Chicago Weekend Citizen 10-05-2022

BRICK-AND-

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THE FUNMI ADEWOLE FOUNDATION SEEKS DONATIONS FROM CHICAGO LAND TO ASSIST WITH MEDICAL MISSION

FAF to Provide Access to Healthcare for Resi dents of Rural Nigeria

Chicago, Ill. – The Funmi Adewole Founda tion, a Chicago based 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide free primary health care to underserved communities across Africa, is seeking the help of Chicago to help with its medical mission trip to Nigeria in late October. A $30,000 Go Fund Me fundraiser has been started for the purchase of medications for their annual medical mission trip in October.

Since 2014, the Funmi Adewole Foundation has hosted annual mission trips to rural areas in Ni geria. Medical mission, education, and cancer aware ness are the three initiatives that are the foundation of FAF. Through the hard work of volunteers comprised mostly of Nigerian immigrants, over 17,500 Nige rians have benefited from FAF’s medical missions and education initiatives. The organization also supports quality education in the continent through an education trust fund and promotes cancer awareness initiatives in the United States and Africa.

The annual mission trips will provide the residents of the rural parts of Nigeria a comprehen sive medical checkup that includes health education, followed by triage, doctor’s assessment, deworming, dental checkup, counseling, prayer, massage therapy, eye examinations along with glasses for patients who need or wear glasses. Anticipation for the annual medical mission is high in rural areas; for most residents, this is the only access to the healthcare they have.

“As we all know, healthcare should be the right of everybody. But unfortunately, that is not what is happening in Nigeria as we know it. A lot of people with medical problems have no means of getting care,” stated Dr. Muyiwa Idowu, medical director of the Funmi Adewole Foundation. “We see patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, infections, arthri tis, asthma, skin diseases, eye problems. We need the international community’s support to help with this mission to help save lives.”

According to the National Library of Medicine, only 43.3% of people had access to healthcare in Nigeria, a country of over 200 million, compared to 13.3% of American adults who did not have access to healthcare before the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, patients with chronic ailments who need medication are also given a one-year supply.

Beta Blockers, Glipizide, Antibiotics, Anti fungal, Antimalarial, and Antibiotics for the eye are some medications given to patients. Multivitamins will also be provided to many patients who are malnourished. A former volunteer of the foundation has started a Gofundme fundraiser to raise $30,000 for the purchase of medications for the 2022 medical mission trip in October.

FAF is a registered 501(c)(3) Nonprofit. To donate towards the purchase of medication for medical mission 2022, visit https://www.gofundme. com/f/medical-mission-trip-2022. All donations are tax-deductible.

GYRLS IN THE H.O.O.D FOUNDATION TO HOST SHE’S SO H.O.O.D AWARD SHOW CASE

Chicago, IL – Gyrls In The H.O.O.D Founda tion’s She’s So H.O.O.D Awards is back for it’s third year, acknowledging and rewarding the efforts of adolescent girls.

This year’s honorees are overcoming personal obstacles, defying odds, and are role models at home and in the community. The awards will be presented at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7.

This year’s honorees are Amarria Houston, Neenah Montgomery, Elise Hunt and Iyana Foster. Daja Bonds is receiving the Go-Getter Award and India Rios is receiving the Game Changer Award.

For more information about Gyrls in the H.O.O.D., visit https://www.gyrlsinthehood.com.

A Chicago woman wants to bring brick-and-mortar affordable produce market to Austin

By Tia Carol Jones

“There are two very different cities going on, depending on where you live,” Abunaw said about the experience.

Once she was aware of the issue, she came up with Forty Acres Fresh Market as a solution. In 2018, Abunaw launched the first fresh fruit and vegetable pop up market. Now, she wants to open a brick-and-mortar grocery store, with the goal of selling high-quality fresh produce in underserved, food deserts.

Abunaw is one of three business owners who won $50,000 as part of the Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative. The program assists Black business owners with capital and coaching resources. Participants receive mentoring, coaching, resources and tools from the National Black Chamber of Commerce.

There were more than 3,200 business owners who partic ipated in the pitch contest. To be eligible the business had to be a minimum of 90% Black owned and in operation for five years or less.

The initiative is named for Wally Amos, owner of Fa mous Amos, who opened his bakery in California in the mid 1970s. Now, Famous Amos is owned by The Ferrero Group.

Abunaw applied for the Ingredients for the Success Entrepreneurs Initaiative because the $50,000 is a signifi cant amount of funding with the ability to make a very large impact on her business. Abunaw had applied for the grant previously but wasn’t selected as a finalist that time. This

time, Abunaw refined the reason why she wanted the money, and she believes that made the difference this time. “To get it on the second try, it feels very affirming that we were able to make a compelling pitch for our business,” she said.

Abunaw believes letting the entrepreneurs decide how to use the funding is what makes the Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative so unique. She wants to use the funding for the expenses that are difficult to find access for capital to. With some other local grants, they are assigned to capital construction projects. Things like sala ries, inventory or marketing aren’t included in some of those grants.

“For this grant, it’s not just about getting the store built, we have to get it operational. We’re going to use this funding toward the operational expenses of the store opening, like inventory, employee training and marketing,” Abunaw said. “It’s not just about the funding … A lot of Black owned businesses are super small, you can’t know everything, you can’t do everything, so being able to tap into a network and resources that can help you with everything, is really import ant.”

Until the Forty Acres Fresh Market is able to construct and open its brick-and-mortar grocery store, Abunaw is at the Austin Town Hall City Market on Thursdays. Delivery of fresh fruits and produce also is available on the website.

For more information about the Forty Acres Fresh Market, visit www.fortyacresfreshmarket.com, email info@ fortyacresfreshmarket.com, or call 847-497-5435.

LASALLE STREET INITIATIVE AIMS TO REVITALIZE, REPURPOSE

FINANCIAL DISTRICT BUILDINGS

Pervasive commercial vacancies along LaSalle Street in the Loop could be revitalized with new storefront businesses and more than 1,000 new homes, including 300 affordable units, through an Invitation for Proposals (IFP) as part of the City’s LaSalle Reimag ined initiative.

Owners of buildings located on or adjacent to LaSalle gener ally between Washington Street and Jackson Boulevard are eligible to respond to the IFP for potential City support. Priority adaptive reuse proposals should involve underutilized properties that are either designated Chicago landmarks, eligible to be designated as landmarks, rated “orange” on the Chicago Historic Resources Sur vey, or contributing structures to the West Loop-LaSalle National Register District.

The IFP is based on recent planning studies that identify mixed-use diversity and mixed-income housing as essential to the central Loop’s sustainability and resilience. The studies address the corridor’s monoculture of aging commercial buildings, shifting market demands, and work-from-home trends that are contribut ing to the highest commercial and retail vacancy rates downtown, estimated at 26% and 35% respectively.

The studies include the “Central City Recovery Roadmap,” developed by the City with assistance from the Chicago Central Area Committee in June 2021, and an Urban Land Institute report for LaSalle issued in February 2022 with support from DPD, the Chicago Loop Alliance and other area entities.

The IFP calls for proposals that revitalize underperforming buildings with equitable and sustainable improvements, includ ing the conversion of commercial spaces to residential units of which 30% are affordable; the reactivation of building lobbies and other spaces for cultural or entertainment purposes; and storefront improvements that create more neighborhood-oriented amenities, such as grocery stores and restaurants that are locally owned and operated.

Public resources to help implement the initiative’s goals are

expected to include federal tax credits, Cook County property tax incentives, Tax Increment Financing, PACE financing, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and other tools, subject to the review and approval of relevant public agencies and the Chicago City Council.

City support through the IFP will result in hundreds of new residents along the corridor, new cultural and enter tainment destinations, and millions of dollars of additional annual tax revenues for the City.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is exploring several more initiatives with the goal of reenergiz ing Chicago’s iconic LaSalle Street corridor by strengthening and activating the cultural sector. These potential projects include:

A vacant storefront pop-up public art program;

A lighting design competition using our Chicago Public Art Prequalified List;

Working with LUMA8 on a proposed Moon Festival, and with BOMA on a winter festival;

And working with the Chicago Architecture Center on a LaSalle-focused architecture engagement program.

City assistance for future residential projects would require 30% of the units to be affordable. Currently, there are no zoning or other requirements for private adaptive reuse projects to include affordable housing. Affordable units would be priced for tenants earning an average of 60% of the area median income (AMI), or $50,040 annually for a two-person household, based on 2022 AMI levels.

Proposals will be evaluated for City assistance based on economic viability, development team diversity and experi ence, design, public benefits, and other factors. The IFP due date is December 23, 2022.

To learn more about the LaSalle Reimagined initiative and download the IFP, visit Chicago.gov/LaSalleStreet.

ComEd, League of Chicago Theatres Award $160,000 in Grant Funding to 18 Arts Organizations Across Northern Illinois

Fifth annual Powering the Arts Grant Program expands access to arts and culture

CHICAGO After two years of disruptions due to the pandemic, in-person performances and theaters are back in northern Illinois. To increase access to the arts in northern Illinois, ComEd and the League of Chicago Theatres today announced that they have awarded $160,000 in funding to local community arts orga nizations across the region. Through ComEd’s annual Powering the Arts Program, individual grants ranging from $10,000-$25,000 will go to 18 nonprofit organizations, including local theatres, arts programs, cultural organizations, and youth centers.

Since 2018, this competi tive grant program has disbursed $580,000 in funding for initiatives and workshops across the commu nities ComEd serves to boost public awareness, community programming, engagement, and enjoyment of the arts.

“Creativity drives innovation, and there’s no better way to inspire creativity than by supporting the arts in our communities,” said Gil Quin iones, CEO of ComEd. “Through this program and our partnership with the League of Chicago Theatres, we are able to promote the arts and celebrate diverse cultural programming in com munities across northern Illinois.”

This is the fifth year ComEd has partnered with the League of Chicago Theatres, an alliance of more than 200 Chicago theatres. Each year, ComEd funds the program, and the League of Chicago Theatres reviews

applications and administers the program to grant recipients. This year’s recipients include art programs that preserve cultural tradition, tell diverse stories and support access to the arts for youth.

Albany Park Theater Project (Chicago – Albany Park) Auditorium Theatre (Chicago – Downtown)

Englewood Arts Collective (Chicago – Englewood) Honey Pot Performance (Chicago – Garfield Park)

Hyde Park Art Center (Chicago – Hyde Park)

Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre (Chicago – Loop)

Porchlight Music Theatre (Chicago – Near North Side Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts (Chicago – Near South Side) Ballet Folklorico de Chicago (Chicago – Portage Park)

International Latino Cultural Center (Chicago – River North) SkyART (Chicago – South Chicago) Congo Square Theatre (Chicago – South and West Sides) Freeport Art Museum (Freeport, Ill.)

Special Gifts Theatre (Northbrook, Ill.)

Momenta Dance Company (Oak Park, Ill.)

Boys and Girls Club of Livingston County (Pontiac, Ill.) West Side Show Room (Rockford, Ill.)

Northlight Theatre (Skokie, Ill.)

POLITICAL

JOYCE JOINS WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS TO LAUNCH SOUTHLAND REACTIVATION ACT

State Senator Patrick Joyce joined local communi ty leaders recently to launch the Southland Reactivation Act. The purpose of the Southland Reactivation Act is to attract development, create jobs and lower property taxes in the south suburbs.

“This bill is a big win for the Southland communi ty. It will break the cycle of disinvestment that has been happening for too long in this area,” said Joyce. “This economic development tool has the potential—at no cost to the State— to address blight, expand the tax base, cre ate local jobs in the south suburbs and assist in reducing property taxes for homeowners.”

The bill targets commercial and industrial properties that have shown a clear pattern of economic stagnation or decline of real estate taxes as a result of depressed conditions. The property must be located in Bloom, Bremen, Calumet, Rich, Thornton or Worth Townships in Cook County.

Identified properties that meet qualifying criteria would be assessed at 50% of the last known equalized assessed value. For the first year a property is certified as a southland reactivation property, the aggregate tax bill liability for the property cannot exceed $100,000. Discounts on the liability would decrease gradually, but continue for a total of 12 years.

Alongside this, a web page was unveiled on the South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association’s web site that further explains the plans of what is to come, as well as eligible properties, which can be found at: https:// www.ssmma.org/southland-reactivation-act .

MARTWICK ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO CHECK THEIR TAX REBATE STATUS

Millions of Illinoisans are waiting to receive their tax rebates as part of the Illinois Family Relief Plan. State Senator Robert Martwick is reminding residents they can easily check their rebate status online.

“The Illinois Family Relief Plan is our way of rein vesting in our communities,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “Families are struggling, and this relief is a good start to alleviate that financial despair.”

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Reps. Davis, Pascrell, Schneider, Blumenauer, Suozzi, Moore, and Evans Lead Bill to Create Guaranteed Annual Funding for Gun Violence Prevention

Washington, D.C. -- Representatives

Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Bill Pascrell, Jr., (D-NJ), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Gwen Moore (D-WI), and Dwight Evans (D-PA) introduced The Gun Violence Prevention and Safe Communities Act - legislation to create guaranteed annual funding for gun violence prevention. The bill would increase the federal excise tax on guns and ammunition by just half a percent and apply the federal excise firearms tax to assault-weapon frames and receivers which currently are not taxed if sold separately. The bill would direct the estimated $20 to $38 million in new revenue to four programs designed to make communities safer: community-based violence preven tion grants; gun violence research; hate crimes prevention and enforcement; and forensic examiner training to improve gun crime clearance rates.

“The gun violence crisis in America inflicts epidemic harm on individuals, families, and communities, and the federal

government must substantially invest in gun violence prevention,” said Rep. Davis. “Not one penny of current federal excise taxes on guns and ammunition goes to gun violence prevention. Further, the federal gun tax has remained the same for over 100 years, and the ammunition tax is the same as it was during World War II. The Gun Violence Prevention and Safe Commu nities Act is an important part of compre hensive gun violence prevention because it creates guaranteed annual funding to stop gun violence via a small increase of 0.5% in existing excise gun and ammunition tax es. This bill also closes a major loophole in tax law that allows many assault-type weapons to evade taxes altogether. This bill is an important step in ensuring federal investment every year to make our commu nities safer.”

This legislation is supported by: Brady: United Against Gun Violence; Everytown for Gun Safety; the Major Cities Chiefs Association; Newtown Action Alliance; and the Violence Policy Center.

Supported by Martwick, the Illinois Senate championed Senate Bill 157, which provides millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates. The rebates began to roll out Sept. 12, leaving many to wonder when they will receive their rebate.

People who filed taxes will automatically receive their rebate – otherwise they have until Oct. 17 to do so. To check the status of a rebate, people can click here and select “Where’s My Rebate?” An IL-PIN number is necessary to check the status. To find an IL-PIN number, click here and select “IL-PIN Inquiry.”

Under the law, people who filed 2021 Illinois taxes are eligible to receive up to $700. Individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will re ceive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per dependent, with a maximum of three.

Additionally, people who paid property taxes in 2021 on their primary residence in 2020 – and make less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly – are eligi ble for up to $300. The rebate will be equal to the property tax a resident was qualified to claim on their 2021 taxes.

“Every dollar counts for economically distressed families,” said Martwick. “These rebates could be spent on groceries, much needed car repairs, gas, school supplies and more. Check your status today.”

For more information on how the funds will be dispersed or to see qualification criteria, people can visit tax.illinois.gov/rebates.

“Our local governments understand the resources they need to prevent crime in our communities better than anyone,” said Foster. “Thanks to these grants, Aurora and Joliet can continue their work to fight crime by investing in the programs that need it most. I’ll continue working in Congress to ensure our local law enforcement has the support it needs to protect our communities.”

The Department of Justice awarded $67,621 to Aurora and $59,961 to Joliet. More information on the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Program can be at: https://bja.ojp.gov/program/jag/overview .

Stackwell and Detroit Pistons Announce Partnership to Support Financial Access for Detroit’s Black Community

DETROIT and BOSTON, PRNewswire -- Stackwell, the digital investment platform created to eliminate the racial wealth gap, and the Detroit Pistons an nounced a multi-year strategic partnership to increase access to investment in the financial markets, and bring financial wellness and investment education programming to the Black community in the Detroit metro politan area. Stackwell, which has just released the first-of-its-kind ro bo-investing app built to support personal invest ment and wealth building within the Black community, and the Pistons will co-host several events across Detroit to engage members of the community and help support their access to finan cial investment, in addition to other collab orations with the team to support Black students, and small business owners in the city.

“The Detroit Pistons are excited to partner with Stackwell to help provide financial literacy and education resources throughout the Detroit

community,” said Erika Swilley, Vice President of Community & Social Responsibility. “Stack well’s goal of providing Detroit’s Black community with access to financial literacy programs aligns with the Detroit Pistons commitment to being an asset for our com munity and those that call it home.”

The partnership will provide financial literacy and investment education programming for high school and college stu dents, as well as minority small business owners in the greater Detroit Metro area. The Pistons will host events with Stackwell at the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center in the New Center neighborhood of Detroit, which will allow people in the com munity to utilize programs and resources to learn how they can build and sustain personal wealth through investment in the financial markets.

“Stackwell and the Pistons are committed to building a lasting, intentional partnership that will support the Black community in Detroit for the

long-term,” said Trevor Rozier-Byrd, founder and CEO of Stackwell. “Our work will have an im pact across generations of Black people, helping to break down systemic barriers to the financial system, and empower individuals and business owners to take control of their financial futures and build generational wealth for themselves and their families.”

“It was important to build a collaboration with ties across the Pistons’ deep and diverse commu nity initiatives that could evolve over time,” added Rozier-Byrd. “We are honored to be a part of the team’s important equity work because we believe the racial wealth gap is the social justice issue of our time.”

Community engagement will be the founda tion of all efforts in the partnership, with year one focused on Black-owned businesses in the Detroit metropolitan area. Subsequent years will introduce new programming for college students as well as other youth programs for high school students.

With a population that is eighty percent Black/ African American, Detroit is the seventh largest Black consumer market in the United States. Stack well is proud to be part of the larger revitalization and inclusion effort happening in the Motor City.

To learn more about Stackwell, visit our web site: stackwellcapital.com. The Stackwell app can be downloaded at the App Store.

PNC ACHIEVES MLT BLACK EQUITY AT WORK CERTIFICATION

PITTSBURGH, PRNewswire -- The PNC Finan cial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC) has achieved the Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) Black Equity at Work Certification. PNC stepped forward as a launch employer in 2020 and is the first financial services institution to achieve certifica tion. This milestone acknowledges PNC’s continued significant, beneficial progress toward diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The MLT Black Equity at Work Certification is a critical resource for employers committed to Black equity. It provides the clarity, guidance, and support employers need to make tangible progress. The plan approval process helps employers develop robust, comprehensive plans to achieve certification in one to three years. The certification also provides broadbased recognition, enabling employers that take meaningful actions toward Black equity to stand out.

“Achieving certification demonstrates that PNC is on the right course, but this is not the finish line,” says PNC’s Chief Diversity Officer Gina Coleman. “We remain focused on and committed to continued progress. We have a responsibility to our employees, stakeholders, and the community to continue our journey toward equity, with the goal of being a better company, better employer, better neighbor, and better investment.”

The Certification focuses on People, Purchasing and Philanthropy, and centers on five Pillars: Representation Compensation

Workplace Culture Business Practices

Contributions and Investments

“Becoming Black Equity at Work Certified requires a rigorous, comprehensive approach to moving the needle on racial equity. On behalf of MLT, I applaud PNC for reaching this milestone, and am grateful for our 10+ year partnership,” says John Rice, founder and CEO of Management Leadership for Tomorrow.

The two-step process to achieving certification includes a comprehensive measurement framework, re quirement of rigorous action, hands-on support, and ac countability for achieving and sustaining measurable results. During step one, employers develop a comprehensive plan to make progress in each of the five pillars of the MLT Black Equity at Work Certification scorecard. Once the plan is approved, employers have up to three years to achieve the minimum qualifying score to become MLT Black Equity at Work Certified. The Certification framework was carefully crafted by MLT with support from Boston Consulting Group to strike the balance between rigor and achievability.

“What gets measured is often what gets done, and we’re proud to see that our results indicate meaning ful progress,” says Vicki Henn, PNC chief human re sources officer. “This accomplishment represents the

work being done every day across PNC’s footprint. We are optimistic that our comprehensive efforts, embedded into our business practices, will continue to move the needle toward equity.”

Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) is a national nonprofit working to transform our country’s leadership pipelines and increase access to the American Dream. MLT provides Black, Lat inx, and Native American talent with the coaching, playbook, and networks they need in order to excel in high-trajectory careers, secure economic mobility for their families, and become high-impact senior leaders equipped to advocate for vulnerable communities. MLT also provides a comprehen sive solution for institutions, which combines best-in-class recruitment, retention, and diversity strategy offerings. Learn more at www. mltracialequityatwork.org.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

MAKE EVERYDAY EXTRA HAWWT WITH THE SHEIN X JORDYN WOODS COLLECTION

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- SHEIN, a global online retailer of fashion, beauty and lifestyle products, has partnered with American model Jordyn Woods who has curated a collection of her favorite pieces from the brand. The SHEIN x Jordyn Woods collection highlights her glamorous, cool-girl aesthetic with looks inspired by the French glamour of the Moulin Rouge. Showcasing daring daytime looks and adding edge to evening chic, styles include chic mid- and mini-dresses, bralette tops, shackets, bodycon dresses, bodysuits, matching sets and more.

“I have really loved working with SHEIN on this collection. It fits my style perfectly and I can’t wait to see people wearing it,” said Jordyn Woods.

SHEIN has always sought to partner with the most relevant stylestars and icons. Known for their limited collections and of-the-minute drops, SHEIN leads the pack when it comes to curated personal style. SHEIN is partnering with Woods because she embodies the SHEIN girl who is smart, confident, savvy and loves fashion. The SHEIN x Jordyn Woods collection brings

together two of-the-moment fashion heavyweights to bring a collection that embodies and inspires this genera tion of young fashionistas.

The SHEIN x Jordyn Woods collection ranges from $7 for a scoop neck tee to $47 for a belted trench coat. Head to US.shein.com to explore the collection. SHEIN is offering free returns within 45 days of ordering and free shipping on all orders over $49.

SHEIN is calling on customers to share their SHEIN x Jordyn Woods looks on Instagram by tagging @sheinofficial, @shein_us and the hashtag #SHEINx JordynWoods.

SHEIN is a global fashion and lifestyle e-retailer committed to making the beauty of fashion accessible to all. We use on-demand manufacturing technology to connect suppliers to our agile supply chain, reducing inventory waste and enabling us to deliver a variety of affordable products to customers around the world. From our global offices, we reach customers in more than 150 countries. To learn more about SHEIN, visit SHEIN. com.

Susan G. Komen® and Sugarbear Vitamin Care Pair

Up Against Breast Cancer

DALLAS, PRNewswire -- Susan G. Komen®- can “bear-ly” contain its gratitude for the support of Sugar bear Vitamin Care, a Fort Lauderdale-based beauty and wellness brand, that has partnered with the world’s lead ing breast cancer organization and will raise a minimum donation of $250,000 in support of Komen’s research and patient support services.

Starting in September, Sugarbear Vitamin Care (Sugarbear) will be selling a special edition, “Sweet Vi tamins for a Good Cause.” vitamin kit and 13 percent of the retail sales for each kit sold benefits Komen.

“As a beauty and wellness brand, Sugarbear un derstands the importance of health and wellness. They believe in our work to advance breast cancer research, improve the lives of breast cancer patients through our patient support services, advance health eq uity, remove barriers to high-quality breast cancer care, and make lasting systemic changes,” said Sarah Rosales, Vice President of Corporate and Foundations at Komen.

“One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime and the need for help is greater than ever,” said Rosales. “Sugarbear is com mitted to providing all women the care they deserve and investing in research searching for the cures.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S., accounting for 31 percent of newly diagnosed cancers. About every two minutes, one case of breast cancer is diagnosed in the U.S.

“The health of our communities is vital and this be lief is the core of Komen and is supported by Sugarbear,” said Rosales.

For more information about Sugarbear’s Care for Your Pair kit, go to Komen’s Live Pink website, which highlights products from Susan G. Komen’s corporate partners that support the fight against breast cancer at livepink.org.

Target Announces Second Edition of The Fall Designer Collection, Featuring Kika Vargas, La Ligne and Sergio Hudson

MINNEAPOLIS, PRNewswire -- Target Cor poration ( NYSE: TGT) announced the second edition of The Fall Designer Collection, featuring three limit ed-time-only design partners: Kika Vargas, La Ligne and Sergio Hudson. The collection, which features more than 100 apparel and accessories items, reflects each designer’s bold creative vision and arrives just in time for the fall fashion season. Ranging in price from $8-$70, with most items under $40, The Fall Design er Collection features diverse and female-founded brands and will be available on Target.com and in select Target stores beginning Sunday, Oct. 9, while supplies last.

“One of the reasons guests love shopping at Tar get is because of our focus on style – and our ability to deliver that style at incredibly affordable prices,” said Jill Sando, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target. “Our newest collaboration with Kika Vargas, La Ligne and Sergio Hudson is a celebration of style, and we know our guests will love this collection of trend-forward pieces that reflect each designer’s distinct, diverse perspective on fashion.”

The Fall Designer Collection features modern, cold-weath er dressing and layering essentials that can be worn for seasons to come, while reflecting Target’s commitment to inclusivity,

ranging in size from XXS-4X. And for ease, guests can shop the collection via Target’s convenient same-day pickup options, including Order Pickup and Drive Up.

Meet the Designers:

A 2022 recipient of Harlem’s Fashion Show Designer of the Year, Sergio Hudson created his eponymous brand in 2014 after winning Bravo’s “Styled to Rock” competition and has since dressed several A-list celebrities. Known for his immacu late tailoring, jewel tone hues, and combining flattering silhou

ettes with bold patterns, his collections showcase the power and strength of femininity.

Sergio Hudson for Target features matching sets, dresses and coats, with a modern take on the most classic silhouettes, immaculate tailoring and a minimal aesthetic.

Founded on the universal appeal of the stripe, La Ligne was founded in 2016 by two Vogue editors, Valerie Macaulay and Meredith Melling, along with former investment banker and fashion executive Molly Howard. La Ligne creates timeless pieces that work seamlessly for day or night.

La Ligne for Target features versatile style staples, such as sweaters, pants and dresses, designed in the brand’s iconic stripes that are sure to make a statement for years to come.

Kika Vargas, a Colombian designer and LVMH 2021 finalist, relaunched her namesake brand in 2018. Her ready-towear pieces strike a balance between form and flow, mixing her hand-drawn prints with eccentric proportions to convey a modern romanticism.

Kika Vargas for Target boasts vibrant and feminine layer ing pieces including dresses, tops, skirts, and bottoms that are rooted in structure, volume and everyday wearability — making getting dressed feel like an art.

More information about the second edition of the Fall Designer Collection is available on ABullseyeView.com.

SHEIN x Jordyn Woods

Target Fall Designer Collection

CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY & CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS LAUNCH NEW COLLABORATION TO MAKE LIBRARY RESOURCES MORE ACCESSIBLE TO STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

The 81 Club will allow students and teachers to utilize library materials and databases both in and out of school

Chicago Public Library (CPL) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) today announced a collabo ration to expand public library access for more than 322,000 CPS students and 21,000 teachers in 648 schools. The program, “The 81 Club,” provides a wide array of CPL resources for students and teach ers, as well as a specialized library card for students. This joint initiative will enable more students to access key learning resources, both in and out of school.

“Now more than ever, we must ensure our youth have access to quality reading and learning opportunities both in and out of the classrooms,” said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “The 81 Club removes barriers so all of our city’s stu dents and teachers can utilize CPL materials and resources. This is an important step forward in our commitment to providing educational programming for our youth to explore and grow.”

Teachers and students will have access to CPL’s online services and databases both in class and outside of school, for more fluid and expansive learning experiences. Students with an 81 Club card will be able to check out five physical items at a time, such as books, DVDs and magazines. Overdrive Public Library CONNECT, a proven, national initiative, will allow students to access CPL’s age-appropriate eBooks and eAudiobooks, in addition to their school’s digital collection, through the program. This physical and digital access for both teachers and students allows for classroom instruction to be streamlined.

“The 81 Club provides access to library materials and resources anywhere a student learns,” said Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown. “This initiative removes barriers for all Chicago students to obtain a library account,

enabling us to reach the students who most need our services.”

The 81 Club is a multi-tiered approach that will enable CPL and CPS to achieve the goal of removing barriers to reach all students. Students will learn how to connect to the extended CPL catalog in school, through their CPS Sora app. In the classroom, teacher accounts will provide easier access to CPL digital resources, giving the ability to teach directly from CPL databases. Library staff can recommend specific resources for teachers to access in their classrooms. The 81 Club pro vides meaningful opportunities for collaboration between educators, school administrators and librarians to enrich the learning experiences of CPS students.

With this initiative, the card registration process is easy - students can register without identification or parent signature. It allows greater autonomy for students to check out materials, especially those who were previously unable to access library resources because of issues with a regular library card or lack of parental involve ment. Students with an 81 Club card are also able to utilize regular CPL cards for expanded access to materials and special items.

“We’re grateful and excited to launch this new partnership with Chicago Public Library,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “This partnership expands our students’ access to the wealth of resources, from digital to print materials, offered through CPL’s 81 amazing library branches which inspire and support literacy and lifelong learning opportunities.”

Students will be able to register for the account this fall. Chicago Public Library has created and distributed “eTeach” cards for CPS

instruction. In the coming months, CPS teachers will learn more about the new student and teacher cards, as well as highlights of CPL e-resources for classroom use. In November, students will be able to visit their local libraries to pick up a newly designed 81 Club library card.

The 81 Club builds on the success of other recent access initiatives at CPL, including the elimination of overdue fines and expanded Sunday hours. As we continue to recover from the learning disruptions created by a pandemic, CPL can play an important role in ensuring that every CPS stu dent has access to the tools and resources needed to bridge those gaps.

For complete program information and events, visit chipublib.org/81Club.

The 81 Club program is supported by our creative partner FCB Chicago and other generous donors to CPL’s philanthropic partner, Chicago Public Library Foundation (CPLF). To learn more about how CPLF supports the Library’s mission and offerings, visit cplfoundation.org.

About Chicago Public Library

Since 1873, Chicago Public Library (CPL) has encouraged lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment, and knowledge through innovative services, programs, and technology. Through its 81 locations, the Library provides free access to a rich collection of materials, both physical and digital, and presents the highest quality author discussions, exhibits, and programs for children, teens, and adults. For more information, please call (312) 747-4300 or visit chipublib.org. To follow CPL on social media, visit us on Twitter (@chipublib), Facebook (Chicago Public Library), or Instagram (@chicagopubliclibrary).

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL JOINS LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR MAJOR CREDIT CARD COMPANIES’ ADOPTION OF NEW MERCHANT CODE FOR GUN SALES BY ARMS RETAILERS

Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 11 attorneys general supporting the adoption of a new merchant category code by three of the world’s largest credit card companies: Visa, American Express and Mastercard. The new code applies to the sale of firearms and ammuni tion, which will aid law enforcement efforts to combat the scourge of gun violence.

Earlier this month, the International Organization for Standardization approved the creation of a new merchant code that will allow financial institutions to better detect and report suspicious activity related to the purchase of firearms and ammunition at stand-alone gun retail stores.

The code will have no bearing on an individual’s ability to lawfully purchase firearms and is narrowly tailored so it applies only to purchases made at stand-alone gun retail shops. The decision by the credit card com panies is viewed by gun-safety advocates as an important action that will help law enforcement investigate gun crimes, prevent mass shootings and combat illegal weapons trafficking.

In a letter to the chief executives of Visa, American Express and Mastercard, Attorney General Raoul welcomed the companies’ decision to adopt the new merchant code as an important new public safety tool. Gun violence is a national crisis. There have been hundreds of mass shootings in 2022 alone, including the July 4 mass shooting at the Highland Park, Illinois Independence Day parade, a supermarket shooting in Buffalo, New York and the Uvalde Elementary School massacre. In addition, gun violence plagues communities in Chicago and around Illinois. A collective effort – not just isolated acts – is critical to turn the tide on gun-related violence and crime, the letter asserts.

The letter anticipates that use of the new merchant code will yield vital information to fill crucial data gaps related to multiple purchases of firearms and ammunition. Critically, the letter points out, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has identified failure by retailers to report the sale of two or more firearms to the same person at one time as a common violation found by ATF inspectors.

In addition, the letter notes that the code will enable financial institu tions to track multiple sales to persons who seek to avoid the threshold for reporting gun purchases by making firearms purchases at several different retail outlets.

Community

Working together to drive progress

At Bank of America, we continue to support diverse local communities to help fuel economic opportunity and growth. We’re inspired by the determination and passion of Hispanic-Latinos and are committed to doing more as a trusted partner. Here are some of the ways we’re helping:

Listening

Our Hispanic-Latino Business Councils across the country are focused on understanding the needs of our clients so we can better serve them.

Supporting

We’re furthering our partnership with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Inc., helping emerging leaders succeed in today’s economy.

Delivering

Our Better Money Habits® platform is available in Spanish, Mejores Hábitos Financieros,® to help people build financial know-how and make informed, confident decisions.

My teammates and I are proud of the work we’re doing in Chicago to address the needs of our clients and the diverse communities we serve.

Rita Sola Cook President, Bank of America Chicago

What would you like the power to do? ®

Learn more at bankofamerica.com/chicago

Bank of America, Better Money Habits, Mejores Hábitos Financieros and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender © 2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Clear the Bathroom Clutter

(Family Features) Due to their small size and heavy usage, bathrooms can become messy, cluttered areas for many families.

For those with smaller bathrooms, storage solutions can be even harder to find. Consider these organization tips to make your bathroom a clean and functional space for every member of the family:

Assess the mess: Go through all the cabinets and drawers to clear out unused makeup, health care products and medi cations. Make sure the items you keep are used on a regular basis. Items used sparingly should be placed in an alternate location.

Go vertical: Medicine cabinets can quickly get stuffed when combs, toothpaste

and other toiletries are stored horizontally. Use organizer cups with suction adhesives to contain items vertically and save space.

Hang up in style: Old coat racks and ladders make perfect solutions for larger families to hang multiple towels. Snag an old one from a thrift store and paint it a bright hue, like red or turquoise, for a styl ish bathroom accent piece.

Avoid spills and squirts: Hair products, such as gels, mousses or hairsprays, can create sticky, tough-to-clean messes if liquid escapes the container in a drawer or cabinet. Avoid such mishaps by placing these types of items in plastic tubs instead of directly in the drawer or on a shelf.

Divide and conquer: Bathroom drawers

can become unruly if not organized. To keep items separate and tidy, insert dividers, such as those used for kitchen utensils. These often come in fun materials, such as bamboo or stainless steel, to add a fresh look.

Assign cabinets or drawers: Try to use a large enough cabinet so each member of the family has his or her own space or draw er. This can help limit the amount of items high-maintenance family members can bring into the small area. Plus, it makes it easier for everyone to find their things.

Find more tips to transform your bath room into a clean, organized environment, regardless of its size, at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

WHERE ART CAN OCCUR THEATER CENTER’S WEARABLE ART GALA RETURNS IN PERSON

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- Where Art Can Occur (WACO) Theater Center announces the five-year anniversary, and this year’s Wear able Art Gala at 4:30 p.m. PST Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, CA. The Gala will be hosted by WACO Founders and Co-Artistic Directors Richard Lawson and Tina Knowles Lawson, longtime champions of art and mentorship, who opened the visual and perform ing arts center in 2017.

The evening serves as a fundraiser to support WACO’s artistic and youth mentorship programs.

For the celebratory fifth year anniversary gala, the wearable art theme is Step Into Harlem Nights.

This year’s event will transform the 35,000 square foot hangar into an immersive experience bringing Harlem to Los Angeles, recreating the big ballrooms, jazz clubs, speakeasies, iconic restaurants and theaters where artists such as Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald performed.

“I have always had this dream to bring the energy, tastes and sounds of Harlem in the 1920s to 50s to our gala. From the fashion and the food, to the art, cars and supper clubs— on this night, people will be taken back in time to experience and be inspired by it all…today — in 2022,” shares Tina Knowles Lawson.

The event will be hosted by five-time NAACP Image

Award winner Keke Palmer, and feature an all-star lineup, including a special performance by Grammy and Golden Globe Award winner Andra Day as well as a musical tribute by Chloe Bailey and Halle Bailey. The evening will include the return of Los Angeles-based DJ Millie and close with a

McCormick® Teams Up with Keke Palmer To Announce The Winner of ‘America’s Got Tacos’ Song Contest

HUNT VALLEY, Md., PRNewswire -The McCormick Brand is proud to announce that Reginald Lewis Halsey Jr. was selected as the winner of ‘America’s Got Tacos,’ a nationwide song contest that encouraged fans to showcase their love of tacos by creating an original standout jingle. The contest was announced last month by McCormick part ner, actress and singer Keke Palmer, who also participated in judging submissions and surprised Halsey with the news that he won the Grand Prize of $50,000 and a year’s supply of McCormick Origi nal Taco Seasoning. Halsey’s winning jingle is currently featured across the McCor mick social media pages.

“We’re thrilled with the range and qual ity of creative submissions we received that showcased the entrants’ love of tacos through music,’’ said Jill Pratt, Chief Marketing Of ficer for McCormick. “The winning submis sion was synonymous with everything Mc Cormick Original Taco Seasoning represents. It made us smile with its warmth, originality, and ability to bring family together over a flavorful, delicious taco meal.”

Submissions for ‘America’s Got Tacos’ spanned several genres including Power Ballads, Country, Hip Hop, R&B, and Afro Beats. The contest received entries from solo performers, dynamic duos, and some that in tegrated the entire family. Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia were among the states represented within the top 20 submissions.

Across the board, performers brought their creative chops to the table, embodying all of the flavors of McCormick’s Original Taco Seasoning.

Halsey, the winner of ‘America’s Got Tacos’, is a native and current resident of Chesapeake, VA. A long shoreman by trade, Halsey, 38, began devoting more time to his passion for singing and producing music after he was involved in a car accident in 2019, that was supposed to leave him paralyzed. Creating music became a therapeutic outlet that has helped him during the rehabilitation process. A devoted father of three, his song was inspired by his family’s love of ‘Taco Tuesdays’, which can be seen in the video submission. He describes the song as Soul Rock with a Country twist that will make your feet tap while listening to it.

“I’m so honored to have been chosen by McCormick and Keke Palmer as the winner of ‘America’s Got Tacos’,” said Reginald Lewis Halsey Jr. “After reading about the contest, I was instantly inspired to create a unique song that expressed my love for McCormick Original Taco Seasoning and our family’s weekly taco night. McCormick has always been a staple in our household, especially when it comes to spending time with my children, so it was only fitting that they were featured in my video.”

Halsey’s winning jingle will be featured across McCormick’s social media pages, and can be seen at https://mccormick.widen.net/s/ jmhcqcjld7/americas_got_tacos_winner.

finale performance by award-winning artist, produc er, and the creator of Club Quarantine, D-Nice.

Critically acclaimed actor and Golden Globe Award winner Angela Bassett, will receive the Film & TV Icon Award, recognizing her career achieve ments in television and film and continuous support for young artists. This year’s Art Icon Award will go to internationally celebrated contemporary artist and the U.S. State Department Medal of Arts award recipient Mark Bradford. Special guests for the event include actress and longtime co-host of It’s Showtime at the Apollo Kiki Shepard, along with music mogul, philanthropist and art collector Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter.

Celebrity Judge Star Jones returns to lead the live art auction, featuring gallery represented artists and new talent that include April Bey, Fahamu Pe cou, Samuel Levi Jones, and Shinique Smith, among others. An online preview and registration for the auction can be completed by texting WACO to 243725. The online preview begins October 17.

Corporate sponsors of this year’s event and programs include contributions from SheaMois ture, PRG, Mielle and Fund II Fund Foundation. In-kind gifts for the event are provided by The Hue Society, Nespresso, Republic National Distribution Company, and United Airlines. Additional support is provided by Netflix and Meta, a collaboration with the We the Culture initiative, elevating and supporting Black creators.

Mars And Lil Nas X Debut M&M’S® Pack Collaboration

NEWARK, N.J., PRNewswire -M&M’S®, proudly part of Mars, announced the next phase of its partnership with music megastar and cultural trailblazer, Lil Nas X. Mars and Lil Nas X will unveil limited-edition M&M’S Packs inspired by their shared mission to bring people together through colorful fun and music.

For each purchase of the M&M’S Packs Inspired by Lil Nas X, the iconic candy brand will donate $5 (up to $100,000) to Sing for Hope, a non-profit organization that uses the power of the arts to create a better world. The partnership is part of the M&M’S FUNd, a global initiative that provides resources, mentorship, opportu nities and financial support in the arts and entertainment space to help ensure people have access to experiences where everyone feels they belong.

The Lil Nas X and M&M’S pack collaboration will specifi cally benefit the country’s largest annual public arts project, the Sing For Hope Pianos, which arranges artist-designed pianos in public spaces to encourage connections through impromptu music-making. In celebration of the new packs, illustrator and designer Patrick Freeman and Julie Diaz Petta from New York’s Gay and Lesbian Center’s Youth Pride Chorus have co-designed a M&M’S x Lil Nas X inspired piano.

The M&M’S x Lil Nas X inspired Sing for Hope Piano will make an appearance at Radio City Music Hall on September 21 as part of the singer’s Long Live Montero Tour. Following the show, it will be moved to the M&M’S Store in Times Square, where It will be open for the public to play until mid-October. After that, it

will then be donated to Newark Pride Inc., a volunteer organization committed to develop ing a diverse, educational and advocacy driven community.

The limited-edition packs include a custom one-pound blend of pastel colored blue, pink and purple lentils, which, in addition to the classic M&M’S “M,” feature Lil Nas X’s face, butter flies, and heart graphics. The chocolate candies are housed in a commemorative, one-of-a-kind box that pays homage to his Long Live Montero tour. Packs will be available for purchase at MMS.com/LilNasX and at the M&M’S Store in Times Square beginning September 21 while supplies last.

For more information about M&M’S work with Lil Nas X, and to stay up to date on the latest M&M’S musical program ming, visit MMS.com/Music and follow along on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. To be among the first to know about future brand news, sign up for the M&M’S newsletter here.

We know we can only be truly successful if our partners and the commu nities in which we operate prosper as well. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our Associates to take action every day to help create a world tomorrow in which the planet, its people and pets can thrive. The Mars Compass, inspired by the Economics of Mutuality, is used to measure the company’s progress in service of its purpose; The world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today.

For more information about Mars, please visit mars.com.

Tina Knowles Lawson and Richard Lawson. Parkwood Entertainment

Mars and Lil Nas X unveil limited-edition M&M’S Packs inspired by their shared mission to bring people together through colorful fun and music. Mars, Incorporated.

McCormick

American Diabetes Association Unveils Amputation Prevention Alliance to Address the Diabetes-Related Amputation Pandemic

ARLINGTON, Va., PRNewswire -- The American Diabetes Association® announced a new initiative designed to address the urgent public health challenge of preventable amputation called the Amputation Prevention Alliance. Over 154,000 amputations occur every year in the United States, with the majority of those procedures being preventable, but due to challenges in accessing quality care, patients are forced into unnecessary amputations and even death.

The Amputation Prevention Alliance’s work will focus on addressing com munities facing disproportionately high rates of amputations and amputated-relat ed mortality, including through advancing needed policy changes, driving clinician awareness of opportunities to prevent amputations, and empowering patients to advocate for their best care. This three-year effort will aim to improve care for all people living with diabetes, and enhance access to quality care, technology, and necessary interventions. The aim is to reduce the number of unnecessary amputa tions that take place every year in the United States. The right to avoid an am putation is a center piece of the ADA’s #HealthEquityNow platform.

“Today, the American Diabetes Association is proud to announce the launch of the Amputation Prevention Alliance,” said Charles D. Henderson, ADA’s chief executive officer. “This Alliance, through the groundwork laid by the ADA’s Health Equity Now platform, will increase awareness among patients and health care professionals of risk factors for amputations and opportunities to avoid these procedures. This initiative aims to advance needed policy changes to ensure that health care professionals have the tools necessary to prevent unnecessary procedures and save lives moving forward. We can, and must, do better.”

Access to quality care and earlier intervention remains the challenge that leads to unnecessarily high rates of amputations, particularly among people of color. Black Americans face rates of amputations up to four times higher than non-Hispanic white Americans. LatinX communities are 50 percent more likely to have an amputation and indigenous communities face amputations rates that are two times higher than those among non-Hispanic white Americans.

“Today, 85 percent of diabetes-related amputations are preventable,” said Dr. Jon Bloom, CEO, and Co-Founder of Podimetrics and a Founding Partner of the Amputation Prevention Alliance.

Survey data confirms that far too many people with diabetes are unaware about their own risk for an amputation. In a recent survey of people living with diabetes conducted by Thrivable, despite diabetes being the leading cause of am putations, 65 percent of those surveyed said they believed they were not at risk for amputation and just 1 in 4 of those surveyed understood the signs and symptoms of conditions that can lead to an amputation such as peripheral neuropathy, periph eral artery disease or critical limb ischemia.

Other supporters of the ADA’s Amputation Prevention Alliance include Abbott, Cardiovascular Systems, Inc., and CLI Global Society.

For more information on this new initiative, please visit diabetes.org/get-in volved/advocacy/amputation-prevention-alliance.

Smart Meter’s Remote Patient Monitoring Solutions Can Help Adults Resume Healthy Practices Before the Winter

TAMPA, Fla., PRNewswire -- Smart Meter has become the leader of the remote patient monitoring (RPM) ecosystem because of its reliable cellular-enabled solutions, data, and services. With summer behind us, it’s important for many Americans to resume healthy habits and Smart Meter’s cellular-enabled solutions can help their providers track key health measurements, like blood glucose levels, blood pressure and weight, in real time.

According to research1, one-fifth of American adults gained 20% of their body weight or more over a 10-year period, with more than a third gaining 10% or more and over half gaining 5% of more. On average, Americans gain 17 pounds between the ages of 20 and 39 and an average of 45 pounds during their lifetime.

Gaining weight during the summer can be disappointing, but experts say it’s common. During a one- to three-week vacation, adults tend to gain weight, according to a 2016 study2. While most people know they aren’t going to eat healthy during the holidays and winter, summer foods can also play a part in a person’s poor health. Popular summer beverages like sweet tea and lemonade, and deserts like ice cream and frozen yogurt contain high amounts of sugar and calories.

There are several other possible reasons for sum mertime weight gain, including: summer BBQs graduation and wedding celebrations vacation food and drink temptations decrease in regular exercise routine due to attending more events

In addition, a lot of people don’t sleep as well in summer because there are more daylight hours, and the warmer weather makes it uncomfortable. Sleep depri vation increases the release of cortisol, a stress hormone that can cause weight gain and stimulate a need for more sugar.

By using Smart Meter’s cellular-connected solu tions including the iGlucose, the iBloodPressure and the iScale, providers will receive real-time measure ments almost immediately after a patient tests. This can help speed up the health recovery process by making adjustments to care plans more quickly than waiting for an office visit.

1 10-Year Weight Gain in 13,802 US Adults: The Role of Age, Sex, and Race (hindawi.com)

2 A prospective study on vacation weight gain in adults - PubMed (nih.gov)

American Cancer Society and Extended Stay America Partner to Broaden Access to Cancer Care

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- Lodging expenses can present a significant financial barrier to cancer patients when the most effective treatment requires traveling away from home. To reduce disparities in cancer outcomes and help patients affordably receive the treatment needed, Extended Stay America is renewing its partnership with the American Cancer Society to offer 20,000 free and 40,000 reduced rate nights at more than 760 Extended Stay America locations nationwide.

In 2022, more than 1.9 mil lion new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States. In a large national study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) in April, American Cancer Society researchers found U.S. cancer survivors who reported medical

financial hardship had a higher mortality risk.

“All of us at Extended Stay America are honored to be the Official Hotel Partner of the American Cancer Society,” said Greg Juceam, President and CEO, Extended Stay America. “We are proud to help patients with cancer by providing a home-like place to stay so patients can focus on getting the most effective treatment. This would not have been possible without the support of our owners, Blackstone and Starwood.”

Patients living more than 40 miles from treatment with a demon strated need for lodging assistance are eligible for the program. After eligibility is verified by the American Cancer Society’s National Cancer Information Cen ter, reservations can be made by the patient through a dedicated website.

Since the partnership began in 2013, Extended Stay Amer ica has donated more than 150,000 hotel room nights through out the US, saving patients with cancer and their families over $9 million in lodging costs. The American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge communities are also available to cancer patients. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily paused services, these communities served more than 29, 000 people with cancer and their caregivers, providing more than 500,000 free nights of lodging.

From 1991 to 2019, there has been a 32% decline in cancer mortality. The American Cancer Society can directly attribute declines in the overall cancer death rate to investment of funds and resources in the areas of advocacy, discovery, and direct patient support. The Society believes all people should have a fair and just opportunity to live a longer, healthier life free from cancer regard less of how much money they make, skin color, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or where they live.

For more information on the program or to receive verifica tion of eligibility, go to: cancer.org/extendedstayamerica.

Smart Meter’s iScale can help people lose those extra summer pounds. PRNEWSFOTO/SMART METER, LLC

Legal Notice

INVITATION TO BID

Ministerial Health Network, NFP

We are now opening our bidding process to remove and replace the entire building flat roof open September 28, 2022 and will close October 12, 2022, at close of business 4pm.

Bid packets will be available for pick-up September 28, 2022 through October 12, 2022 and will be publicly opened at 5pm on that day at 15406 Lexington Avenue, Harvey 60426.

All Bids should be sealed and marked on the envelope ATT: Sealed Bid. They can be mailed or dropped off in person at 15406 Lexington Avenue, Harvey, IL 60426. To make an appointment to view the project please call (312) 720-1192 Demetrius Morton, Project Manager. The Bid price should include labor, materials, tear-off, clean-up and removal of debris from project site.

The Bid should contain the following item if need ed in repairs, Gutters, ice shield, pitched if it can be done and all materials needed to replace the entire roof. After bid is awarded, your bid will not be able to be changed and you will not be able to request additional funds on top of what you have submitted as your sealed bid. So please come out and look at the project and ask questions before placing your bid and that way you can bid what's needed MBE/FBE/WBE are encouraged.

All sealed bids need to be in the office on October 12, 2022 by close of business 4pm. Telephone bids are not accepted. Successful bidder will be notified and must have liability insurance, be licensed in the City of Harvey and bonded. Successful bidder must be able to pull permits in the City of Harvey.

All questions regarding bids or bidding process, call Demetruis Morton, Project Manager at 312720-1192.

Demetruis Morton Project Manager

Southland Ministerial Health Network, NFP

Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Certificate of Assumed Name Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333

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

ASSUMED

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

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

SIGNED BY: UCC 1 - 308

MAILING ADDRESS: None Provided

EMAIL FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: shyraent@gmail.com

Work Item 1339030000020

Original File Number 1339030000020

STATE OF MINNESOTA

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

Steve Simon Secretary of State

Mechanic Liens

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

That on (October 31,2022), a sale will be held at (16144-48 Vandustrial Ln, South Holland, IL 60473),to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following desig nated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice.

Name of Person's Jamonie Beamon 9706 S. Springfield Ave Evergreen Park, IL 60805

Description of Article Year: 2016 Make: Ford Model: Fusion Sedan VIN: 3FA6P0H7XGR197248 Amount of lien $16,682.66

Regional Acceptance Corporation P.O Box 277760 Sacramento, CA 95827

A separate notice need not be published for each lien to be enforced, but several may be com bined in one publication.

(Source: P.A. 87-206.)

This is your final notice. Time is of the essence, and you have (30) days, by (October 31, 2022) to respond or we will proceed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. As of August 1, 2022, the storage fee for this vehicle will be ($85) a day and counting. Please contact our office at (708) 339-4411 for more information.

Angela Spraggins, CEO

A.S. ENTERPRISE COLLISION CENTER, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

That on (October 31,2022), a sale will be held at

(16144-48 Vandustrial Ln, South Holland, IL 60473), to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following desig nated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice.

Name of Person's NITA GLENN

12415 S. RACINE AVE

CALUMET PARK, IL 60827

Description of Article

Year: 2008

Make: Lexus Model: ES

VIN: JTHBJ46G682208710

Amount of lien: $16,531.09

A separate notice need not be published for each lien to be enforced, but several may be combined in one publication.

(Source: P.A. 87-206.)

This is your final notice. Time is of the essence, and you have (30) days, by (October 31, 2022) to respond or we will proceed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. As of August 1, 2022, the storage fee for this vehicle will be ($85) a day and counting. Please contact our office at (708) 339-4411 for more information.

Angela Spraggins, CEO A.S. ENTERPRISE COLLISION CENTER, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

That on (October 31,2022), a sale will be held at (16144-48 Vandustrial Ln, South Holland, IL 60473), to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following desig nated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice.

Name of Person's Roger Weeden 11205 S. Eggleston Chicago, IL 60628

Description of Article

Year: 1995

Make: Cadillac Model: FLTWDBROU VIN: 1G6DW52P0SR71742

Amount of Llien: $11,404.60

ONYX Acceptance Corp P.O Box 7001

Rancho SNTA MARG, CA 92688 Arlington, TX 76096

A separate notice need not be published for each lien to be enforced, but several may be combined in one publication. (Source: P.A. 87-206.)

This is your final notice. Time is of the essence, and you have (30) days, by (October 31, 2022) to respond or we will proceed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. As of August 1, 2022, the storage fee for this vehicle will be ($85) a day and counting. Please contact our office at (708) 339-4411 for more information.

Angela Spraggins, CEO A.S. ENTERPRISE COLLISION CENTER, LLC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

That on (October 31,2022), a sale will be held at (16144-48 Vandustrial Ln, South Holland, IL 60473), to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following desig nated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice.

Name of Person's

Quarlena Spraggins

Micheal P. Stanford.

10854 S. Sangamon Ave. Chicago, IL 60643

11205 S. Eggleston Chicago, IL 60628

Description of Article Year: 2010

Make: Toyota Model: Scion VIN: JTLZE4FE9A1106210

Amount of Lien $18,659.65

Americredit Finance Service Inc

P.O Box 182673 Arlington, TX 76096

A separate notice need not be published for each lien to be enforced, but several may be combined in one publication. (Source: P.A. 87-206.)

This is your final notice. Time is of the essence, and you have (30) days, by (October 31, 2022) to respond or we will proceed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. As of August 1, 2022, the storage fee for this vehicle will be ($85) a day and counting. Please contact our office at (708) 339-4411 for more information.

Angela Spraggins, CEO A.S. ENTERPRISE COLLISION CENTER, LLC

According to the Association of International Certified Public Accountants, nearly 30% of people have not taken any steps to pre pare their family for a natural disaster, yet more than 60% of Americans believe they will likely be impacted by one in the next three to five years.

While no one likes to dwell on worstcase scenarios, taking time now to prepare your family for any unexpected event will save you pre cious time when a disaster strikes, and help you evacuate at a moment’s notice if need be. Here are a few ways to start.

Pack Your “Go Bag”: A “Go Bag” is a disaster kit that ensures that you and your family have everything you may need in an emergency. The?American Red Cross?recommends packing an emergency radio, water container, food supply for three days, a personal hygiene kit, a first aid kit and any medications your family needs. If you have a pet, ensure you have enough food, med ications, a leash, collar, ID tags and even a crate or kennel in case you need to evacuate to a pub lic shelter. Some other items to include are a flash light, batteries, multi-tools, duct tape, exam gloves and hand sanitizer.

Know What Natural Disasters Could Affect You: According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), 90% of disasters with in the United States involve flooding and an esti mated 1,000 tornadoes touch down every year. Knowing what natural disasters your region is prone to can help you best prepare.

Stay Informed: There are various apps and alerts you can sign up for to stay on top of any weather developments. You can get the lat est storm forecasts online from NOAA’s National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center. You can also download the Federal Emergency Management Agency app to send notifications to loved ones, locate emergency shel ters in your area and more. T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers can call 611 or visit TMobile.com to stay up to date on response and recovery efforts.

Use Tech to Protect Your Essentials: Using technology to store all your important docu ments on a secure jump drive or in cloud storage can help keep you protected during an emergency. There are several apps available like Google Scan Drive that allow you to use your phone’s camera as a scanning device. The DHS recommends you capture important documents like insurance poli cies, identification documents, medical records and pet information. You can also scan memora bilia like family photos in case the physical copies are destroyed.

Stay Charged: To stay connected during a storm, keep your phone fully charged. Make sure you have fully charged portable power banks to keep your smartphones charged and the correct charging cables. Doing so will help you reach loved ones and find safety when disaster strikes. To maintain an optimal battery level, set your phone to power saving mode and use air plane mode when your phone is not in use.

Don’t wait until an emergency is looming to prepare. Taking key actions now can help you stay safe, informed and connected during a natural disaster, and help you recover in the aftermath.

(StatePoint) September is National Preparedness Month, which means there’s no better time to prep yourself and your family for the unexpected. Don’t wait until torrential rain and high winds beat on your windows or wildfire flames glow on the hori zon. In those moments, your only thought will be getting your family to safety.

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