2020 Summer Issue

B/ACE SUMMER 2020

SURVIVING

COVID 19

Video Conferencing Etiquette

Tremain L.

BEING BLACK IN AMERICA

Union Carpenter Local 141

Devon R. Union Plumber Local 130 1 www.bacemagazine.com

Build your brand and support the community by purchasing an ad. The profits from the magazine provide financial assistance to candidates who need help with union dues, construction PPE, tools, and other support in an effort to be successful in accessing the construction trades.

Please contact: contact@bacemagazine.com for our media kit.

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B/ACE

This quarter’s issue is full of inspiring stories about the resilience of the human spirit. We look at the things that have helped us heal during this difficult time – the music we listened to, the community organizations who lent a helping hand, and medical professionals who have served as real-life heroes. We saw the business community create loan and grant programs, as well as social media campaigns designed to keep business afloat. And the entertainment industry showed up in a big way, sharing their gifts of music, laughter, and support to inspire our 2020 graduates.

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Editorial the planning began. The hallmark of the magazine, our F/ACES of B/ACE, forced us to think creatively. And thanks to my friends at Bounce Media, we were still able to bring their stories to life. I hope you love it as much as I do!

While we have missed so much, our brunches, conventions, and gathering with family and friends. we must still consider all of our blessings.

My heart ached when I heard stories of entire families losing their lives, or when we couldn’t be there to support loved ones as they grieved. We have lost so many in this fight, but we have learned to value human connections above everything else. We did our best to stay connected via Zoom meetings, text messages, and drive-bys to create a little bit of joy during a dark time.

WE DID IT!

Launching this quarter’s B/ACE Magazine was very special, mainly because we didn’t think we were going to be able to get it done.

We had just launched the Spring issue and had started the planning for the Summer issue when the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down. But my team was amazing!

We knew we wanted to produce a Summer issue.

We just had to figure out how to get it done. My team scrambled to set up their home offices, and

As stores, restaurants, and parks begin to reopen, we will never forget those we lost.

When we lose something, there is always something else we must find. And in this case, we must find a NEW normal. We will forever be impacted by the pandemic, but how we begin to build our NEW normal will be the true test of whether or not we are living purposefully and passionately. For me, the new normal is making time to cook for my little ones, have weekly virtual calls with my friends, saying no to things I don’t want to do, and most importantly, learning to be patient with myself. So what does your new normal look like?

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Rachel Ivy Editor-In-Chief

Contents 34

Style Station

32

Editor’s Picks

Video Conferencing Etiquette Elle’s Quest for Love Faces of B/ACE The Power of Music Community Spotlight What to Do if You’re in a Car Accident Chicago Murals

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Editor’s Picks

Beauty In a Box

Delivering in a Crisis How One North Side Restaurant Has been Coping with COVID-19

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Contents

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Butt Injections: 38 Silicone A Risky Business

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Trade Talk Reclaiming My Time Community Construction Navigating Love 5 Favorite Meditation Apps Project on the Horizon

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52 56 58 62 66 68

Editor’s Picks

AquaSonic Vibe Ultrasonic Toothbrush $36.95 on Amazon

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Five Minute Journal

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Journaling keeps me grounded, and this one is perfect to get you writing. It includes inspirational quotes and easy-to-follow prompts that allow you to acknowledge everything that is amazing about your life.

POLICE,

PROTEST, AND YOU On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-yearold unarmed Black man died while in police custody in Minneapolis. Video of a handcuffed Floyd being pinned to the ground while an officer held a knee to his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds went viral, sparking outrage around the world. George Floyd was added to the growing list of unarmed Black men and women who have died at the hands of police.

And as a result, protesters have taken to the streets to demand reform in policing practices, justice for victims’ families, and to let the world know that Black Lives Matter.

While most of the protests have been peaceful, some have turned violent. Across the country, businesses have been looted and peaceful protesters have had to face attacks of tear gas and rubber bullets from law enforcement.

And as the world watches the events unfold in real-time, social media has been flooded with strong arguments on both sides of the issue. Some are fed up with the injustice and are prepared to demand change by any means necessary. While others are sympathetic to the cause but are against the destruction of vital businesses in the process.

But there is no question that more Americans believe change is necessary. According to a June 6 NBC News/Washington Post poll, 80% of voters believe the country is out of control.

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Additionally, 59% are more concerned with the actions of the police that led to George Floyd’s death than they are with the violence that has erupted at some of the protests.

If you want to join the movement, but can’t make it out to protest in the streets, there are many other ways to make your voice heard.

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Put pressure on political leaders to introduce and support key legislation to combat racist policing. Write letters, text, and make phone calls to your representatives at the city, state, and federal levels to add your voice to the groups of people who are demanding justice and reform. Black Lives Matter even has an email template available on their website to help you get started. (blacklivesmatters.carrd. co/#text)

If you want to join the movement, but can’t make it out to protest in the streets, there are many other ways to make your voice heard.

DONATE If you have the means, consider making a donation to bail funds for protesters, victim memorial funds, or a non-profit organization working towards equality and social change.

No amount is too small.

BAIL FUNDS

SIGN A PETITION Add your name to a petition designed to demand fair investigations of police misconduct against people of color and the prosecution of offenders to the fullest extent of the law.

Justice for Breonna - action. justiceforbreonna.org/sign/ BreonnaWasEssential/ National Action Against Police Brutality www.change.org/p/national-actionagainst-police-brutality-and-murder Hands Up Act - punishing police for shooting unarmed citizens - www.change. org/p/us-senate-hands-up-act

The Bail Project National Bail Fund Network Chicago Community Bond Fund Victim Memorial Funds Official George Floyd Memorial Fund I Run With Maud Community Rebuilding Chicago Cares - www.chicagocares.org My Block, My Hood, My City www.formyblock.org Imagine Englewood imagineenglewoodif.org Organizations ACLU Black Lives Matter Color of Change Education Fund

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READ GET OUT AND VOTE Your vote is one of the most important ways you can influence change. Elected officials are responsible for creating laws that impact the health and safety of our communities. Get involved by helping to register new voters, and campaigning for candidates who reflect your values. And if you think you are the best person to represent your community, throw your hat in the ring and run for office.

These are just a few of the organizations dedicated to increasing Black voter turn out and advancing issues that benefit the Black community.

Woke Vote works to mobilize people of color in an effort to increase voter turnout.

Use this time to read about the history of race and racial injustice in America to further your understanding of how we came to the moment we are currently living through.

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter Woodson Chokehold: Policing Black Men by Paul Butler Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates It’s never too early for parents and caregivers to start the conversation about race with their children. Look for age-appropriate books that will help spark conversation and help your little ones understand the issues.

Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice by Mahogany L. Browne with Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwood Let’s Talk About Race by Julius Lester An ABC of Equality by Chana Ginelle Ewing Look What Brown Can Do! By T. Marie Harris This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work by Tiffany Jewell

Higher Heights for America promotes political equality for Black women by working to increase voter turnout as well as training and developing a new generation of Black women political leaders.

The Collective Political Action Committee works to increase Black representation in elected offices at both the local and federal level.

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“Keep the conversation going and be open to hearing different perspectives.�

SHARE YOUR GIFTS Throughout history, artists have used their talents to express themselves during times of crisis and political unrest. Bob Marley, Curtis Mayfield, Public Enemy, and Kendrick Lamar are just a few of the artists who have used their popularity to bring their messages of equality to the mainstream. Use this time to channel your creative energy into a song, a poem, or painting to express how you are feeling at this moment.

Talk Your emotions may be raw right now, but you should continue to have open and honest dialogue with your friends and family about the issues. Keep the conversation going and be open to hearing different perspectives.

devastating to Blackowned businesses. Online directories such as Black People Eats and Black Owned Chicago can help you find Black businesses in your community.

Many large corporations have also shown their support for racial equality.

Research where some of your favorite brands stand on the issue and if they are making donations of time and money to organizations dedicated to change.

Buy Black The impact of COVID-19-related closures and the recent protests have been disproportionately

Source: www.documentcloud.org/documents/6938425-200266-NBCWSJ-June-Poll.html

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Putting Your Best Face Forward

VIDEO

CONFERENCING

ETIQUETTE

The outbreak of the coronavirus has forced people to find creative ways to keep in touch. Without the ability to come together in person, friends, families, and coworkers have had to rely on video conferencing to stay connected. But even as travel restrictions are lifted, there’s no denying that video conferencing will become part of the new normal and play a greater role in all of our lives.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to understand some of the dos, and don’ts of online meetings.

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Be on time You may think it’s cool to be fashionably late, but when it comes to a video conference, nothing could be further from the truth. Some video conference services charge users by the minute, and others only allow limited amounts of time for a free call. So you may be hurting your friends or coworkers who are waiting for you to show up.

Besides, if you don’t have to leave your home, you should have no problem showing up on time.

Go towards the light When it comes to videoconferencing, natural light is your friend. If your call is during the day, take it facing a window.

Not only will you be able to stare outside when you get bored, but the incoming light will be a lot more flattering than light coming in behind your head.

Look up If you don’t like the way you look on your call, it could be because of the position of your camera.

Placing your laptop directly on your table or desk may be forcing you to look down. Make sure your camera is at eye level for the most flattering view of your face.

Try using books or a laptop stand to raise your camera a few inches.

Look the part

Scout out the best space Before you turn your camera on, make sure you’ve got the best backdrop. Pick a part of your home that is neat and quiet without too many distractions (including kids!). Turn off your television to eliminate noise that can be disrupting.

But if you don’t have time to clean, try one of Zoom’s virtual backgrounds to cover up any mess behind you.

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Yes, you are at home, but you should still put some effort into your appearance. You don’t have to show up in your Sunday’s best, but you should change out of your pajamas.

Opt for simple solid colors on top rather than prints, which can be distracting. And while you don’t need a full face of makeup, you should make sure your skin is clean and moisturized. If you need a little help from your camera, Zoom has got you covered.

Go to the video settings and select “Touch up my appearance.” This setting will help even out your skin tone and give you a little glow.

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“

FACES

of

B/ACE

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the shelter in place order, our Faces of BACE were not photographed. Instead, we decided to use illustrations and photos submitted by them.

Despite this unprecedented time, we still found a way to make this summer issue happen.

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Devon Redmond Union Plumber Local 130

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His Purpose

Finding

When Devon Redmond graduated from Dunbar Vocational High School, he had no idea what the next stop on his career path would be. But at age 25, a friend who was a plumber convinced him to give his profession a try. Redmond admits that he had never considered a career in the trades before. But he was encouraged to pursue plumbing after seeing how it enabled his friend to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and take care of his family. “I didn’t know what I was getting into. I was super green and didn’t have any experience in the field at all,” he says.

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Things got off to a slow start for Redmond, who says he felt more like a laborer than a plumber at first. “You come home and try to tell yourself that you’re a plumber, but you’re not doing any plumbing,” he says.

But as time went on, his responsibilities increased.

Redmond recalls a project that put him in charge of an entire floor as one of the first times he actually felt like a plumber. “I felt like I was doing something. It was important to the job, and it was on me to get it right,” he says.

Now that he’s working consistently in his field, Redmond says he’s enjoying the opportunity to learn a valuable, lifelong skill. And he admits that the last five years have taught him that there is much more to plumbing than fixing clogged sinks and toilets. “I only pictured the kitchen and the bathroom, but there are so many other avenues,” he says.

Devon Redmond

As COVID-19 has impacted almost every industry in Chicago, Redmond says he feels fortunate to be working during a time when so many others are unemployed. “It’s just sad all around because people are losing their lives.” But when he’s not working, Redmond has no problem staying home to stay safe.

And he encourages others to stay positive and use the time inside for selfreflection. “A little moment to yourself never hurt anybody,” he says.

Looking to the future, Redmond wants to be able to provide muchneeded resources to young men in his community, including homework help and recreational activities.

“There isn’t enough funding for after school programs and rec centers. Those things are needed,” he says.

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Redmond says he’d love to see more people of color entering the trades. He wishes information about education and employment opportunities in the trades were more readily available to people in the inner cities.

“I think the numbers would be way higher if more people knew,” he says.

Tremain Leggans Southside native, Tremain Leggans got his first exposure to the trades as an electrician in the Naval Construction Battalion, where he served for two years. After his discharge, he hoped to continue working in construction and found a home in the carpenter’s apprenticeship program.

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Throughout his life, Leggans says his mother did her best to instill Christian values in him and his younger brother.

But he admits that staying focused was a challenge. “I was a knucklehead,” he says. “I always did good work, I was just immature.” Leggans’ rebellious nature would eventually cost him several years of freedom. In 1994, shortly before he should have been entering his second year as an apprentice, Leggans went to the penitentiary, where he served over 22 years.

Rebuilding A Life

After his release, Leggans was eager to get back into the workforce and spent the first three months at home trying to find a job. “I literally walked a hole in the shoes that I came home with, and they were brand new,” he says. Unable to find work, he donated his plasma twice a week for months to make money.

Leggans kept in touch with his contacts at the carpenter’s apprenticeship program during his incarceration, who gave him a chance to make a case for being readmitted to the program after his release. After telling his story, Leggans received news that would change his life forever. “They told me if I paid my local union dues, I could get back in,” he says. That day, he took all of the money he had saved and rejoined the union.

Today, Leggans is working with Meccor Industries on a 2-tower high rise project at 845 West Madison. He says he is proud to have worked on the project from beginning to end and credits his foreman with helping him to learn things about the job that are far beyond his job description. “He’s the best foreman I’ve

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“I may not have many years on the physical side of the trade, but I want to have a good name.” ever had, and I’m just proud to still be here,” he says. “Seeing a project from start to finish is amazing.”

Leggans says he wants to learn as much as he can about his trade to make sure he’s always employable. He takes skill advancement classes and is pursuing an Associates Degree in Construction Management at Kennedy King College. “I have goals. I’m already over 20 years behind,” he says.

One of those goals is to have a business of his own someday. “I’m about to be 47, and I try to break my back to make sure I hustle and make a good impression,” he says.

“I may not have many years on the physical side of the trade, but I want to have a good name.”

Leggans believes that construction is a rewarding career, and he’s passionate about helping others find work in the field he loves.

He says he is happy to share information with anyone who is serious about the business. “It’s all about networking and having a good work ethic.

If I see that, then I’m willing

“Just because we have a certain history or a certain skin complexion, don’t count us out.

Our age doesn’t matter. It’s the hunger and the thirst that we have, and the drive to show others that we are not who we were in the past,”

to help my fellow tradesmen find employment,” he says. “It’s hard being a person of color in this industry.”

Leggans also has a message for contractors, who he hopes will give hardworking people a chance, regardless of their background. “Just because we have a certain history or a certain skin complexion, don’t count us out. Our age doesn’t matter. It’s the hunger and the thirst that we have, and the drive to show others that we are not who we were in the past,” he says. “We are redeemable.

All we need is an opportunity.”

Tremain Leggans knows that he is blessed to have a chance to start over, and credits carpentry with helping to make that happen.

“At the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, we say ‘We build communities.’ But I like to say we also build lives. The carpenters helped build my life,” he says.

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Tremain

Leggans

Union Carpenter Local 141

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The Power of Music Music has the power to make us fall in love, shed a tear, or break a sweat. While most of the world has been sheltering in place, music has unified us and helped us get through these uncertain times.

DJs, rappers, and singers have taken to social media to help lift our spirits and give us hope. We asked our B/ACE staff to share some of their favorite songs.

Check out their playlists. You may find some new music or rediscover some old favorites!

Rachel’s Playlists If you like Rihanna, you’ll love Rachel’s workout playlist!

1. Disturbia - Rihanna 2. Don’t Stop the Music - Rihanna 3. Pon de Replay - Rihanna 4. Love on the Brain - Rihanna 5. Love Me Now (Dave Aude Remix) - John Legend 6. The Mack (feat. Mark Morrison, Fetty Wap) Nevada 7. This is What You Came For - Calvin Harris feat.

Rihanna 8. Nice For What - Drake 9. Not Nice - PARTYNEXTDOOR

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Angela’s Playlists

I’m a house head, so most of my favorite workout songs are classic house and disco tracks!

1. Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough Michael Jackson 2. Follow Me - Aly-Us 3. Dance - Earth People 4. All I Do - Stevie Wonder 5. Gypsy Woman - Crystal Waters 6. Running Away - Roy Ayers 7. Toast - Koffee 8. Deep Inside - Hard Drive 9. Love Thang - First Choice 10. Spread Love (Remix) - Take Six, Todd Terry I love hanging out in my backyard on a summer day with a glass of wine and my chill out playlist!

1. Daylight - Ramp 2. Everybody Loves The Sunshine Roy Ayers 3. Golden Time of Day - Maze 4. Soul Sista - Bilal 5. A Long Walk - Jill Scott 6. On & On - Erykah Badu 7. Brown Sugar - D’Angelo 8. Be Happy - Mary J. Blige 9. Remind Me - Patrice Rushen 10. Nothing Can Come Between Us - Sade

LaFrancis’ Playlists This is my go-to playlist for my daily walks and some shopping trips.

1. Uvalo - Sjava 2. Eddie Kendricks - Intimate Friends 3. Fingerprints - Hiatus Kaiyote 4. Regret - Amber Mark 5. South - Galimatias 6. 1+1 - Beyonce 7. Hey Now - Carl Thomas 8. Time Today - BJ The Chicago Kid 9. Up Late - Ari Lennox 10. No Conversation - The Colleagues

When I’m feeling low and need encouragement, my worship playlist gets my life right together!

1. Remedy (Live) [feat.

Breona Lawrence] - CONTAGIOUS 2. Holy Water (Church Sessions) - We the Kingdom & Tasha Cobbs Leonard 3. Nobody Like You Lord (Radio Edit - Live) - Maranda Curtis 4. Let Praises Rise (feat.

Micah Blalock) - Maranda Curtis 5. Graves into Gardens (Live) (feat. Brandon Lake) - Elevation Worship 6. I’ve Got a Reason Dorinda Clark-Cole 7. Lord You’re Mighty Youthful Praise 8.Good & Loved (feat.

Steffany Gretzinger) - Travis Greene 9. Lord You Are Good Todd Galberth 10. Same Grace - William Murphy

Victor’s Playlists At the end of a long day, these songs help me relax.

1. Someone You Love – Conor Maynard 2. Old Town Road – Bailey Jehl 3. If I Lose Myself – Amanda Yang 4. Despacito – Madilyn Bailey

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5. California – Lisa Mitchell 6. Lover – Taylor Swift 7. Daylist – Taylor Swift 8. Stone Cold – Demi Lovato 9. Tell Me you Love Me – Demi Lovato With these songs in my ear, I have no problem getting through the work day.

1. Say So – Hot Pink 2. Roar – Katy Perry 3. Cheap Thrills – Sia (feat.

Sean Paul) 4. There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back – Shawn Mendes 5. Ye – Burna Boy 6. Without Me - Halsey

Commu

Spotlight COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on the city of Chicago. Schools and businesses have been forced to close, leaving many of the city’s families without their basic needs. As the city copes with the devastation and loss, several organizations have made it their mission to lend a helping hand. These are just a few of the organizations that have reached out to help those in need.

Westside United connects

residents with information and resources for food, education, and small business needs. https://westsideunited.org

Covenant House IL is a shelter for

homeless youth providing skills training and other enrichment programs. https://www.covenanthouseil.org

Kells Park Community Council and 10th District State Representative Jawaharial Williams distributes food to families in need. https://www.facebook.com/ KellsPark/

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unity

Bright Star Community Outreach maintains a trauma helpline for people experiencing anxiety and stress due to COVID-19.

Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm (833)TURN-123 https://www.brightstarcommunityoutreach.com

The Kindness Campaign has organized the

Kindness Kupboard to deliver food, cleaning supplies, and hygiene supplies to the homeless, seniors, and others families in need. https://www.facebook.com/Christopher.Watts.

Initiative/

Cradles to Crayons Chicago provides

diapers, school supplies, arts supplies, and other materials to children in need. https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/chicago/

La Casa Norte provides services to

homeless youth families around the city, including food and essential household items. They are also operating an emergency youth shelter in place facility at the McCormick YMCA in Humboldt Park. http://www.lacasanorte.org

The National Alliance on Mental Illness Chicago offers virtual support groups for

healthcare and frontline workers as well all Adult Peer Support Groups for adults with mental health issues. https://www.namichicago.org/support-groups

My Block, My Hood, My City provides hand sanitizer, toiletries, and food to senior citizens. https://www.formyblock.org

Community

Spotlight

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WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE IN A CAR

ACCIDENT The warm summer months mean more traffic and more construction on the roads. But that combination also means more traffic accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more accidents occur in July and August than at any other time of the year.

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When accidents happen, there’s a lot to worry about, including potential injuries and damage to your vehicle.

And it’s easy to let emotions get the best of you rather than gather all of the information you need for the police and your insurance company.

LaTorya Street, owner of Street Insurance Agency, gave us her tips on what you should do if you are involved in a car accident.

B/ACE: Should you get out of your car to speak with the other driver or wait until the police arrive?

Street: If you feel you’re in a safe environment, the best thing for you to do is to interact with the other driver. You should collect their name, address, phone number, and insurance information. You should also try to snap as many pictures as you can of your car and the other vehicle(s) involved.

B/ACE: Are pictures necessary to file your insurance claim?

Street: It’s not necessary to have pictures for your claim. The pictures are primarily for your protection, so your insurance company knows what damage is directly related to the accident you are reporting.

B/ACE: After the accident, should you move your car, or should you leave it at the scene of the crash?

Street: Before you get out of the car, you should move to a safe location, especially if you’re on the freeway. If the car is moveable, you’ll want to move it out of traffic.

point, I had no choice, because my car was stopped in the middle of the road.

B/ACE: Should you go to the doctor, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured?

Street: I would recommend it, especially if you’re hit from the back or if the airbag is deployed.

B/ACE: Do you need to have a lawyer?

Street: It depends on the situation. You don’t necessarily need a lawyer. But lawyers may approach you saying they can get you more money. I can’t give my clients legal advice, but I tell them that they need to understand that you will have to pay that lawyer for the work they do, no matter what the outcome is.

B/ACE: Should you file your insurance claim right away?

B/ACE: If the accident is minor, the other driver may want to pay for repairs out of pocket.

Should you agree to not file an insurance claim?

Street: You should make a claim with your insurance company right away, especially if your car is not drivable, so you’re put in a rental car if you have adequate coverage.

Street: That can be complicated. You may not know how much damage is done to your car. Sometimes there is damage that you may not see.

B/ACE: Should you be worried that your insurance company will drop you if you have too many accidents?

For example, someone hit the back of my car. I didn’t have any damage, so I didn’t want to deal with insurance. But I drove a little further down the road, and my car stopped. The police said that the impact of the crash must have activated a kill switch in my car. They wanted to report the accident as a hit and run. At that

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Street: Every customer is going to be different.

Insurance companies look at your overall history when it comes to driving, tickets, and accidents.

Source: https://www-fars.nhtsa. dot.gov/Main/reportslinks.aspx

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Tropical Prints

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Shirt dresses are sooo versatile! Pair it with high heels at night or sneakers for a daytime stroll in the park.

Maison Margiela Men’s Replica Paint Lace-Up Runner Sneakers

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Delivering in a Crisis:

How One North Side Restaurant Has Been Coping With COVID-19

T

he restaurant business is a tough one. As CNBC reported, nearly 60 percent of new restaurants close within their first year, and almost 80 percent go out of business within 5 years. So it should come as no surprise that things are especially tough during a worldwide health crisis that is forcing people to stay home and leaving them with less disposable income for dining out. As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, restaurants all over the city have had to find creative ways to keep their businesses afloat.

We spoke with Chef Ken Polk of Chicago’s Batter and Berries about how they are coping in these unprecedented times.

According to Polk, innovation is the engine that has been driving their business through the crisis. “We don’t have excessive amounts of capital or generous benefactors to write big checks.

We don’t have vendors giving us free food, or a landlord who is willing to give us a break on our rent,” he says. “We’re just trying to come up with new ways to get food to people.”

Polk says, the biggest challenge for Batter and Berries has been figuring out how to transition from a dine-in experience to a carry-out and delivery only model. He says that although their restaurant is located on the north side of the city, their customer base is international, and their local customers are largely concentrated on the south and west sides.

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He says delivery services can be tricky to implement, especially if you don’t already have the personnel and procedures in place. Before you get started, there are lots of important details to consider, including delivery boundaries and securing insurance for your delivery drivers. “You definitely have to cross your “t”s and dot your “i”s,” he says. And while delivery services such as UberEats and GrubHub can be effective in helping restaurants reach their customers, those services often take a significant cut of restaurants’ profits.

For those who may be concerned about the safety of their takeout order, Polk says restaurateurs know that their livelihood is on the line and they can’t afford to make a mistake. “If you didn’t trust them before, I wouldn’t trust them now. But if you trusted them before, keep in mind that the last thing they want is for anyone to get sick from them,” he says.

Restaurants want to do everything they can to make sure their customers and employees are safe, including stocking up on safety equipment and cleaning supplies. This is especially true for Batter and Berries. One of the owners, Dr. Tanya Richardson, is a Family Medical doctor.

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NO DINE IN

CARRY OUT

ONLY! 36 www.bacemagazine.com

“This is the time for thinkers”

B/ACE

Polk says there are lots of ways people can help their favorite restaurants survive this difficult time. For starters, buy food from them as often as your budget allows. Pick up the food or use a Batter and Berries is not stopping non-third-party delivery option, if possible, to allow the restaurant to with delivery. Polk says they have maintain as much of their profits been testing out other ideas as possible. to bring food directly to their If you’re not able to buy food, customers. For starters, they’ve had successful collaborations with you can show them some love other complimentary artisans and by purchasing gift cards and vendors, including a weekend pop swag items. And you can give your favorite restaurants a little up experience at a south side ice cream shop. They’ve also bundled free advertising by helping them spread the word to your social popular dishes together in Easter and Mother’s Day-themed baskets media network. “Everything helps,” he says. so customers can recreate the Sunday brunch experience safely There’s no question that this is a at home. challenging time for the restaurant industry as a whole, but Polk They can’t predict how many of says Batter and Berries is ready their customers will be able to keep placing regular food orders, for the fight. He says that while profit margins are important, but Polk says they want to be sustainability and health are prepared for anything. They are trying to control their spending by always at the forefront of their business decisions. “This is the keeping their food inventory at a time for thinkers,” he says. “And minimum and only buying things when you’re a problem solver, when it’s absolutely necessary. one of the things you love is “There are so many layers to this problems.” thing. It’s an onion that will make you cry,” he says.

Keep up with Batteries and Berries online Website - www.batterandberries.com Instagram - @batterandberries Facebook - @BatterandBerries

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SILICONE

BUTT INJECTIONS A Risky Business

These days, big butts are in. And in a time when more is more, celebrities like Kim Kardashian, J. Lo, and Nicki Minaj are often seen as having the gold standard of glutes. As a result, many women are looking to enhance their rear view by any means necessary. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were more than 25,000 reported legal butt augmentation procedures performed in the United States in 2017. But many more procedures are not reported, and some have had dangerous results.

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One of the most famous cases of butt augmentation gone wrong is Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta star, K. Michelle. She has been open about her enhancement procedures, and the multiple surgeries she’s gone through to remove black market silicone injections. The singer began receiving hydrogel injections to enhance her hips and butt in hopes of furthering her career. She says she knew that the person who performed her injections was not a doctor, but says she went through with it because her favorite rapper had undergone the same procedure. Five years later, the singer discovered that the silicone had begun to spill down her legs and was threatening her health. The removal process left her disfigured and forced her to endure a long, painful recovery process.

K. Michelle’s story is not unique. Complications from silicone injection procedures can include scarring, infection, and even death.

If the silicone is injected into a blood vessel, it can travel to the heart and lungs and cause a heart attack or stroke. In the event that complications from the

injections arise, women are often forced to endure a long series of surgeries to remove the silicone. And

because injected silicone tends to attach to healthy tissue, patients often need to receive blood transfusions during the process due to excessive blood loss.

If your ultimate goal is a better-looking backside, there are safer alternatives to silicone injections.

The Brazilian butt lift is a procedure involving liposuction from the hips, thighs, or abs.

The removed fat is then purified and injected into parts of the butt to create a fuller look. However, the process tends to be more expensive than injections and involves a longer recovery period.

Vacuum Butt Therapy is a non-surgical alternative to silicone injections.

The procedure involves a machine that massages the skin to help tone and sculpt the butt and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Although the treatment is safer than surgery, the results are temporary.

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Before you decide to undergo any plastic surgery or enhancement procedure, there are some things you should consider:

The Risks The FDA has not approved the use of injectable silicone in body enhancement procedures. In fact, they have issued a safety alert with warnings of the risks related to silicone injections. It’s important to know that injectable silicone is different from that used in breast implants.

Your Doctor - Choose a reputable doctor who is certified in the procedure you are having. Make sure your doctor’s board certification is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

You can check your doctor’s certification online for free at www. certificationmatters.org.

The Product

Make sure the silicone your doctor is using is medical grade. Some black

market providers have been known to mix filler products such as cement and motor oil to bring down their costs.

Your Medical History -

You should also make sure your procedure will happen in a safe location.

Providers who perform procedures outside of a hospital may be putting you in danger if the space is not sterile.

Share the information with your doctor so they are prepared in the event of any complications.

The Cost - Be clear on the

cost of the procedure and make sure you can afford it.

You should also have money set aside for any medication or follow-up treatments you may have to endure.

Recovery time - Make

sure you can take the time away from work you need to recover from your procedure.

You should have support at home to help with your children and household responsibilities during your recovery.

What’s Not Normal - Be

clear on the signs you should look for that something is wrong so you can seek medical attention as soon as possible.

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“ “

Confidence breeds beauty Estee’ Lauder

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BEAUTY IN A BOX Subscription Boxes Bring Beauty to You

Social distancing has forced many of us to change our beauty routine. But you don’t have to give up on grooming all together just because you can’t get to the salon or barbershop. Subscription box services are a great way to get all the things you need to look your best delivered to your door.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites.

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Allure Beauty Box

Allure’s Best of Beauty list is the magazine’s annual “It List” of the best hair, skincare, and makeup products on the market.

Now you can have the editors’ favorite products delivered directly to you.

Each month’s Beauty Box is filled with at least 5 products chosen by Allure’s beauty editors, as well as product reviews and makeup and skin care tips. http://beautybox.allure. com

GQ Best Stuff Box GQ Magazine is the authority on men’s style.

The GQ Best Stuff Box is a quarterly collection of the editors’ favorites, including accessories and grooming products. Pay $50 per quarter or $190 for the year. https://beststuffbox.gq.com/

Birchbox Grooming

Birchbox Grooming is dedicated to helping men look their best. A $10 monthly subscription includes a personalized box of 5 travel sized grooming products, including deodorant, skin care products, and fragrances.

Cocotique Cocotique is a beauty subscription service for women of color. With your subscription, you receive a box filled with 5 - 8 samples of hair, makeup, fragrance, or skincare products each month. If you find a product you like, you can purchase a full-size version in the shop on the Cocotique website. Pay $25 per month or $228 for the entire year. https://www. cocotique.com

Curly girls know that finding the right hair products can be stressful and expensive. Curl Box delivers shampoos, conditioners, and styling products designed with curly hair in mind. For $20 per month, subscribers will receive a box of four hair products. https://curlbox.com

Target Beauty Box 43 www.bacemagazine.com

If you want to look great without spending a lot of money, try the Target Beauty Box. For $7 per month, you receive a themed box filled with samples of some of the most popular beauty and wellness products found in stores.

And if you find a brand you like, you can pick up a fullsized version on your next Target run.

MURALS

By Jamie Anderson

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Artists use murals to express themselves and showcase their talent. Through their art, they can convey a message, sometimes without words. It was exciting to discover new murals in the city. I have connected with artists and other bloggers who love mural art just as much as I do. These hidden gems have allowed me to become familiar with different areas of the city, famous streets, and landmarks.

I have enjoyed exploring new places and seeing life differently through the world of art.

I believe that perspective is key to our beautiful journeys, and if we learn to look at the world around us, we will discover hidden gems that enhance our lives. All of our experiences create sweet memories.

When life gets busy and hectic, finding murals around the city helps me to appreciate the beauty that surrounds me.

It is possible to live within the four walls of our homes and miss out on discovering the world around us. Chicago is a large city that has so much to offer. Whether you have lived here your entire life or are new to calling it home, this city is full of endless opportunities.

To see more of Chicago Mural’s, visit Offbeat Street Art Tour - https://www. offbeatstreetarttour.com

Chicago’s Hidden Gems

From championship sports teams to worldclass restaurants, Chicago is home to a lot of the greats. There are many different things to do and explore in the city. When I moved to Chicago from Texas four years ago, I discovered an underground art world. I became fascinated with the beautiful murals and wall art throughout the city, and I began to research the different artists. The murals are hidden gems in the city that make Chicago beautiful!

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Coronavirus: Interview with Dr. Terrilyne Cole

What You

Need to Know to Stay Safe The coronavirus has wreaked havoc on communities across the country, hitting people of color especially hard. As the country tries to get back on its feet, people have had to make tough choices about whether or not it is safe to go out when cases are still rising in many areas.

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We spoke with Terrilyne Cole, MD, MBA, an Infectious Disease Specialist in the St. Louis area about the facts people should know about the coronavirus, and how construction workers can keep themselves safe on their job site.

It seems like we are learning new things about this virus every day. But there are a lot of conflicting messages out there. Who should we be listening to?

If you’re in a state that has a non-partisan governor, either Democrat or Republican, I would suggest you go to your state health department first for information. The nonpartisan states seem to be maintaining a good relationship with the CDC, which is the organization that is typically out front during an emerging infectious disease anywhere in the world.

While many nonessential employees have been able to work from home, construction workers are among those who have been out working the entire time. How can they stay safe on the job?

OSHA has guidelines on its website designed to protect the safety

of construction workers. I think a construction site is safe because workers aren’t in a confined space, like in a factory. Also, people are usually already wearing eye protection, gloves, and masks while they’re at work.

I’m suggesting people cover their eyes because we now know that you can catch the virus through the tears and eye secretions.

Also, any time you take off your gloves, you have to remember not to rub your face. If you have access to soap and water, wash your hands if they become soiled, or you touch a surface without gloves on.

It takes only 20 seconds to break down the virus. If you don’t have access to soap on site, you should have a hand sanitizer. Just be sure that it contains at least 70 percent isopropyl alcohol to make sure it can kill this virus.

As the weather gets warmer, and many parts of the country are starting to reopen, you’re starting to see a lot of people out without masks. Is this dangerous?

Any time you’re in public, you should cover your mouth and nose, even if

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you’re by yourself. You’re not wearing the covering to protect yourself from other people’s secretions, you’re doing it to keep yours to yourself. Those microscopic secretions can survive on surfaces for some time. If everybody wore some type of facial covering, it would decrease the transmission rate of the virus. You’re wearing the covering for the greater good.

I don’t think people realize that whenever you open your mouth, you’re potentially releasing particles into the air that can travel in the wind. And when they land on a surface, someone else touches that surface, and they touch their face, the virus gets inside of them. You can enjoy outdoor spaces as long as you are only with the people who are in your household regularly and you keep 6 feet away from everyone else.

The only thing we know right now that keeps this virus at bay is keeping people separated from one another, especially in more densely populated areas.

We would love for this virus to die out, but right now there is no guarantee that will happen. So as states open up, you have to be conscientious about protecting yourself when you go out.

“The genetic code of this virus is not human” What about wearing gloves?

People get a false sense of security wearing gloves because they think they can touch anything they want. The mistake many people make is forgetting to take the gloves off. Then they touch their face, their steering wheel, or their phone. And then everything is contaminated because they’ve touched things with dirty gloves.

What do you say to people who are tired of all of the isolation and want to get back to their normal routines?

All of this is going to be difficult. But when people say to me that the cure is worse than the virus, I ask them what is worse than death? Because that’s what we’re potentially talking about. Most viruses can do terrible things to us, but human viruses circulate so often that our bodies have an opportunity to deal with Link to OSHA guidelines for construction - (https://www.osha.gov/Publications/ OSHA4000.pdf

them. However, the genetic code of this virus is not human, which is how we know it wasn’t created in a lab. We don’t have any immunity to it, and we can’t fight it, because we’ve never seen it before.

This is why you’re seeing so much devastation. And it’s why healthcare researchers like me get uptight when you start talking about lifting the restrictions that are keeping people alive. This is a very isolating illness.

When patients get to the hospital, you’re not able to see them anymore. And that is traumatic.

The hospitals are still at capacity, and there is little room to put anyone in Intensive Care. The average time someone usually spends

on a ventilator is five or six days. But with this virus, the average time is two weeks or more.

We have a country with 328 million people, and we had about 1 million hospital beds before this started. 75,000 of those beds were committed to Intensive Care Units, and only 60,000 of them had ventilator capabilities.

That’s why we talk about bending this curve. We cannot open the country while our healthcare system doesn’t have enough capacity to take care of the sickest people. It concerns me that people don’t take it seriously. But I think all we can do is encourage people to do better.

Healthcare Workers and Mental Health Healthcare workers have been on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 from the beginning. Doctors and nurses put their lives on the line every day to care for their patients. But long hours of caring for some of the sickest patients can take their toll on our healthcare workers. So how do those who are supposed to take care of others take care of themselves? We talked to two nurses about how they are managing their stress during these times.

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LaDora King What is it like working as a nurse during the pandemic?

It’s very challenging. We’re working to give quality care to our patients while trying to stay safe and protect our families.

Nurses are always practicing safety, but this pandemic has caused so many deaths that a lot of our skilled nursing facilities have become short-staffed. Many nurses have quit, which has forced working nurses to take on more hours and gives them more exposure to this deadly virus. We have proper medical equipment to wear, but taking care of others while wearing a mask for up to 16 hours a day can be quite bothersome. Sadly,

people are not able to see their loved ones, and they die alone. Nurses try to bring joy to their patients as they enter the room, but some of us have fallen into depression. You try to do your very best during your shift and pray that this will all be over one day.

How do you keep your mental health in check every day?

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It’s not easy. You can become upset with other nurses or policies that have been put in place, and your mind can only take so much at a time. Nurses have to focus on caring for their patients and making sure their fellow nurses are stable as well. But any nurse who is dealing with mental health issues during this time should stay home. When you’re upset while caring for others, you are more prone to making mistakes. You have to be focused on making sure everyone is safe.

Jamie Puente, LPN, AE-C

What is it like working as a nurse during the pandemic?

Life as we know it has changed beyond normal comprehension.

My family is concerned about my potential exposure to the virus, but reassure them that I only rely on the most credible medical information. This situation is difficult because the virus is everchanging, and its unpredictability becomes the stuff of nightmares.

I was recently exposed to a COVID-19 patient and had to self-isolate. Waiting 14 days to find out if I was positive was like

waiting for a death sentence. It pained me to be away from my children, but I knew the isolation was about my well-being as well as that of those I love. This time has sparked a new obsession with hand washing and keeping surfaces and mobile devices disinfected. Hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, and disinfecting aerosol sprays are now staples in my home.

I appreciate all of the medical staff, from those at the patients’ bedside to those who are cleaning. This is truly a team effort, and we are all facing the same level of danger.

I’ve been in the medical profession for 23 years. I love the work that I do, and I have no regrets about my career path. Anyone who goes into the medical profession does so out of a desire to help others.

There is no better time to be passionate, selfless, and caring about the world than right now.

I urge those who think this is a hoax or a lie to trust the professionals who see people dying every day. Take this matter seriously.

Wear a mask for your well-being and to protect those around you. This is a global effort.

Together we can flatten the curve.

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How do you keep your mental health in check every day?

I rely on prayer, meditation, healthy eating, and exercise.

I communicate via Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime with those closest to me. I also recently adopted a puppy.

He’s been a welcome addition to the family. I also make time to focus on things that are important to me outside of work.

I have deep roots in my community and love serving others. Most recently, I worked with other local moms to commemorate the graduation of some of the 8th graders and high school seniors from our local schools.

The support I get daily from my managers, colleagues, family, and friends is amazing. It helps tremendously and reminds me to continue to focus on the end goal. We are in this together, and we will get through this together.

TRADE TALK A Conversation with

Tavius Christmas Union Electrician Local 134

Like many kids, Tavius Christmas once had dreams of becoming a police officer. But when he began learning about electricity as a student at Chicago Vocational Career Academy, it sparked a new interest. “I was fascinated with understanding how power works and how it’s transported from one location to another,” he says. “The way currents run through wires is amazing.”

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“He told me I couldn’t work in the warehouse forever,” After graduation, Christmas took a job in a warehouse with an electrical contractor. At 19 years old, he wasn’t thinking about his next career move. But the owner’s son suggested the electrician’s apprenticeship program.

“He told me I couldn’t work in the warehouse forever,” he said. “And I thank him for that.”

It didn’t take Christmas long to realize that he needed to take his apprenticeship seriously. He was learning to work with high voltage, and one mistake could have dangerous consequences. “They show you safety videos of guys being electrocuted, and I was like, ‘This ain’t for me! I don’t want to get killed,’” he says.

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Things were getting complicated, and Christmas found it difficult to keep up with the fast pace of the program. At one point, he even thought about giving up. “I didn’t want to hurt myself or anyone else trying to wire something. But an older guy on the job site convinced me not to quit,” he says.

Christmas eventually got over his fear of working with wires and completed his apprenticeship in 2009. Today, he is a foreman with RJL, where he manages a three-man crew working on a robotics lab at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, a rehabilitation center in Chicago.

Christmas says he’s enjoying the opportunity to learn something new and to understand the importance of electricity to the patients’ rehabilitation process.

“It’s interesting to see how we bring power to the robots to make them work,” he says.

Looking to the future, Christmas says he’d like to travel to Africa to learn more about how they are using solar power on the continent. “Right now, everything is going in the direction of solar panels. I’ve been reading a lot about what they’re doing with solar in Africa and how it’s making life easier there,” he says.

Overall, Christmas believes he’s found a rewarding career in electricity and encourages anyone interested in the field to go for it. “Electricity is never going away. You’re always doing something different and learning new things,” he says.

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“

LIGHT IN NATURE CREATES

THE MOVEMENT

OF COLORS ROBERT DELAUNAY

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Reclaiming My Time:

How I’m

Creating a New Normal for My

From the way we work to the way we socialize, COVID-19 has changed all of our lives. Businesses have been forced to close, and people have been ordered to stay at home to keep us safe.

But months without a night out at a favorite restaurant or a visit to the hair salon, have left many of us with some serious withdrawal.

Family

Since we’re talking about it, I’ll be the first to admit that sheltering in place with my family has been difficult. I’ve spent my days being a teacher, a short-order cook, and a referee of frequent sibling squabbles. But some things about this time at home have been amazing. We’ve had movie nights and backyard barbecues. We’ve made friendship bracelets and built LEGO models. And I’m not going to lie, the daily commute to my kitchen table office is hard to beat.

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The time inside has reminded me that the only thing that is constant in life is change. Since our city has been shut down, we’ve lost friends and loved ones to this deadly virus, a fact that has made me more vigilant about checking in with my loved ones in other cities. And I’ve been reminded that while staying home may be boring and inconvenient, there are plenty of people who have had to spend this time alone. And there are plenty of front line healthcare workers, delivery drivers, and cashiers who are going out so we don’t have to.

The time inside has reminded me that my kids won’t be small enough to pile in my bed and watch television forever. And there will come a time when they won’t want to tell me every detail about their day. It has reminded me that this time together has been a gift, a way to temporarily slow things down and appreciate one another.

I don’t know when things will be normal again, or what normal even means anymore. But I do know that I’ll be making more time for family game nights, phone calls with my besties, and quiet time in my backyard. I will continue to make time to unplug, to read books, and to notice the sunsets. It’s not often that we are given the gift of time, but I, for one, am planning to make the most of it.

What elements of your quarantine routine are you planning to hold on to?

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COMMU

CONSTR Building communities is at the heart of construction.

And during the pandemic, the construction community came together to support each other.

Here are a few organizations that stepped up during this time.

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Power, along with CIBC and Crowe Horwath, hosted a free webinar titled “A Path for Small Businesses: Navigating COVID Relief Programs.”

The program was designed to help contractors get the financial aid they need to manage this crisis. Over 20 companies participated in the one-hour webinar. As a follow-up, Power provided ongoing support through their “Helping Hands” program to help answer any questions.

UNITY

RUCTION Revolution Workshop has been working to adapt to the changing needs of the community during the COVID-19 crisis. To date, 75% of their alumni have experienced a cut in hours or have been furloughed.

Although their training program has been closed since the Stay at Home order was put in place, the staff has been working hard to provide direct services to those who need it most.

With an initial gift of $10,000, the Revolution Workshop COVID-19 Emergency Fund was established to help alumni and trainees during the crisis. Since the fund was established, they have raised over $75,000.

To date, the staff has been able to reach out to all of their 105 alumni and provide nearly $17,000 in muchneeded assistance for necessities like groceries and rent. Revolution Workshop plans to continue to work with their alumni to disperse grants as long as they can.

From the beginning, Clayco has been a leader in assisting small businesses during the COVID Pandemic. Bob Clarke, the company’s founder, donated and partnered with the city of Chicago to build the Resiliency Fund. He also held weekly virtual check-ins, which included his senior staff, city officials, and other guests to provide helpful information to small businesses like mine.

We were able to hear critical information from city officials, and ask questions about the PPP loan program, furlough vs. layoffs, and marketing strategies moving forward.

I, like many others, tuned in weekly to hear updates and receive insight on how larger companies like Clayco are navigating these times.

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HACIA (Hispanic American Construction Industry Association) was also very concerned about its members. They hosted webinars with elected officials, including Jamie Rhee, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, to discuss the industry’s response to the pandemic. They assisted their members who were looking to access many of the loan and grant programs provided

by Federal and local governments. HACIA’s Director of Operations, Juan Calahorrano, was also a guest on Univision Chicago’s Facebook Live to discuss worker’s rights during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

WEST END ON FULTON

The West End on Fulton offices, located at the southeast corner of Fulton and Ogden avenues, is a 387,000 square foot mixed-use Class A office building project. This project includes two levels of elevated parking, first floor retail, ten stories of core and shell office space as well as amenity levels on the ninth and fourteenth floors.

The structure is post-tensioned concrete with a central concrete core.

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Completed

Project

The exterior enclosure is a unitized curtainwall system consisting of glass and metal panels. First-floor amenity spaces include the lobby, a coffee shop, and a bike parking area visible from the street.

The fourteenth-floor roof area will include fire pits, planters, as well as an outdoor projection screen area.

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NAVIGATING LOVE

NAVI GAT ING Lo T

hey say all you need is love, and that’s especially true during difficult times. We wanted to know how people are navigating love when everything else is so uncertain. So we asked our readers to share their thoughts about love and dating with us, and we were surprised by the results. Although the Internet has made things more convenient, allowing people to “date” from the comfort of their living rooms,

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ve

our survey respondents prefer finding love the old fashioned way. 68% told us they would prefer meeting someone through a mutual friend.

When asked about the qualities they look for in a potential partner, 66% of respondents said personality was at the top of their list, while only 9% believe looks are most important.

But when it comes to deal breakers, an overwhelming 61% said not having a job is enough to kick someone to the curb.

B/ACE Check out more of our Navigating Love survey results:

What is the most important quality you look for in a potential mate?

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Would you date or marry a man/woman who is 5 years younger than you?

64% Yes

36% No

Is the quarantine affecting your relationship positively or negatively?

16% No

26% Negative

84% Yes

Would you date or marry someone outside of your race?

74% Positive

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​Where do you prefer to meet potential partners?

Should you be friends with your EX?

54% No

Online

Through a mutual friend

​ ow long does it usually take for you to decide H whether or not you are compatible with someone?

First phone conversation

3 or more dates

First date

When you find someone you’re interested in, how important is it that they get along with your friends and family?

Very important

When it comes to dating, which of the following would be a deal breaker?

Somewhere important

90% No

No job/limited income

Previous marriage(s)

Different religious beliefs

Children from previous marriages

None of the above

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Not important

Would you date or marry a man/woman who is 5 years older than you?

At church

Yes

At work

10%

In bars/clubs

46% Yes

Free Your Mind

5

Favorite

Meditation

Apps

Let’s face it, 2020 has been anything but normal. The onslaught of the coronavirus has had a tremendous impact on the way we live and work. And although we’ve barely made it through half of the year, we could probably all use a break.

You may not be able to take an island vacation right now, but meditation can help you escape – at least temporarily.

There is evidence that meditation has both physical and mental benefits. A regular practice can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve the quality of your sleep, and reduce strain on your heart.

These days, meditation is easier than ever. Meditation apps allow you to practice anytime and anywhere.

And with the help of experienced teachers, even beginners can feel comfortable and supported in their practice. These are just a few of our favorites.

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Calm

Liberate

The creators of Calm set out to make the world happier and healthier with their app, and it looks like they are accomplishing their mission. Calm was rated the #1 app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation, and it was Apple’s App of the Year for 2017. The free version allows you access to a limited number of guided meditations. You can also pay for a subscription to access the entire library of meditation content.

Liberate was designed as a safe space for people of color to access free meditations and talks. The guided meditations cover a variety of topics, including race, selfworth, and grief. You can also tune in to a live virtual sit, to meditate with other members of the Liberate community.

Insight Timer

Smiling Mind

Insight Timer offers thousands of free guided meditations for adults and children, so you’ll never have to listen to the same meditation twice (unless you want to). You can also listen to soothing music or nature sounds as you meditate on your own. If you want to track your progress, the app allows you to keep up with the days and times you meditate.

Developed by psychologists and teachers, Smiling Mind is committed to offering guided meditations to users at no cost. In addition to adult content, the app places a special focus on children and teens, by delivering meditations geared towards the unique challenges young people face.

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Stop, Breathe, & Think Stop, Breathe, & Think asks users to check in with their emotions before beginning their meditation.

The app then offers customized guided meditations to help with sleep, stress, concentration, and more. Users can keep track of their progress and record their emotions in the app.

Horizon

345

345 N Morgan is an 11-story office building in Chicago’s West Loop. The property is owned

by Sterling Bay. The building is located north of 311 N Morgan (ACE Hotel) and directly 1000 W. Carroll. Among the amenities, the building will contain a tenant fitness center, parking, and over 4,000 SF of retail space.

N Morgan

ProjectOn The

B/ACE

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Racism has existed in America for centuries, but recent events surrounding the killing of unarmed Black men and women across the country have brought the nation to a boiling point. Here, the B/ACE staff reflects on the headlines and how it feels to be Black in America.

Being

These recent events have hit me especially hard, and to be honest, my emotions are all over the place. I’m grieving with the families of the Black men and boys who have lost their lives so senselessly. I’m angry for the Black men and boys who have to justify their existence and prove that they aren’t a threat. I’m hurting for our collective Black community, as we try to find a way to heal. I’m irritated that I have to have tough conversations with my Black son that a white mother will never have with hers. I’m afraid for my husband, my son, my father, and my brothers as they move through the world every day. And I feel helpless that there is nothing I can do to ease their burden.

LaFrancis

Angela

In

Black

Rachel

My sixteen-year-old daughter came to me with tears in her eyes. She was upset that I wasn’t outraged that African-Americans are being killed by the police. I told her that people express their emotions in different ways. In the news, you see peaceful protests, and you see rioters. The range of emotions and people’s reactions are all over the place. Judging someone’s reaction is a distraction from the matter at hand. We need tangible action items, legislation, and awareness campaigns that have clearly defined and measurable outcomes.

I told my daughter that while I am not cursing and screaming, my mind is racing to determine what we need to do to evoke change. What policies, training, and conversations do we need to have with the police as well as our young African American children? As a mother, how can I protect my son? What can I do to affect change? My daughter responded, “While you figure it out, can I go to the protest tomorrow?”

I can not begin to put into words the emotions and pain that I feel. Even as I write this, the tears are flowing. America is telling Black men and women young and old that they can not go for a run, write a check, wear a hood, play their music loud, or go to sleep in their own home. It’s sad that as soon as you see police lights in your rearview mirror, you have to start recording so that you can have an account of what happened, just in case it’s your last day on Earth.

I do not understand how the color of someone’s skin can make them a threat? How is it ok to take someone’s life because you are afraid of their skin color? How can you justify continuing to oppress a race of people because of the color of their skin? Growing up, I never thought that my siblings and I would have to endure the things my parents and grandparents did! I am terrified for the men in my family. I refuse to bring children into this cruel world.

We not only experience racism from whites but other ethnic groups as well. White America brought us here, but they hate us. How? The blood, sweat, and tears that our ancestors gave to help build this country has never been appreciated and never will. Being rich and famous will not keep you safe from racism.

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We not only experience racism from whites but other ethnic groups as well. White America brought us here, but yet they hate us. The blood, sweat, and tears that our ancestors gave to help build this country has never been appreciated and never will. Being rich and famous won’t keep you safe. What will it take to end the systemic racism that has existed in this country for generations?

What will bridge this systemic racism gap that has existed between us as different races and cultures?

Join the conversation Email us your opinion at contact@bacemagazine.com

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