome other conventions and tourist events this summer with safety precautions. The Chicago Auto Show will be held at McCormick Place from July 15 to 19 and will incorporate several innovative safety features – including being held indoors and outdoors for the first time since it was held in Chicago in 1901. It is the nation’s largest and longest-running auto show. “With strong public health protocols in place, the Chicago Auto Show will be the first large convention to take place in Illinois since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, setting the stage for the safe return of big events in the months to come,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The lifesaving power of vaccinations and the hard work by the people of our city and state has led us here. In recent weeks, we have seen our statewide COVID case rates and hospitalizations flatten and begin to fall, demonstrating a surge far short of the one we saw over the fall and winter. To be clear, our fight against the virus isn’t over yet – but things are getting better.” “Around this time last year, McCormick Place was turned an alternate care facility that significantly aided our city during the first wave of COVID-19—making today’s announcement all the more special,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “In the same spirit of collaboration between government, healthcare, community, and corporate partners, we are now able to bring conventions back to our beloved convention center in a way that is safe and reflective of our progress in slowing and stopping the spread of this virus. I look forward to seeing the McCormick Place reopen its doors for the Chicago Auto Show this July and further enhance our city’s ongoing Open Chicago initiative.” McCormick Place and the Chicago Auto Show have worked closely with health and tourism officials to detail mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of every attendee, starting with a lower overall capacity for attendees. Among the safety measures in place:

A Jeep on an artificial hill at the Chicago Auto Show in 2007. Recently, elected officials announced the return of the annual Chicago Auto Show, a marquee event that draws tourists from around the world.

• a move to Hall F in West Building with 470,000 sq ft of indoor space and 100,000 sq ft of outdoor space; • timed entrance windows and staggered entry to prevent congestion on the show floor and at arrival; • requirement to wear face masks at all times; • sanitization stations throughout the event; • contactless delivery for tickets; • temperatures will be scanned, and a medical questionnaire must be filled out before entry is allowed into the event. As the state of Illinois prepares to move into the less restrictive “Bridge Phase,” this announcement is also part of the broader “Open Chicago” initiative to safely and fully reopen the city. Given the continuous downward trend of the COVID-19 numbers, the state of Illinois and city of Chicago have aligned on guidance for conventions returning later this summer. This news follows the recent announcement of Expanded Phase 4 regulations and the city’s Bridge to Phase 5 of reopening. Chicago has made significant progress in reversing the rise in COVID-19 metrics that started in March and caused the city to pause the reopening plan. “The trends are encouraging, but we must be cautious as we move forward,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “As more venues

reopen, it is critical that we increase the number of people who are vaccinated. Immunity is how we stop transmission of this virus, but we need greater community immunity and that requires as many of us as possible getting vaccinated as soon as possible.” “We have seen steady progress in recent weeks with a downward trend in our leading COVID metrics and more and more people stepping up to get vaccinated, which is so important in getting us out of this pandemic,” said CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady M.D. “That has made this exciting day possible.” Statewide, 55 percent of individuals 16 and over and 79 percent of individual 65 and over have been vaccinated, helping bring down increases in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. As these metrics continue to stabilize and decline, the state could soon move into the “Bridge Phase” of the Restore Illinois Reopening Plan. For conventions, this will mean events with the lesser of 1,000 people or 60 percent capacity. Following a 28-day period of continued stability or decline in key COVID-19 metrics, the state would then move into Phase 5, with all capacity limits lifted. The state is on track to be in Phase 5 in July. “From day one, our priority has been to ensure the health of our guests and our employees, and as we re-open we will continue

to be relentless in this area,” said Larita Clark, CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), owner of McCormick Place. “Importantly, these health measures will not take away from the experience. We know that our guests, whether it is a family wanting to check out the new Jeep Bronco or a doctor seeking the latest clinical trial data, come here for a reason. We are glad that we are able to continue to provide the outstanding experience our customers expect without compromising on health and safety.” Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, McCormick Place has been worked closely with public health officials and followed all guidance regarding meetings and events. In 2020, the entire McCormick Place campus was awarded GBAC STAR accreditation, the gold standard for health and safety in the industry. In January 2021, Choose Chicago and McCormick Place launched Healthy Meetings Chicago, a virtual experience illustrating the new convention experience. “Prior to COVID, McCormick Place operations generated more than $1.9 billion in economic impact to the city and state,” said Glenn Eden, chair of the Choose Chicago board of directors. “As we take this step forward and move toward reopening, not only is this a positive development for the health of our city, but also for the health of our economy.” “We stand committed to providing a safe environment for all involved and will carefully adhere to the health and safety protocols and guidelines set forth by city and state officials,” said Dave Sloan, Chicago Auto Show general manager. “McCormick Place is an important economic engine for our city and state, and we take very seriously the responsibility that comes with helping to get it running again.” Based on the trajectory of public health metrics, officials are confident that the Auto Show and other conventions can be safely held this summer in line with best practices. However, according to a press release, if conditions change significantly in an unforeseen way, these plans will need to be adjusted, including the announced guidelines. If CDPH or IDPH determines that case rates or hospitalization rates are too high to allow for the events outlined above, the guidelines will be modified.

OP-ED

If you don’t op-ed, will you get enough?” BY JOEL SCHLOSBERG

After half a century, the New York Times will no longer publish an OpEd page — or at least not one under that name. Commentaries on the news written by contributors outside of the newspaper’s regular staff will be called “guest essays” to explain their role without using what opinion editor Kathleen Kingsbury calls “clubby newspaper jargon” (“Why We’re Retiring the Term ‘Op-Ed’,” April 27). Today’s readers may not realize that

“op-ed” is shorthand for placement “opposite the editorial” page in the layout of unfolded newsprint. Yet while some of its format is specific to what one book title called “The Vanishing Newspaper” as early as 2004, the op-ed’s essentials deserve better than to silently crumble like the yellowing journalism of last week’s newspaper. The format might seem to exemplify what Noam Chomsky calls mainstream media’s efforts “to strictly limit the spectrum of acceptable opinion, but allow very lively debate within

that spectrum — even encourage the more critical and dissident views.” Chomsky’s own views were among the most critical and dissident solicited by the Times, an offer he declined because his academic background made “it enormously more difficult to write 700 words than 7000.” Yet a tight argument made with a few hundred well-chosen words can lead general readers to more in-depth takes, and the range of disagreement that can be squeezed into them is broad indeed. Nearly a century ago, www.citizennewspapergroup.com

the immense newspaper chain of William Randolph Hearst gave Bertrand Russell the space to recommend the individualism of anarchist philosopher William Godwin as an antidote to “docility, suggestibility, herd-instinct and conventionality” and the notion “that social conformity is the beginning and end of virtue.” Kingsbury insists that the ability of the public to have its perspectives heard directly via websites like Facebook and Substack “is to be welcomed” rather than feared, but

wonders whether “ideas can linger a while” in a cyberspace even more fixated on immediacy than the daily or weekly news cycles of print. The unfiltered energy of such formats, and of older ones like blogs and zines, can be focused rather than squelched by the sharpness and clarity pioneered by the humble op-ed. New Yorker Joel Schlosberg is a contributing editor at The William Lloyd Garrison Center for Libertarian Advocacy Journalism.

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BUSINESS

McKissack & McKissack Taps Sam Boye and Girard Jenkins for Key Midwest Roles National architecture, engineering and construction management firm McKissack & McKissack is adding depth to its team by hiring Sam Boye Jr. as operations manager for the Midwest and West regions of the country and promoting Girard Jenkins to project executive for the Midwest. These architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry veterans will lead their regional teams in producing results on high-profile prime contracts and joint ventures in architecture, engineering, construction- and program management across a range of industries. Boye and Jenkins are based in McKissack’s Chicago office. “Sam and Girard are a strategic choice to lead our Midwest team,” said CEO Deryl McKissack. “Their strengths are complimentary. Sam comes from the private sector, and has a developer-side, get-it-done approach and a unique understanding of how to build on our strengths. Girard is the go-to problem solver who can offer clients solid solutions and has the track record to prove it. I’m excited about the value this team delivers across our practices in the aviation, commercial real estate, energy, healthcare and K-12 education sectors.” Operations Manager Brings Private Sector Approach to Commercial In his more than two decades in commercial real estate and project management, Boye, a civil engineer with an MBA, has always brought strategic vision to his roles. Before joining McKissack, he was project management director at Cushman & Wakefield, where he managed over

McKissack & McKissack names Sam Boye Jr. as operations manager for the Midwest and West regions and promotes Girard Jenkins to project executive for the Midwest.

$200 million in value-add renovations. Prior to that, he was capital projects director at Golub & Co., a project manager at RSM US and a Special Projects Division (SPD) project manager and field engineer at Turner Construction. In his role as operations manager, Boye helps McKissack clients explore their options to develop, upgrade or reposition facilities. Currently, he is overseeing the design and execution of a range of complex construction strategies, from capital planning for the Chicago O’Hare International Airport expansion to provide delay-free and reliable travel to updating Exelon Corp. and WEC Energy Group assets for continued reliability and resilience. In guiding the selection of contrac-

tors, Boye is adept at implementing the AEC industry minority procurement practices McKissack advocates. It is a program that helped the minority-owned firm win an Inc. magazine Best in Business award in 2020. “The business community is trying to find ways to diversify, because it’s a reflection of America,” Boye said. “They need partners they can rely on and trust. We don’t have preconceived ideas of what success looks like. McKissack can draw on resources and expertise from the community to build major development projects without sacrifice to technical knowledge or skill sets.” The Obama Presidential Center, now under way, is one of many ambitious projects in Boye’s portfolio. When

the first shovel breaks ground this year on the landmark Chicago project—a campus featuring a community center, a museum, a public library and recreation space— McKissack will oversee its design and construction. Boye earned an MBA in real estate investment and finance from DePaul University and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He lives in Morton Grove, Illinois, with wife Regan and sons Trey and Declan. Project Executive Applies Wealth of Public Sector, Healthcare Facilities Experience As project executive, Jenkins will assure services are being performed to McKissack’s standard of excel-

lence, maintain a positive cash flow and work with clients to meet their needs. He showed his agility as a senior project manager in upgrading mechanical systems for the Chicago Public Schools’ reopening, resolving congestion along Illinois Tollway routes and engaging community stakeholders in Cook County’s redevelopment of the former Oak Forest Hospital. “Working with McKissack is a great opportunity to address the desires of the client and support all those who are working out in the field and consulting behind the scenes,” Jenkins said. “When a problem arises, I can break down a scenario into smaller pieces, help clients understand things a little better and get the important things done in the right order.” Jenkins’ nearly two decades in construction management includes healthcare facility planning, design and construction for University of Chicago Medicine and Roseland Community Hospital in Chicago— experience ranging from building a new emergency department to accommodating the strict requirements and precise execution of cutting-edge life-science research technology. A Tuskegee University alumnus, Jenkins earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture and construction management while learning practical lessons on job sites as a summer laborer. He also earned certification in commercial building inspection from Olive-Harvey College in Chicago. Jenkins lives in the city’s Hyde Park neighborhood with wife Wanda, son Girard Jr. and daughter Brianna.

Lilly to Commit $5 Million to Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) recently announced its support of Direct Relief ’s Fund for Health Equity (the Fund) with a $5 million commitment over the next five years. The Fund launched in March 2020 with $75 million raised against a goal of $150 million. The $5 million commitment by Lilly is a component of the company’s Racial Justice Initiative, a robust endeavor to deliver resources like education, health care, economic stability and jobs within the communities where Lilly operates. Direct Relief, a humanitar-

ian organization, established the Fund to improve health in underserved communities in the U.S. by providing financial support to health centers, free and charitable clinics and other community-based organizations and educational institutions that focus on the social determinants that strongly affect one’s health, such as physical environment and social, political, cultural

and economic factors. Through the Fund, and with the input of the Fund’s Advisory Council, Direct Relief will make strategic investments into the work of safety-net providers delivering healthcare for patients of racial and ethnic minority groups. These grant-funding investments are aimed at bolstering the capacity of organizations to provide high-quality, culturally appropriate healthcare, as well as focus on the social determinants of health that can play a significant role in poor health outcomes. Organizations

can apply for grants that will strengthen their work in: l Leadership development to increase the number of healthcare providers from diverse backgrounds. l Preventive health strategies, including community-based outreach, awareness and education programs for patients. l Chronic disease care and management. l Innovation and technology to expand patient access and improve patient care. l Community immunity rates, including COVID-19 and outreach, education, testing and care.

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“Lilly is committed to helping address systemic inequities in health, including for those with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, that too often have devastating effects on the lives of historically marginalized people,” said David A. Ricks, Lilly chairman and CEO. “Our support for the Fund for Health Equity will help empower rural and urban local health organizations to leverage innovation and relevant programming to overcome health disparities in their communities.” Engagement with the Fund for Health Equity is an exten-

sion of Lilly’s long-standing, and multi-faceted support of Direct Relief to improve access to care for those most vulnerable. This includes making COVID-19 therapies available in low- and middle-income countries, as well as hurricane preparedness in the U.S. Lilly’s commitment also supports Lilly 30x30, the company’s goal to improve access to quality health care for 30 million people living in settings with limited resources, each year, by 2030. To learn more about Lilly’s efforts, visit https://www.lilly.com/impact/ overview

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of May 19, 2021

NEWS

ConocoPhillips Heads Diversity and Inclusion Eﬀorts in the Oil and Gas Industry BY STACY M. BROWN NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

With projections that half of its workforce will consist of minorities by 2040, the oil and gas industry has continued to recruit individuals of color, women, veterans, and groups that have been mainly underrepresented. At ConocoPhillips, Shawn Green and Maalika Moore-Thomas each take an optimistic approach to recruiting some of the best minority talent and minds. Green, the manager of global services and technology, and Moore-Thomas, the senior supplier diversity coordinator, also keep a steady eye on diversity and inclusion with ConocoPhillips’ contractors and suppliers. “My day-to-day is basically working with our diverse

suppliers from various backgrounds – minorities, LGBTQ community, and veterans – to ensure that our supplier base is well-rounded and to make sure that we have those diverse suppliers that we contract within our oil and gas specific jobs, as well as our professional services jobs,” Moore-Thomas asserted. Green’s role is “to set the supply chain approach and strategy for automation, data analytics, and merchant technology,” he stated. “I’m ultimately accountable for the development approach for those programs that are under my purview.” Moore-Thomas added that ConocoPhillips and the industry continue to work toward a more inclusive environment that reflects different backgrounds, interests, and perspectives. Green concurred. “One of our major initiatives

is ensuring we have suppliers for the variety of categories and sourcing opportunities we have,” Green remarked. “It’s really about making sure that we have a line of sight to those opportunities and a pipeline to diverse suppliers.” Added Moore-Thomas, “The importance of diversity is not just talking points or conversation. We believe each person is accountable for creating and sustaining an inclusive work environment. It’s important to have diversity in backgrounds, but it’s important to have diversity in thought and perspective at each table where decision making takes place.” Raised in a single-family home in Tampa, Florida, Moore-Thomas later attended The Ohio State University and earned two degrees in psychology and criminology. While working as a buyer for

a small company, Moore-Thomas received a message from a ConocoPhillips manager that intrigued her enough to relocate to Houston eventually. “I became very interested in oil and gas through learning about how much this industry truly influences the way we work and live,” Moore-Thomas said. “I applied for the position and never looked back.” Green grew up in Houston, where he lived with his grandparents. He said his primary focus was acquiring an education. Green attended a magnet high school where engineers from Exxon often mentored him and other students. Green attended Tulane University, where he majored in chemical engineering, and he later received an MBA with finance and management concentrations.

Shawn Green

Maalika Moore-Thomas

Both Green and Moore-Thomas have pitched the industry to students at historically Black colleges and universities, and they continue to encourage all minorities about oil and gas. “I have worked in this industry for 24 years, but my first exposure was in high school,” Green recalled. “Over the years, I think we’ve made steady strides in energizing folks to understand the industry more. I know we have more work to do in having that awareness and outreach (regard-

ing diversity and inclusion).” Moore-Thomas said “all hands are on deck” in creating a more diverse and inclusive industry. “[We are] figuring out how we can better task force, or diversify, the space,” she added. Green concluded that the industry is keen on developing programs and strategies to increase diversity in the workforce. “It’s a great time to be in the industry,” he exclaimed. “It’s a great time to be at the forefront of change. There will be a lot of opportunities.”

COMMUNITY ENERGY CENTER

America’s Pandemic Recovery Relies on Energy Energy Workers And Company Leaders Are Supporting the COVID-19 Relief Support Effort: • Providing supplies such as personal protective equipment (PPE); • Philanthropic community efforts to provide fuel gift cards, sanitizers, clothing, face coverings, and meals to hospitals, fire and police departments throughout the U.S.; • Supplying jet fuel at no cost to critical companies and airlines to transport PPE deliveries and restore air service to remote communities; • Providing fuel discounts to first responders and others who serve their communities; • Donating ultra-low temperature freezers to health organization to help keep vaccines at their required storage temperature.

To learn more about how energy helps your community, visit CommunityEnergyCenter.org

The Community Energy Center, a cooperative with the National Newspaper Publishers Association and National Association of Hispanic Publications Media, will provide information and perspectives on the integral role of the energy sector in daily life for American families in a wide range of communities.

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6 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of May 19, 2021

It presents three salient facts: First, is color line murder. Second, crimes against women is the excuse, not the cause. Third, it is a national crime and requires a national remedy solution. Proof that follows the color line is to be found in the statistics which have been kept for the past twentyﬁve years. During the few years precede before this period and while frontier law existed, showed a majority of white victims. Later, however, as law courts and authorized judiciary extended into the far West, law rapidly abated decreased, and its white Beginning victims became few and far between. Just as the -law MAY regime came a close FRI 21 to 8 PMin the West, a new mob movement started in Streaming wttw.com/idabwells the South. This was wholly political, its #IdaBWellsWTTW purpose be to suppress limit the colored vote by intimidation and murder spread

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of May 19, 2021

NEWS

Keeping Your Kids Covered—Finding Health Insurance Post-Graduation NAPSI—Does your college graduate need health insurance? Perhaps this is the last thing you are asking yourself but may be among the most significant. About one in five people in their 20s do not have health insurance, according to recent studies. However, one unexpected illness or accident could have long-lasting health and financial consequences. “Choosing the right health coverage may seem difficult as many people have never shopped for their own health insurance or worry that they cannot afford it,” said Mark Smith, president of HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, one of the largest independent health insurance agencies in the United States. “There is a wide range of coverage options available to meet your child’s unique care needs and financial situation post-graduation.” And now is the time to start. Many colleges and universities require under-graduate and graduate students to purchase health care coverage while enrolled. While some may have coverage under your health insurance, others choose health insurance offered through the school, in collaboration with health insurers. Students have until their plan expiration dates, which vary by plans, to enroll in new ones. So “Step One,” know when that is.

guidance for people who need health coverage. Call (877) 270-0029 or visit www.getcovered. com to get started. Working with licensed insurance agents, individuals can learn what they are eligible for, including Medicare/Medicaid options, or find commercial health plans that best meet their individual needs. Agents can also help them enroll in these plans, where they are able.

Parents of college students and other young adults can take steps to make sure their kids have the health insurance coverage they need.

Health Care Coverage Guidance and Enrollment Support Families can find support through health care marketplaces, insurance carriers, insurance brokers and other licensed insurance agents to help determine what plan is best. For example, GetCovered, powered by HealthMarkets, is a free service that provides

Questions to Ask To find the right coverage, it’s important to know what’s available, what to ask, and what information is needed to enroll. To narrow the options, know: •When does your child’s current coverage end? •Is coverage under my plan an option? — Under the Affordable Care Act’s “Age 26” rule, you may maintain or add your children to your plan until their 26th birthday or another date that year, as long as you are enrolled, and additional premiums are paid. Go to https:// www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/ young-adult-coverage for more details. Also, be sure to check your state regulations as some have extended eligibility beyond age 26. •What benefits does my child need or want? •What can we afford?—Think about what portion of his or her monthly budget can be used for health coverage or other insurance.

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Young adults may be eligible for additional options based on their specific financial situation. Health Coverage Options If coverage under the “Age 26” rule is not an option, here are others to consider: •Medicaid/Medicare—While Medicare coverage is primarily available to individuals over age 65, Medicaid eligibility is based on income, disability and other circumstances. •Individual exchange/marketplace plans— These ACA plans are available through federal or state enrollment sites. Based on your income, you may be eligible for plan subsidies, making one of these plans more affordable. Graduation would be a “qualifying life event” to enroll in an ACA plan outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period. •Short-term plans—Short-term limited duration insurance coverage provides temporary coverage to bridge the gap between longer-term insurance coverage. These plans have a fixed duration of a few months to even several years and generally will offer less robust coverage than ACA plans. “Regardless if your family chooses to do their own research and enrollment or engage outside services, determining what your graduate may need and can afford will help you find good health coverage that ensures your child has access to care now,” Smith said.

8 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of May 19, 2021

ENTERTAINMENT U.S. Army Reveals the People Behind the Uniform in New Animated Film Series The U.S. Army released “The Calling,” a new animated film series that profiles the deeply emotional and diverse origin stories of five Soldiers as they make the most important decision of their lives: answering the call to serve. At a time of a widening military-civilian divide, “The Calling” provides an important and rare inside look at the lives and motivations of today’s Soldiers, turning what was once a one-dimensional view of Army service into something more relatable. “Research tells us that young people today see the Army as a ‘distant star’ – a place requiring a nearly superhuman level of discipline with little relevance to their daily lives,” said Maj. Gen. Alex Fink, chief of Army Enterprise Marketing. “Similarly, youth don’t necessarily connect with those who serve or see common ground in terms of interests, abilities, and goals. ‘The Calling’ shatters these misperceptions by showing that Soldiers are all of us: real people with hopes, dreams, fears, aspirations, families, friends, and obstacles to overcome.” The Army conducted a worldwide search across the forces for Soldier stories to support the campaign, receiving nearly one hundred inspiring entries. After settling on a shortlist of potential candidates, stories were tested to assess their resonance with today’s youth. The final “cast” provides a rich tapestry of stories that represent the diverse upbringings and life experiences that make up today’s Army. Featured Soldiers include: l Cpl. Emma Malonelord, U.S. Army (“Emma”): Emma seemed to have it all. A self-proclaimed “spoiled kid” – growing up with a supportive family, good education, and plenty of extracurriculars – Emma found herself seeking her purpose in life. While studying at the University of California, Davis, she admired the humanitarian efforts of some of her sorority sisters and began to feel a pull to be part of something bigger. After meeting with an Army recruiter, she said goodbye to her sorority friends. Though Emma’s moms were initially wary of her joining the Army, they understood their daughter’s desire to chart her own path and, now they are active supporters of the Army community by spearheading letter writing and care package campaigns for Soldiers. l 1st Lt. David Toguchi, U.S. Army (“David”): David never gave himself permission to dream about becoming a pilot. As a young boy in Hawaii, he spent hours watching helicopters take off from a nearby Army base. It wasn’t until his older brother, who was serving in the Army at the time, tirelessly encouraged him to chase his passion that David began to turn his lifelong dream into a reality. Following years of sacrifice and studies, David found himself in the cockpit of his very own Chinook. David’s story is one of resiliency that today spurs him to give back in any way he can, and lately, that’s volunteering at an orphanage in Honduras and giving talks at his church. l 1st Lt. RudSheld Plaisir, U.S. Army (“Rickie”): Rickie was a child of two worlds. Growing up in a religious family in Haiti, he experienced an incredible amount of culture shock when his family immigrated to Tampa, Fla., when he was seven years old. Rickie joined his high school JROTC program, where he fell in love with the idea of military service. During a 9/11 remembrance ceremony, he found himself overcome with emotion for his new country and the desire to defend it. He attended Florida A&M University, where he commissioned as an Army Signal Corps Officer. Rickie credits his continued service to the people serving around him and the comradery this provides, especially for someone living far away from their family. l 1st Lt. Janeen Phelps, U.S. Army Reserve (“Janeen”): Janeen had friends join the Army out of

high school and felt equally drawn to its opportunities. At the time, her father – a Vietnam era veteran – was strongly opposed to his daughter joining. Instead Janeen began her undergraduate education at Lander University in South Carolina, but the events of 9/11 compelled her to return home to Las Vegas. A natural born singer, Janeen began picking up singing gigs on the Vegas Strip to cover college expenses, which led to a successful career performing on cruise ships. Her experiences traveling the high seas reignited Janeen’s longing to serve and be a part of the solution. This time, with the support of her father, she enlisted in the Army and later completed ROTC to become a Public Affairs Officer in the Army Reserve. l Spc. Jennifer Liriano, U.S. Army Reserve (“Jennifer”): Jennifer had to grow up fast. Born to first-generation immigrants from the Dominican Republic who worked long hours to make ends meet, she spent her childhood caring for her family. A series of events set Jennifer on the wrong path, causing her mother to send her to her family’s native Dominican town. The trip and the people she met changed how she viewed the world and stirred a calling to serve others. At 23, she met an Army recruiter who introduced her to the benefits of enlisting, including an accelerated path to a nursing license and scholarship support. Today, she is a platoon sergeant with the U.S. Army Reserve 865th Combat Support Hospital and, when she’s not in uniform, works in a cardiothoracic surgical ICU and is pursuing her nursing bachelor’s degree. “’The Calling’ showcases how five Soldiers answered their call to selfless service,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Charles K. Masters II, sergeant major of Army Enterprise Marketing. “Soldiers across the Army stepped up to share their personal stories with America to breakdown the stereotypes associated with those who serve. Their inspiring stories highlight the diversity in the Army as we continue to be a Team made up of great people. One common thread you will see throughout this campaign is our Soldiers all believe in something bigger than themselves and strive to make a difference in the world.” This animated anthology is a distinct departure from previous Army campaigns – both for its arresting visual approach and its intimate portrayal of the people behind the uniform. The Army chose to deviate from the traditional Army look and feel to give priority to the stories themselves and create the flexibility to explore unique visual approaches personal to each Soldier. Animation was a clear creative choice for the campaign because of its visual interest, narrative flexibility, and Gen Z appeal. “The Calling” employs an innovative approach to advertising that leans on longer-form storytelling to deliver its message and required an equally innovative distribution plan to ensure an environment where content would be best received. YouTube was selected as the streaming platform for “The Calling” for its appeal among Gen Z youth and its precision specific to audience targeting and measurement. The campaign reaches audiences through YouTube, GoArmy social media channels, and GoArmy. com with a range of promotional assets designed to appeal to different segments of the Gen Z population. A series of animated trailers highlight central themes from the campaign that align with Gen Z interests, and drive to longer-form animations for a deeper look at the stories of featured Soldiers. Additional print and animated assets include portraits comparing featured Soldiers in their animated and human forms and campaign posters. For more information on “The Calling” and opportunities with the Army, visit GoArmy.com/TheCalling.

Northlight Theatre presents the 20th Anniversary Reunion for the World Premiere of The Last Five Years with Jason Robert Brown, Daisy Prince, Norbert Leo Butz, Lauren Kennedy and BJ Jones Premiering online Sunday, May 23, 2021 at 6:30pm Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents a special 20th Anniversary reunion event for Northlight Theatre’s world premiere of The Last Five Years. The event features performances and conversation with BJ Jones, playwright Jason Robert Brown, director Daisy Prince, and original cast members Norbert Leo Butz and Lauren Kennedy. The free, special online event will premiere on YouTube on Sunday, May 23, 2021 from 6:30-7:30 Central. The Northlight YouTube channel is: https://www. youtube.com/user/NorthlightTheatre On May 23, 2001, a brand-new musical opened at Northlight Theatre, changing the face of musical theater and the lives and careers of its creators and stars. Twenty years later, the original team reunites to talk about the landmark world premiere production, featuring never-before-told stories and two new performances of the musical’s hit songs. “In 1999 while putting up our production of Dinah Was, I asked our then music director Jason Robert Brown if he had a small, vest-pocket musical he’d like to work on outside of New York. What he suggested would become The Last Five Years. It is an honor to have presented Jason’s early work, and it was, in many ways, the template for all of our new work that followed,” comments BJ Jones. “By building on relationships and artistic merit, our Interplay New Play Development Program has given us opportunities to present so many of America’s significant playwrights to our audience, and to contribute to the national theatrical canon. The Sullivan Family Foundation has supported our new work development since 2005, and we are profoundly grateful for their support.” The Last Five Years was first presented by Northlight Theatre (BJ Jones, artistic director, Richard Friedman, executive director) at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie, Illinois, on May 23, 2001. Set and costumes were by Beowulf Boritt, lighting by Christine Binder, sound by Rob Milburn and Ray Nardelli, casting by Mark Simon, musical direction by Thomas Murray, and direction by Daisy Prince. The stage manager was Patty Lyons. The cast was Norbert Leo Butz (Jamie) and Lauren Kennedy (Cathy). Historically, Northlight Theatre has been dedicated to the development of new works, including the world premiere of The Last Five Years. Since 2006, new plays have been developed under the umbrella of Northlight’s Interplay program, which has invested in provocative new works by American and international playwrights, providing customized support in the critical stages of early play development. Through Interplay, Northlight seeks to serve the specific needs of the play and can provide playwright commissions, workshops with actors, and private or public readings. The public reading series is an

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instrumental part of the Interplay program, providing audiences the opportunity to participate in a part of the evolutionary process from initial idea to full theatrical production, including first-hand insight from the playwright. Also through the reading series, the playwright has the opportunity to hear audience response that is integral to shaping the play for full production. To date, Interplay has provided support for 43 new plays, 33 of which have gone on to full productions – some at Northlight and others around the country, including the Goodman Theatre, the Humana Festival, TheatreWorks, and off-Broadway. Four plays have continued on to acclaim at Ireland’s famed Galway International Arts Festival. That staggering success rate has established Interplay as a valuable incubator for new work in the American theatre, and has helped cement Northlight’s national reputation as an important contributor to the American theatrical canon. Interplay readings continued in an online format throughout the 2020-2021 pandemic. Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community. Founded in 1974, the organization has mounted over 220 productions, including more than 40 world premieres. Northlight has earned 208 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 36 Awards, as well as ten Edgerton Foundation for New Play Awards. As one of the area’s premier theatre companies, Northlight is a regional magnet for critical and professional acclaim, as well as talent of the highest quality. Northlight is supported in part by generous contributions from Allstate Insurance; the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; BMO Harris Bank; Bulley and Andrews; The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; ComEd, An Exelon Company; The Davee Foundation; Evanston Arts Council; Evanston Community Foundation; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; Full Circle Foundation; John R. Halligan Fund; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; Illinois Humanities; Katten Muchin Roseman LLP; Kirkland & Ellis Foundation; Margaret and Paul Lurie; The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; Jackie Mack and More; Colonel Stanley R. McNeil Foundation; Modestus Bauer Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; Niles Township; NorthShore University HealthSystems; Northwestern University; The Offield Family Foundation; The Pauls Foundation; PNC Bank; Polsinelli; Ralla Klepak Trust for the Performing Arts; Room & Board; Sanborn Family Foundation; Dr. Scholl Foundation; The Shubert Foundation, Inc.; Skokie Community Foundation; The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust; The Sullivan Family Foundation; and Tom Stringer Design Partners.

CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of May 19, 2021

FASHION Children’s Accessory Line Lily Frilly Makes History By Becoming The Youngest Black-Owned Brand on Walmart’s Shelves

Bennett Bag - shown in Graphite

Germ Protection Is IN the Bag! Spread Love, Not Germs

Lily Frilly, a line of children’s hair accessories, clothing and more, recently announced their first launch into 1,102 Walmart stores and on their website, Walmart.com this month. Part-owned and run by the brand’s namesake, Lily Adeleye, a 6-year-old hailing from Orlando, Florida, this launch is a historic step for both the Lily Frilly company and for the retailer itself. With this introduction into the retailer, a new assortment of the brand’s hair bows, exclusively designed for the Walmart partnership, will be available for purchase. These new and exclusive designs include the Gold & Glitter Hair Bow, Galaxy Girl Hair Bow, Safari Party Hair Bow and the Candy Rush Hair Bow. This big step in the brand’s trajectory is met with excitement from both Lily and her mother, mogul, Courtney Adeleye. With this being their second retailer launch (the first being at Target just last year), they hope having a young girl like Lily with product on shelves helps to inspire the next generation of girls to dream big, and that with a little tenacity, no matter their age, they can accomplish their goals and look cute while doing it. According to Courtney, “Lily Frilly started out as a brand my daughter Lily and myself created, as I have always believed it’s important to let your children follow their passions,

whether that be art, sports or in this case, growing a business.” She continued, “Now, Lily Frilly has become so much more than just that – it’s become a brand children love, as well as a symbol of inspiration and confidence for young girls as well as for the black community. It’s amazing to see what kids can do, and we’re so glad Walmart is providing this platform to give Lily Frilly the room and attention it warrants.” According to Walmart’s Omni Associate Merchant Hair Accessories Jennifer Aguirre, “We are excited to bring Lily Frilly to Walmart and honored to work with Lily Adeleye, as she represents the youngest founder among our Black-Owned business initiative. We have been enchanted by Lily’s ingenuity and designs. We are certain that the assortment will captivate our young customers and inspire them to express their beauty and confidence with their hair.” For more information and to find a store location near you, visit LilyFrilly.com or Walmart.com.

ThePureBag® Collection Designed To Protect Against Germs

Miami Swimwear Line Aims to Help Women Around the World

ThePureBag® company launched in 2018 (preCovid) with antimicrobial bags + accessories for adventuring lifestyles. According to a press release, the healthcare-grade antimicrobial fabric protects against germs -- inside and out -- and prevents public microorganisms from tracking on your bag into your home, office and personal space. The collection includes totes, backpacks, crossbody bags, and zipper pouches to stow your personal items for safe-keeping. ThePureBag products have been featured on the Today Show, Shameless and will now be available in select Nordstrom stores throughout the country and are currently available online. “Throughout my professional career, family life and personal development I have faced every challenge with a positive, focused, creative plan of action. I was on track, accomplished and fulfilled. Until I was struck by a devastating illness – related to my work/personal fitness routine. It seems that germs hitch-hiked a ride home on my bag and after touching the bag and then my face, I infected myself. “After months of sickness and suffering, with a string of inconclusive medical results, I had an epiphany about protecting myself and others from these invisible

JAMS by Jillian is a newly founded Miami Beach based swimwear brand inspired by the vibrant colors and patterns of South Beach. JAMS by Jillian’s collections are designed for the modern and creative soul who dares to experiment with fashion by incorporating contemporary shapes, intense colors with a fusion of innocence and seductiveness. Launched and debuted during DC Swim Week 2020, JAMS by Jillian features a variety of styles, all made in the United States and created by Mangi. The latest collection consists of one-piece to two-piece bikinis with bright hues and metallics combined using mesh, lace, and faux leather fabrics. Some suits from this collection can also be worn as bodysuits with jeans or a skirt for a fun casual night out. Jillian Mangi, a New York native, moved to Miami in 2014, where she

Pure Backpack - shown in Steel Grey

public microorganism threats. And ThePureBag was born!” says Lori Gildea, chief lifestyle officer. Each product is designed and crafted in the USA and all materials are sourced through local suppliers. For more information on the company and products, email info@thepurebag.com and visit http://www. thepurebag.com/ www.citizennewspapergroup.com

discovered her passion for swimwear design and philanthropy. Combining both of her passions, Mangi created her swimwear line, and made the decision to donate $2 of every bathing suit purchased to further women’s education and future. The non-profit organizations that JAMS by Jillian is currently partnered with are: PERIOD, She’s The First, and One Love. “As a woman, I feel it’s important to give back to other women as we have all come such a long way and that should be celebrated,” says Mangi. “Self-success is great but giving back is working towards changing someone else’s life and that means the world to me.” All swimwear in this collection is designed and manufactured in Miami, FL. Prices range from $42 to $150, and all styles are available in sizes Small to Extra Large and can be found online at www.jamsbyjillian.com.

10 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of May 19, 2021

HOME The missed home improvement step putting you and your community at risk (BPT) - What do planting a tree, building a patio, installing a pool and putting up a fence have in common? These popular home improvement projects add value to your home, and they all require an important safety step: getting utility lines marked before digging. With so many people spending more time at home during the pandemic, homeowners are tackling DIY projects at growing levels - 19.5 million Americans plan to dig this year for a home improvement project, according to the Spring 2021 Homeowner Omnibus Research from Common Ground Alliance (CGA). Unfortunately, two in five homeowners will miss the crucial step to call 811 to get utility lines marked before they dig. Tempted to skip this step? You are putting yourself, your family and your entire community at risk. Unintentionally striking one of these lines can result in inconvenient outages for entire neighborhoods, serious harm to yourself or your neighbors, and significant repair costs. CGA research found that a third of American homeowners have been affected by a utility service interruption during the pandemic. This can be particularly frustrating as people spend more time at home, relying on essential utilities to work, study and stay entertained. You don't want your digging activity to be the reason your neighborhood faces an inconvenient outage, or worse. If you think it won't happen, think again. "A utility line is damaged every few minutes in the U.S. because someone decided to dig without making a call to 811 to learn the approximate location of buried utilities in their area," says Sarah Magruder Lyle, President and CEO of CGA. "Calling 811 to get utilities marked before digging is free and easy, and will protect you, your community and the utilities you rely on." Follow these safe digging steps each time you dig: Step 1: A free phone call to 811 makes it easy for your local one call center to notify appropriate utility companies of your intent to dig. Call a few days prior to digging to ensure enough time for the approximate location of utility lines to be marked with flags or paint. Step 2: Know where you plan to dig and have a basic idea of what you plan to do. When you call 811, a representative from your local one call center will ask for the location and description of your digging project. Step 3: Your local one call center will notify affected utility companies, which will then send professional locators to the proposed dig site to mark the approximate location of buried utility lines with colored flags and paint. Step 4: Wait the required amount of time for the lines to be marked. Once all lines have been accurately marked, carefully dig around the marked areas. There are nearly 20 million miles of underground utility lines in the United States, which equates to more than a football field's length of utilities for every person in the U.S. Your family depends on this buried infrastructure for your everyday needs, including electric, natural gas, water and sewer, cable TV, high-speed internet and landline telephone. With that much critical infrastructure underground, it's important to know what's below and call 811 before digging. To find out more information about 811 or the one call center in your area, visit www.call811.com.

New to Plant Parenting? Here’s What You Need to Know (StatePoint) Plant parenthood among Millennials and Gen Z has been on the rise in recent years, and time spent at home throughout the pandemic has inspired even more people to start houseplant collections. In fact, over the past year, searches including “indoor plants,” “buy plants” and “plant delivery” spiked, as many set out to create beautiful, calming sanctuaries at home and spruce up their Zoom backgrounds. Why the sudden interest? Houseplants are grounding, keep you connected to the Earth and even help reduce stress. Their care also provides an excuse to take a much-needed break in the day. Plants make your world a happier place and add immeasurable value to everyday life. Whether you’re preparing to purchase your first-ever houseplant or you’re expanding an ever-growing collection, learn how you can return the favor by being the best possible plant parent. Understand Your Plant’s Needs While plant purchases tend to be spur-of-the-moment, there are plenty of steps you can take once you get home to ensure a great life for your plants. Explore the wealth of care instructions and guides online outlining recommended watering schedules and other necessary considerations. For busy plant parents or those looking to build collections in their office spaces, low-maintenance plants are the way to go. If your space is short on windows, seek out adaptable low-light plants that thrive outside of direct sunlight, such as ivy or spider plants. Don’t Forget Furry Friends If you’re already a pet parent too, don’t worry! Many houseplants won’t pose any threats to the fur babies in your home. Top pet-friendly houseplants include Curly Spiders, Baby Rubber Plants, Echeveria, Gasteria, Haworthia, Peperomia, Nerve Plants, Fluffy Ruffles Ferns, Rabbit's Foot Ferns and Staghorn Ferns. When in doubt, foliage and succulents brand Wild Interiors helps potential plant and current pet parents by offering a handy online guide and paw print icons indicating pet-friendly options. Not-So-Green Thumb Finally, as you embark on your plant parenthood journey, avoid common houseplant mistakes. When it comes to indoor plant care, many problems stem from loving and caring for your plants too much! Overwatering, over fertilizing and over adjusting the plant’s location or pot situation can all do more harm than good, despite your best intentions. Also keep in mind that many plants require less care and attention during fall and winter months. Ready to test your green thumb and take the leap into plant parenthood? Visit wildinteriors.com to explore more plant care tips and keep an eye out for its collection of succulent and foliage plants at a retailer near you. And if you ever find yourself wondering if you need another plant, just remember: plants are self-care!

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CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of May 19, 2021

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Notice is hereby given, pursuant to An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,.as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21006857on May 6, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of MRA TUTORING with the business located at: 5846 KATHRYN LANE, MATTESON, IL 60443. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: Owner/Partner Full Name Complete Address: KIMBERLY SUZETTE PETERZ-DENT 5846 KATHRYN LANE MATTESON, IL 60443, USA ________________________________________

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12 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of May 19, 2021

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