2020 Winter Issue

B/ACE WINTER 2020

READY FOR TAKE OFF

An Interview with Jamie Rhee, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation

LOOKING FORWARD

MARLON FINLEY CARPENTER LOCAL 58

What Will The Election of Joe Biden Mean for Black America?

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Construction Cares provides underserved members of the construction industry with the training, financial, and emotional support they need to remain actively employed in the industry.

Your support will help construction workers in need this holiday season

DONATE TODAY! Visit www.constructioncare.org to donate!

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Ideas for a Fun and Safe Holiday Celebration

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Face of B/ACE

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CONTENTS Winter Hair Color Tips

Neighborhood Spotlight

Looking Forward Ready for Take Off Editor’s Picks Don’t Rush Construction Cares

8 10 14 16 20

Project on the Horizon Building Better Businesses Subcontractor You should Know A New Outlook on Love Style Station Making the Grade 2020 Completed Projects Trade Talks

36 38 42 44 52 60 62 64

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Letter from the Editor

A

s I write, our city is preparing for another stay-at-home advisory. I am also grappling with the loss of a beloved family member and trying to come up with ideas to make the holidays special for my little ones. Needless to say, I’m feeling all sorts of emotions.

But in my quiet moments, I am reminded of a word in the scripture that reads, “All is well,” (2 Kings 4:26). I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I am comforted by the presence of God and his promises.

There are times in life when things can seem almost unbearable. That has been especially true for many of us this year. Whenever I am in that space, I know it’s time for a REBOOT! Our lives are just like

computers. When everything else freezes, and we get that annoying spinning wheel, the only way out is to shut down the computer and reboot.

In life, we can find ourselves overwhelmed by anxiety and grief. That’s when it’s time for a mental reboot.

2020 has forced us to reinvent our daily routines along with many of our long-standing family traditions. We’ve had to put celebrations and gatherings on hold in order to keep our loved ones safe. But rather than getting down about being at home, why not make the best of it? The winter months are perfect for relaxing and revisiting some of your favorite films. In this issue, our Faces of B/ACE inspired us to break out some of our old DVDs. Movies like Malcolm X, Marshall, and a throwback to my childhood, Cooley High. These classics

gave our team a much-needed break from the news and took us on a trip down memory lane.

This issue is full of great ideas to help you make the most of the new normal. Who says working from home can’t be stylish? Reinvent your remote work attire with some of our favorite style station finds, and be the best-dressed on your Zoom call. And just because you can’t go out doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time this New Year’s Eve. We’ve got some great ideas for creative ways to stay safe while you celebrate.

A new year is a perfect opportunity to write an incredible new story for yourself. And as we prepare to say goodbye to 2020, I pray for a healthy and prosperous 2021 for you and yours.

Happy New Year!

Editor-In-Chief Rachel Ivy

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To say that 2020 was a challenging year would be an understatement. Senseless killings of unarmed Black people, a contentious election cycle, and a deadly pandemic have us all ready to leave this year in the rearview mirror. But this issue of B/ACE is all about transformation and making a fresh start.

WINTER ISSUE An inspiring story of a woman getting a fresh start after an abusive relationship, advice for successful entrepreneurship from a business coach, and tips for updating your do with bold hair colors are just a few of the stories that will help you walk into 2021 feeling energized to make this year the best yet. And you won’t want to miss our one-on-one with Commissioner Jamie Rhee of the Chicago Department of Aviation, as she shares her bold vision for making diversity and inclusion a key component of a massive modernization and expansion project at O’Hare Airport.

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2020, we want to thank you for your continued readership and support of B/ACE. We’re looking forward to bringing you more great stories in 2021.

Happy Holidays!

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LOOKING FORWARD

What Will The Election of Joe Biden Mean for Black America?

From the ads he ran calling for the death penalty of five Black and Brown teens, to the false claims that former President Barack Obama wasn’t born in the United States, Donald Trump has had a strained relationship with the Black community for years. So it’s no wonder he had a hard time winning them over in the 2016 presidential election.

In 2016, Trump asked Black voters, “What do you have to lose?” by choosing him over his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. His half-hearted invitation to support his presidential campaign wasn’t enough for him to win over a majority of the AfricanAmerican community, but he did manage to win a small percentage of the Black vote and ultimately the presidency.

In his four years in office, Trump showed the Black community exactly what they had to lose. He defended Confederate monuments, called a group of White supremacists ‘very fine people,’ and mishandled a public health crisis that has disproportionately

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claimed the lives of people of color. For those in the Black community who were keeping score, those misdeeds were enough to motivate them to make sure he was a one-term president.

Nevertheless, Trump persisted and tried courting Black voters again in 2020. In his reelection campaign message, Trump claimed to have done more for Black Americans than any president since Abraham Lincoln, citing funding for HBCUs and low African-American unemployment numbers among his accomplishments. And less than two months before the election, he rolled out his Platinum Plan, a $500 billion plan for Black America, which included expanding school choice, criminal justice reform, and making Juneteenth a federal holiday. He even got a couple of high-profile endorsements from rappers Lil Wayne and 50 Cent.

But record voter participation sent a message that a large segment of the country wanted a change in the Oval Office. Nearly 80,000,000 Americans cast their

vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, giving them more votes than any presidential ticket in the country’s history.

“It’s also about building up impoverished Black communities. I’m not asking for reparations, but how do you bring money to Black communities to combat this 200year prejudice that has been around since slavery?”

Biden clenched his win in the key battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Georgia, relying heavily on support from people of color in urban areas. 42 percent of Whites voted for Joe Biden, compared to 66 percent of Latinx voters, and an overwhelming 87 percent of Blacks. The energy from the Black community in the 2020 election was the result of a group that has grown tired of the status quo. But can the same group that delivered Biden to the White House count on him to answer the calls for social justice and police reform that moved them to protest in the streets of cities across the country during a pandemic?

We asked Walter, a 25-year-old Real Estate Investment Associate in New York City, who said he felt like he was voting against Donald Trump rather than for Joe Biden. “No one was excited to vote, but we were motivated because we felt like it was a necessity,” he said. He’s not convinced that a Joe Biden presidency will do enough work on the issues he cares about most, such as racial justice and progressive economic reform. He adds that he was more excited about progressive candidates like Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.

In his victory speech, Biden thanked Black voters who saved his campaign and carried him across the finish line to the White House and promised to have their backs. But for Walter, Biden needs to do more than put Black people in cabinet and advisory roles to prove that he is prepared to act in his best interest. “It’s also about building up impoverished Black communities. I’m not asking for reparations, but how do you bring money to Black communities to combat this 200-year prejudice that has been around since slavery?” Being a 70-something-yearold white dude, I’m not sure he even knows what the problems are, but I’m glad he’s willing to listen. I’m not sure what he can do, but I’m hoping for something revolutionary.

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READY FOR TAKE OFF An Interview with Jamie Rhee, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation

J

amie Rhee has always had an aptitude for languages and culture. After completing her undergraduate studies at Michigan State University, she landed her first job as an Airport Information Representative. Giving information to travelers from around the world was the perfect job for Rhee, who went to law school at DePaul University at night. In the time since, Rhee has held positions in various city departments, including Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor Daley. Now, after 10 years as the city’s Chief Procurement Officer, Rhee has made her way back to the Department of Aviation, this time, as its Commissioner. “Once you get that jet fuel in your blood, it’s hard to get rid of it,” she laughs.

Commissioner Rhee manages Chicago’s airport system, an international hub that served over 100 million passengers a year before the COVID crisis. In her role, Rhee is overseeing O’Hare 21, an $8.5 billion expansion and renovation project, the largest in the airport’s history. The multi-billion-dollar investment in O’Hare’s infrastructure is expected to create nearly 60,000 construction jobs, as well as thousands of permanent jobs at the airport. And Rhee has made it one of her top priorities to make sure women and minority-owned businesses have equal access to the opportunities O’Hare 21 creates. “It’s important to get these projects built, but it’s equally important to look at who’s benefitting from them,” Rhee says. Commissioner Rhee spoke with us about her vision for the project and how she’s trying to ensure that more businesses get a slice of the $8.5 billion pie.

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As the city’s Chief Procurement Officer, you worked to ensure equal access to city contracts, particularly for women and minority-owned businesses. Now you’re bringing that same effort to O’Hare 21. Why is this so important to you?

When I took over procurement in 2009, I was appalled at the reputation Chicago had for contracts.

The impression was that everything was rigged and that you had to know someone to get a contract. I quickly learned that the real problem was people left out of the bidding process because of the way the system was set up. The big companies knew the process because they held the contracts and knew when they expired.

So for the first several years, we focused on educating people and making sure they had access to the information they needed to bid on our projects. We put everything online and developed the city’s first buying guide. It was an 18-month forecast which allowed businesses to see upcoming opportunities and have time to prepare their bid. We carved out projects that allowed smaller businesses to compete on a level playing field. And we implemented bid incentives to encourage hiring from populations that were being left out. We came up with so many different programs that we wrote a book, Chicago’s Guide to Bid Incentives.

JAMIE RHEE COMMISSIONER, CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION

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Has the COVID crisis impacted your ability to implement your plans for the project?

The pandemic has turned our world upside down, but there have been pros and cons.

I loved being able to do in-person training events. But we’ve moved things online, which has allowed more people to participate.

I’m also proud that we were able to use some of the CARES Act money from the federal government to provide a relief package to the airport concessionaires, many of whom are small minority and women-owned businesses.

When the airport traffic went down, they were hit immediately.

How can small businesses stay connected to your department to find out when opportunities become available?

I brought that same philosophy with me to the Department of Aviation. I started by writing a book on how to do business with the department. We opened a bidding resource room in our building for small businesses to come in and ask for help. This stuff really matters right now. We have to get these contracts awarded, and we have to make sure we have protections for our small businesses.

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They should be looking at our buying plan to see how they want to participate. Flychicago. com will show you all of the projects and bid opportunities on the horizon, as well as upcoming trainings and webinars. Sign up for a webinar. Then get into the prequalification stage of the bidding process so you can start submitting. There is room for everyone who wants to be involved, and not just in construction. There are opportunities in technology, professional services, landscaping, you name it. This is a very small business-friendly department. It’s our bread and butter.

How has your message of inclusion been received?

Mayor Lightfoot has made it easy for me to do my job because she’s always been encouraging. She has experience in procurement, so she understands what a catalyst these kinds of projects can be for Chicago businesses and workforce development. The program is just getting started, but the benefits are going to be throughout all 50 wards.

Do you get push back from people who don’t want things to change?

don’t say anything to me. I think they know that the status quo is not even an option. They know we’re only moving one way, and that’s forward.

What does work/life balance look like for you?

My husband and I are fostering a little girl who is 5-years-old, and we’re in the process of adoption. She keeps us very young. Spending time with my family is something I look forward to at the end of the day.

They’re probably out there, but they

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EDITOR’S PICKS

01

Best Belt This is the best belt buy.

Instead of just one designer belt, this reversible black/brown option gives you four different styles.

02

Bacardi Limited Edition Coquito The bootleg Vegan in me so excited about this gluten-free twist on egg nog.

03

Ember -

Temperature Control Smart Mug This mug is for serious coffee drinkers or that uncle that has everything. I will be gifting this with an assortment of exotic coffee and teas.

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EDITOR’S PICKS

04

Quilted Heated Mattress Pad - Biddeford Blankets Turn up the heat in the bedroom!

This heated mattress pad, with its various heat controls, provides the perfect amount of heat for those cold winter nights.

05 06

Almond Butter Almond Butter is now my favorite comfort food. A warm toasted bagel with almond butter instead of peanut butter is the perfect snack!

Coconut Lavender Latte I love coffee and promoting Black businesses. Chicago French Press, located in the Roosevelt Collection, has amazing seasonal coffee options. The Coconut Lavender Latte is my personal favorite!

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ELLE NOIR’S LOVE QUEST

Don’t Rush It’s been a while since I last checked in. But in that time, things between Johnathan and I have been moving pretty fast. You remember the guy with the body to die for with the amazing conversation, right? Well, we went from dating to a full-blown relationship within two weeks. Since we were both looking for commitment, we felt like there was no need to play games.

But making this relationship work has been harder than either of us anticipated. We work two different shifts, so finding quality time is very hard. When I’m awake, he’s asleep. I’m off on weekends, and he’s off during the week. There’s also a seven-year age gap that was really starting to show. Sleep is his best friend, so if I don’t plan an activity, we don’t do anything. And if I don’t initiate sex, it doesn’t happen. Not to mention he won’t take out the trash, wash a dish, or buy a loaf of bread. We went from seeing each other every day to only Thursday through Sunday. Are you guys starting to see where this is going? I find myself holding up my end of the bargain, but I don’t feel that he’s meeting me halfway. I decided we should take the love language test to better understand what we need from each other. But he didn’t take the darn test!

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Love Quest

I started to pray that the Lord would remove him from my life if this wasn’t going anywhere. And almost on cue, Johnathan called me and said, “I need to talk to you.” So I automatically thought he was about to dump me. OK, God, I see you. But Johnathan gave me the shock of my life when he said, “I have colon cancer.” Don’t you think you should have told me that upfront? It took all I had to not go clean in on this man.

I probably would have been writing this from jail. I felt like he knew I was about to give up on us, and tried to use the, “I sleep so much because I’m sick” excuse. He asked me not to decide if I wanted to continue the relationship until after I slept on it. I thought about it, and I felt bad about leaving.

But I got over it two weeks later and took the easy way out – break up via text. “I don’t think this is working. We moved too fast. When are you coming to get your stuff and drop off the key?” After my text, I got no reply, no call, nothing. I guess it got hard playing house in two different households!

I can honestly say that I’m not mad or hurt. I’m relieved that I had the courage to end things instead of dragging it out by putting the other person’s feelings and needs before my own. This whole dating process has allowed me to grow, as well. I fully understand what I desire from my mate, what things are most important, and what things are dealbreakers. I look at all of these failed relationships as stepping stones to prepare me for my forever. I’m still open to dates and meeting new people. I’m just not rushing it.

“I don’t think this is working. We moved too fast. When are you coming to get your stuff and drop off the key?” After my text, I got no reply, no call, nothing.

Elle Noir’s

I asked Johnathan what he knew about me. He replied, “I know when you love or care about someone, you show it.” Wow, that’s it? Do y’all know how many late-night conversations we’ve had? Of course, you do, because I told you about it last time! I realized that he never asked me about myself because he did most of the talking. I can tell you everything he’s ever told me about himself and his family. That’s when I realized this relationship wasn’t going anywhere. Johnathan is all about himself.

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B/ACE PODCAST

STUDIO

We are proud to announce our new four-person podcast studio space! Available to rent by the hour, the studio offers a wide range of podcasting equipment including Shure Microphones, Rode Pro Mixer, Headphones, Audacity, Pro Tools, and more.

Give us a call at (312) 989-3910 or email us at contact@bacemagazine.com to tell us about your podcast and we will tell you how we can help!

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ADVERTISE WITH US 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 to be successful in the construction trades.

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

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NON-PROFIT AIMS TO HELP CONSTRUCTION WORKERS IN NEED A career in construction can be extremely rewarding. But for African-Americans in the industry, the road to success is often paved with obstacles, including systemic racial bias, that make it more challenging to find work. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has added an extra layer of stress for a large segment of AfricanAmerican tradespeople whose opportunities are increasingly limited as construction projects have slowed down.

When they are between jobs, many of these workers struggle to cover their essential living expenses, leaving them vulnerable to food insecurity and homelessness. All of this can have a devastating impact on the workers and their families.

For the staff at Communities Empowered Through Construction, these stories of struggle were all too common among the population they serve, so they decided to answer the call for help.

Construction Cares is a non-profit organization that was born out of the CEC’s desire to support often overlooked and underserved members of the construction community. Giving these workers a helping hand allows them to focus on finding viable employment opportunities.

“In the construction industry, African-Americans are usually the last hired and the first fired,” said

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Executive Director, Rachel Ivy. “We want to be there to support them when things get tough.”

Construction Cares’ core initiatives include providing financial support, mentoring opportunities, and educational workshops for construction workers in need. Their efforts have ranged from offering rental assistance for needy workers to providing a care basket and gift card for a construction worker who had recently lost three members of her family. Ivy adds that Construction Cares is unique to other support organizations because they are focused on the mental and emotional well-being of this segment of the construction community, something she believes is often overlooked. “People don’t always value mental health. We want to be there to provide mental and emotional support to a group of people who are dealing with a lot of stuff at once,” she said.

www.constructioncare.org

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.�

- Muhammad Ali

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Online Event Gives Participants Tools to Repair Their Records

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Being convicted of a felony often means losing more than freedom. The loss of voting rights, parental rights, and discrimination by potential employers can have implications long after a person serves their time.

This October, Construction Cares partnered with Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. and State Representative Omar Williams to present Know Your Rights. The online event hosted by Cabrini Green Legal Aid was the first in a three-part series designed to help attendees understand the steps they can take to restore some of the rights they lost due to their conviction. The first session covered restoring voting rights, renewing driver’s licenses after revocation or suspension, and expungement of prior convictions.

“WE WANT THEM TO UNDERSTAND THEIR RIGHTS,” IVY SAID. “HAVING A CONVICTION ON YOUR RECORD DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN YOUR LIFE IS OVER.”

Construction Cares Executive Director Rachel Ivy said this information is desperately needed by many in the construction industry who are ready and willing to work but are denied employment because of their backgrounds.

“Many of the individuals we serve are ex-offenders, so we wanted to equip them with the information they need to get a fresh start.” She hopes the series will be a positive step on the road to gainful employment for many underserved members of the construction community.

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MARLON F. Carpenter | Local 58

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FACE OF B/ACE In each issue of B/ACE Magazine, we shine a spotlight on rising stars in the construction industry. Our Faces of B/ACE share their stories of overcoming the odds and trade in their hard hats and tool belts for a more laid-back look.

We wanted to do something special for the last issue of 2020, so we transformed our Faces of B/ACE into characters from some of our favorite iconic Black films. Our Faces got the Hollywood treatment with photoshoots inspired

by Cooley High, the classic 1970s film about a group of high school seniors in Chicago, and Malcolm X, the critically-acclaimed biopic based on the life of the outspoken activist.

Enjoy!

Original Photo

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Marlon Finley has always enjoyed helping young people. His passion for youth development led him to a job with the Boys & Girls Clubs, where he stayed for 18 years. But after a change in leadership forced him out of his position, Finley wondered what was next. His cousin, an electrician, suggested he consider the carpenter’s apprenticeship.

But at age 36, with no prior experience, Finley wondered if he would be able to make it in a new industry.

In the beginning, Finley admits he struggled to keep up with his classmates, most of whom were at least 10 years younger. “I was older than the teacher!” he laughs. Finley says he asked a lot of questions and often annoyed the rest of the group. But his curiosity paid off when he was invited to travel to Las Vegas with a group of outstanding apprentices during his third year.

“It felt great to go from the bottom of the class to a resource for some of the guys. They were actually coming to ask me about getting jobs,” he said.

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Original Photo - Malcolm X

BUILDING A BRIGHT FUTURE

Finley believes one of the benefits of becoming a carpenter later in life is that he’s more mature, which comes in handy in an industry where screaming is often the norm. “If I had gotten into [the trades] when I was younger, my attitude wouldn’t be the same,” he says. He adds that his experience with the Boys & Girls Clubs helped prepare him for some of the politics that can exist on a construction worksite because both jobs require you to maintain relationships to be successful.

“People will tell you that you’ll make $60 an hour, but won’t tell you that you have to get out there and look for that job yourself.”

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Finley says he’s been blessed to have had mentors throughout his life. But he says his mother, who raised nine children on her own, has always been his biggest inspiration. Finley says his mother always made sure he and his siblings never had to worry about where they would sleep or what they would eat. And the fact that all nine of them are alive and working today is a huge testament to her strength. It’s also a reminder to Finley, who is a father of three, that he has a lot to be thankful for. “After watching what she went through, I have no reason to complain,” he says.

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Original Photo - Cooley High

When asked about the future, Finley says he’d like to become a journeyman. He also hopes to eventually be able to combine his trade with his passion for youth development to create an organization that introduces young people to carpentry. Finley says he wants to promote the trades as an alternative to those who may not see college in their future. “Those are the kids I want to help. I want to let them know there’s always something to do,” he says.

When he’s not working, Finley enjoys spending time with his children as well as many of the kids he worked with at the Boys & Girls Club. “When I left, I promised I would never leave them, no matter what,” he says. But when he wants to get away from it all, he heads to the section of his house where he’s set up his own music studio. “I used to rap,” he says. But the self-described music lover says he’s not crazy about any of the music on the radio these days. “I listen to today’s music to see where the kids are, but I’m like, ‘Y’all messed music up,’” he laughs.

“THERE ARE SO MANY CARPENTERS I KNOW WHO HAVE LOST THEIR HOUSES.” Finley’s advice to anyone interested in carpentry is to save money to prepare for times when you may be out of work.

“There are so many carpenters I know who have lost their houses,” he says. “People will tell you that you’ll make $60 an hour, but won’t tell you that you have to get out there and look for that job yourself.”

And when you are working, Finley says it’s important to work hard and be safe on the job site. “Carpentry is not like a regular job. You have to find your way quickly, and you have to have thick skin because there’s always going to be screaming and yelling. You just have to bust your butt because if not, you can end up out of a job,” he says.

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Face of B/ACE

Tremain Leggans

Union Carpenter Local 141

We produced the summer issue of B/ACE during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Our restrictions forced us to improvise, and as a result, our Summer Face of B/ACE did not have a photoshoot with his story. Because we couldn’t end the year without giving Tremain Leggans his chance to shine, we are proud to share his photos in our Winter 2020 issue.

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TREMAIN LEGGANS

MARSHALL LIVE HARD

FIGHT HARDER

Tremain’s shoot was inspired by Marshall, a film about the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall. We couldn’t think of a better way to feature Tremain and pay tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, who brilliantly portrayed Justice Marshall in the film.

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New Year, New You There’s nothing like starting the new year with a new look. And changing your hair color is one of the easiest ways to give yourself a gorgeous style reboot. We asked stylist Oluchi Zelda of Prana for Hair Salon in Chicago to share her tips on how to walk into 2021 with hair color that is sure to turn heads. According to Zelda, you never need a reason to change your hair color, but events like a graduation, a 30th birthday, or a breakup are always great excuses to update your do.

When it comes to color, don’t be afraid to go bold. And according to Zelda, brighter is better. “If you’ve been thinking about getting that silver or green, now is the time,” she says. You can’t go wrong with pops of pink, like a soft, feminine rose quartz or a dusty mauve. Or play with a variety of vivids to create an eye-popping holographic look.

But if you’re strictly going for gray coverage, Zelda recommends trying deeper colors like chocolate, cinnamon, or eggplant. She says the only rule is that there are no rules. So don’t let things like your age or complexion

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limit the colors you’re willing to try. “I have a client who’s 67-years-old and has sky blue hair. Anything you can rock with confidence looks good on you.”

Before you commit to your color, Zelda stresses the importance of a consultation appointment with your stylist. Use this time to ask questions and check out pictures to find hair colors that inspire you. If you don’t want to have to return to the salon too often, choose colors that blend well with your natural hair as it grows out, which should give you 3 to 6 months between touch-ups.

Those with more vivid color may find themselves coming back every 4 to 6 weeks. “It all depends on how much grow-out you can stand,” she says.

Oluchi Zelda

Follow Oluchi on Instagram - @oluchizelda and @pranaforhair

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“Stylists are finding creative ways to work with clients, so there is no excuse to have bad hair.�

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traditionally formulated for natural or highly textured hair. Instead, she recommends letting a professional mix a color that is right for your hair type. She warns that using box color products at home can potentially leave your hair damaged beyond repair.

Budget-conscious beauties can follow their favorite hairstylists on Instagram or YouTube to get expert color tips. She adds that some stylists will allow you to schedule Zoom appointments. For less than the cost of an in-person visit, the stylist will walk you through mixing and applying your color virtually. “Stylists are finding creative ways to work with clients, so there is no excuse to have bad hair,” Zelda says.

Between color treatments, Zelda advises her clients to maintain the health of their hair at home. She recommends regular deep conditioning treatments with a protein component and adds that oils should be used sparingly on the scalp only. Heat styling should be kept to a minimum on color-treated hair. But Zelda says a general rule of thumb is that darker hair handles heat better. Highlight blondes should do their best to avoid direct heat altogether and opt for a roller set instead. “I don’t allow my clients to go past 275 [degrees] on the flat iron,” Zelda says.

Color treatments can be pricey, but Zelda says she discourages her clients from attempting a DIY dye job. “I always tell people that for chemical, cut, or color, you should rely on a professional.”

Zelda stresses that box hair colors aren’t

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Horizon

Project on the

F

ulton Labs is a best-in-class laboratory facility currently under construction at 400 N. Aberdeen in Chicago’s Fulton Market. With delivery in Q1 2022, the 423,454-square-foot building will span 16 floors, including 12 floors of advanced wet and dry lab space. Fulton Labs is designed to offer researchers the flexibility needed to drive innovation with features like column-free and longspan layouts and lab space that meets VC-A vibration criteria with robust mechanical and electrical systems. In addition to single-tenant configurations, the facility will feature a shared incubator space led by Portal Innovations, designed for life science start-ups that need a place to begin their operations and scale accordingly.

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400 N. Aberdeen

400 N. Aberdeen

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BUILDING BETTER

Businesses An Interview with Roddric W. Sims, Founder & CEO, Sims Coaching Group

R

oddric Sims’ resume is an impressive list of roles in sales, management, and recruiting. But after 20 years in Corporate America, he realized he was happier helping others than achieving success on his own. A coaching position at State Farm led to countless conversations with potential business owners about whether or not entrepreneurship was the right fit. Those conversations inspired him to write The 4 Es of Entrepreneurship, his guide to embarking upon the journey to successful business ownership.

And when an opportunity came for him to leave his job in 2018, Sims took his severance package and set out to launch a business of his own.

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Today, Sims Coaching Group focuses on supporting entrepreneurs through coaching, consulting, and community. His straight-shooting direct approach with his clients earned him the nickname, The Reality Coach. We asked him to share some of his expert advice on achieving personal and professional success.

“I had been giving people advice on entrepreneurship, so I thought it was time for me to take my own advice,� he says.

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Why do you need a business coach?

Starting a business isn’t cheap, and failing can be even more expensive. Nearly 50 percent of businesses fail after the first three years. Having a coach can increase your odds of being successful. A business coach is a thought partner who will give you perspective. They’ll make sure you set realistic goals, help you put together a plan to achieve them, and provide objective feedback.

What does it take to be a successful business owner?

After coaching over 3,000 entrepreneurs, I’ve identified three things they need for long term success. You need a strong work ethic because being an entrepreneur is a 24/7

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responsibility. You have to be able to multitask because depending on the type of business you start, you’ll have to do sales, marketing, accounting, and collections. And you have to be disciplined. Success is based on routine and habit. There’s no way around it.

How do you know if your business idea is a good one?

Some people say you should start a business that you’re passionate about.

But the thing you’re passionate about is usually your hobby. And when you have to do it all of the time and your income depends on it, that hobby becomes your primary driver of stress. Also, even if your business is something you love,

everyone else may not love it. If you’re making a significant investment of your time and money, you should have an objective opinion about your idea. That’s where a coach can help.

You have to know where the opportunities for success are. Businesses need to provide a solution for something people either can’t do or don’t want to do themselves. For example, cleaning companies are a good idea right now, because as the economy reopens, people are going to want their spaces cleaned regularly.

I’ve heard about tradespeople doing home repairs online. If someone can’t come out to and repair your toilet, they’ll show you how to do it online. Or customers can pay a flat fee to access a tutorial video. You just have to be creative.

Should you go into business with a friend or family member?

You need to be cautious. Before you bring on a partner, you should establish a unified vision for the business. You also need to consider that if the business fails, you could potentially lose the relationship. I’ve seen people get divorced or ruin a relationship with a family member because a business didn’t work out.

“Evaluate your marketing plan to make sure you have a strategy to retain customers.”

What advice do you have for people who want to give their business a boost during this time?

You’re in survival mode right now. And if you can survive this time, you could be very successful as things reopen. Use the time to get to know your community and let them know where you are.

Your loyal customers will want to help you stay in business. You should also look at your budget and purge unnecessary expenses. Evaluate your marketing plan to make sure you have a strategy to retain customers. It’s always easier to get a customer to return than to acquire a new one.

When customers think about the product or service you provide, you want them to think about you first. Your business needs to stand out in the blizzard of information that is out there.

What is your vision for Sims Coaching Group?

I started this business because I believe in economic development for our Black communities. Strong communities have thriving small business districts. You can see examples around the city in neighborhoods like Beverly and Hyde Park. We need successful businesses that can hire locally and keep the money circulating in the community. This business is a way for me to earn a living for myself and help produce more quality businesses in my community.

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SUBCONTRACTOR YOU SHOULD KNOW Herman Lofton has been in Chicago real estate for 18 years, a business he says he was drawn to because he wanted to be his own boss. After finishing school, the West Side native worked in construction until he was introduced to real estate investment, where he has been buying, rehabbing, and selling properties around the city ever since.

S

tarting out, Lofton says there was a learning curve.

His inexperience led him to overpay for materials until he learned the ins and outs of the business. And just six months after getting started, Lofton faced one of his biggest setbacks when his business took a hit due to the economic crisis of 2008. As a result, he says he learned not to overextend himself and buy too much property at once. Because even if the property is vacant, you will still be responsible for taxes and other expenses, which can become costly over time. “I tell people to take on one project at a time until you get your capital together. Then you can do more. Just take it step by step,” he says.

Location is one of the most important factors Lofton says he considers when buying a property.

He suggests looking at the prices of comparable properties in an area to help you determine whether or not a project will be profitable after you invest in the rehab work. Lofton says even if you have to lower the price of your property once it’s

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on the market, you should still make a profit. “The minimum profit you should expect is $40,000 for each property to make it worth your time,” he says.

Lofton’s construction background is helpful when it’s time for rehab. But if you aren’t handy, he suggests looking for construction workers on the job in the area. “If you see people around rehabbing, stop in, and ask to see their work. Let them know you have some projects coming up and that you might have jobs for them,” he says.

These days, Lofton says he’s more interested in buying and selling properties than being a landlord. “You have to deal with too many personalities when you’re trying to collect rent from people.” But if you are planning to rent your property, Lofton recommends doing background checks to get as much information as possible on potential tenants. “Don’t just go off of their word.”

“If you see people around rehabbing, stop in, and ask to see their work. Let them know you have some projects coming up and that you might have jobs for them.”

Although real estate has its challenges, Lofton is confident that he’s in the business for the long haul. “There’s never really a bad time to buy real estate. It’s never going anywhere. Real estate will be here forever.”

Lofton says the best business advice he’s ever received is to maintain your integrity, something that is extremely important to him. “My motto is be the best you can be and stay ahead of the game. That’s what I try to do,” he says.

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In 2017, Aleida Lynn ended a toxic marriage that left her spiritually and emotionally broken. But after a period of deep self-reflection and therapy, Lynn was able to repair her self-esteem, strengthen her relationship with God, and begin to cultivate a healthier life. Now she wants to help others.

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Lynn interviews women who have been through toxic relationships for her podcast, My Love Life, Rebranded. Her guests include coaches, authors, and healers, who share powerful stories of reclaiming their lives.

We spoke with Lynn about her journey and the message she wants to share with other women.

How did you get into this space?

I’ve always had a passion for helping women heal. But it took on a whole new meaning for me after I went through an emotionally abusive marriage with someone with narcissistic personality traits. When I got out of that relationship and started my healing journey, I realized how many other women were hurting silently.

What did it take for you to leave your relationship?

I hit rock bottom. I didn’t know it then, but I was depressed. And even though I was going through a divorce, I found myself in more toxic relationships. Eventually, I realized there was a serious problem. I found a therapist who specialized in trauma and attachment, who helped me get to the root of why I made some of the choices I did. And that’s when things really started to change.

What do you think attracted you to these toxic relationships?

There is a generational pattern of abuse and dysfunction in my family. My father wasn’t around.

And my mother dealt with her own trauma, so she wasn’t very affectionate or affirming. I understand her story and don’t hold anything against her. But I was left with a lack of self-love, which is at the root of all of my issues. I was a perfect candidate to end up with an abusive personality.

What does a Soul Prosperity Coach do?

I’m a woman of faith, so it’s based on 3 John 1:2, which says, “I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” I want to help women prosper from the inside out. Because once you prosper internally, everything else lines up. It starts with how you see yourself and knowing what your purpose is.

A big part of what I do is advocate for more awareness around narcissistic abuse. People usually associate physical abuse with domestic violence. But there are many different types of abuse. Narcissistic abuse is more emotional and psychological.

I help women get to the core of their issues. I’m not a therapist, so I can only go so far. But I create a safe environment for them to process things. We work on learning to be content with being alone. Because when you begin to love yourself in the ways you were expecting a man to, you won’t tolerate abusive people. You’re filled up with God’s love and self-love.

Anything else is extra. And when you get involved in a relationship, it will be healthier.

Do you think the fear of being alone makes some people tolerate toxic relationships?

We can become addicted to toxic people and behaviors. But you have to break that cycle. I took nine months without dating anyone and used that time to

get intentional about my healing.

I cut my hair, started working out and eating right. I went to therapy every week. And when I came out of that period, I felt like I was ready to date. Now I’ve found healthy love with an amazing person. Once you do your work, you can attract healthy individuals into your life.

What are a few of the signs that you are in an unhealthy relationship?

Know your boundaries.

If someone is testing or overstepping them, that’s a huge sign. Also, beware of someone trying to move things along too quickly. Pay attention to how a person communicates about past relationships. People who have healed can usually take accountability at the end of a relationship. But if they’re always blaming the other person and all of their exes are crazy, that’s a sign.

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A lot of your advice involves being still and looking within. But that can be tough for a woman who is juggling work, kids, and other responsibilities. How can you find time to do the work that’s necessary to heal?

When I was doing this, I was a single, working mom. If something is important to you, make it a priority.

Start by scheduling one hour a week and meet with a therapist or just sit down and meditate and pray. It’s not easy, but it’s so worth it. And it can change the trajectory of your life.

You mentioned that therapy helped you. But people of color can be reluctant to seek help from a therapist.

What advice would you give them?

There’s such a stigma within the Black community. But you find therapy in one form or another, even if you’re talking to a friend. We need that outlet because holding things in is unhealthy. So why not work things out with someone who understands emotions and trauma? It doesn’t mean you’re crazy. I think I’ll always have my therapist’s number handy, just because life happens [laughs].

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What’s in your future?

Right now, I’m working with women one-on-one.

But I’d like to help more women through e-courses and group coaching. I would love to do a full-length documentary focusing on recovery. I just want to reach as many women as possible and help them heal.

Follow Aleida Lynn on Instagram @thebestyounetwork

Leave a little sparkle wherever you go

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NEIGHBORHOOD

Spotlight

Garfield Park Community Council Breathes Life into an Underserved West Side Community Garfield Park is a close-knit community on Chicago’s West Side. The neighborhood has a rich history, stunning architecture, and is home to 184-acre Garfield Park, the site of one of the largest plant conservatories in the United States. But since the late 1960s, the area has been plagued by poverty. Looting in the wake of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. devastated the already struggling community and led to a mass exodus of businesses and middle-class residents.

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Garfield Park

But today, a coalition of neighborhood residents and supporters is preparing the area for a comeback. The Garfield Park Community Council is working to revitalize the community by improving conditions around housing, business development, wellness, and public safety. We spoke with Executive Director Mike Tomas about the GPCC’s mission and his vision for the future of the neighborhood.

A product of Chicago’s Northwest suburbs, Tomas has been with the Garfield Park Community Council since 2005. Before assuming the Executive Director role, he spent time in San Francisco, working on social justice issues in Black and Latinx communities. Now, he’s rolling up his sleeves to help develop a comprehensive community plan for the city’s West Side.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it challenging for the GPCC to maintain its normal level of community outreach, but they have done their best to provide support to Garfield Park residents during this challenging time, including providing rental assistance to needy families.

According to Tomas, one of the GPCC’s top priorities is bringing commerce to the neighborhood, which is lacking many essential businesses like grocery stores and banks. Tomas describes Garfield Park as a donut hole, forcing residents to travel outside to neighboring communities for the goods and

services they need. “We need the bare essentials. The laundromat moved out of the community. Now residents have to take a bus or walk a mile to wash their clothes,” he says.

“And when we tried to convince another nearby laundromat to move into the space, the owner just got a van to bring people to his existing location.”

Although Garfield Park is conveniently located near the Eisenhower Expressway and the CTA’s Green and Blue Lines, the area’s income levels and crime statistics often discourage new businesses from coming into the area. “The annual income level is $25,000 to $30,000 for half of our residents. When businesses look at the kind of money people have here, they don’t see an opportunity,” Tomas says. But he adds that while Garfield Park does need to work on bringing its crime rates down, the negative stats can be more of a perception than reality. “I tried to get 7-11 here years ago. They said because they are a 24hour business model, they consider homicide rates, and that ours was too high. But another neighborhood they were moving to, had the same homicide rate as ours, just more white people,” he says.

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The GPCC’s work is a careful balancing act. As they work on improving conditions in Garfield Park, they want to make sure the current residents aren’t left behind. Revitalization often comes at the expense of long-time residents who are priced out of the area due to rising housing costs and property taxes. Tomas says they are working with various community stakeholders to develop a plan that works for everyone.

“We’ve formed a housing coalition which includes local residents and organizations. We worked with researchers from DePaul University and a regional planning group to develop an affordability blueprint,” he says.

The GPCC has also formed strategic partnerships to educate Garfield Park residents on ways they can bring valuable resources to the neighborhood. Under the leadership of Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI) and Dr. Donald Dew, the GPCC joined forced with nearly 30 community groups across the city as part of the Counting on Chicago Coalition. The group focused on outreach to residents on the importance of completing the 2020 census.

“We told people that this is the easiest way to try to bring resources back to the neighborhood to help out with health clinics, after school programs, and food programs,” he says.

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The GPCC has received a great deal of input from community residents, but Tomas admits that not everyone shares the same longterm vision for Garfield Park. Some long-term residents believe higher-income residents will attract new businesses and resources to the area. Others argue that an influx of higherincome residents will only drive housing costs up, and make the case for more affordable housing instead.

“We’re not a monolithic neighborhood,” Tomas says. “But we’re excited to work with the city and our elected officials to lay out a vision for housing development in the neighborhood.

“We’re not all going to agree, but hopefully we can find a compromise that includes both market-rate and affordable housing that the entire community can get behind,” he says.

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L O O K

Style Station

B / A C E

B O O K

While we’re all hanging out at home, there’s no excuse for slacking on style. If you’re looking to update your wardrobe, there’s nothing better than items that can do double duty. Pieces that work well whether you’re staying in or going out give you more bang for your buck and make it easier to transition from dinner and drinks to Netflix and chill.

Our team put together looks with their favorite double-duty pieces to give you a little style inspiration.

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Rachel - Editor In Chief When I saw this duster and the amazingly soft pants and shirt, I fell in love! I can look cute and be comfortable around the house, then zip out to run some errands with these sassy sneakers. Or I can dress it up a bit for work with these sassy boots.

Chuck Taylor All Star 70 Metallic High Top Sneaker

SCHUTZ Women’s Zara High Block-Heel Booties

Luxe Lounge Wear

This cute purse with the seasonal plaid makes the perfect holiday shopping companion.

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Angela - Director of Communication I love a simple going out look that works for a day at the museum or drinks with friends. I start with basic pieces and add a pop of bling with my accessories to make a statement.

Shelly Sequined Clutch

Pants Spanx - Faux Leather Leggings

All Saints Sarris Heeled Leather Boots

Sequin Cami

Velvet Tuxedo Jacket

OUT LOOK

Gold Onyx Locket Double Chain Necklace Set

Black Wool Fedora

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IN LOOK

Bag UGG Krystal Puffer Tote

Shoes Adidas Superstar Bold Shoes Magenta

Top Sweaty Betty Adventurer Hoodie

Pants Spanx - Faux Leather Leggings

Nothing beats a pair of leggings and a hoodie for a look that’s super comfy and cute. An all-black outfit is always easy to pull together. I added a pop of pink with my shoes and bag to make a statement.

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Victor - Art Director

The Hoodie Style A hoodie may not be the most fashion-forward item in your wardrobe, but it is one of the most comfortable and practical. As such, the warm and loose-fitting garment is a modern menswear staple that every gent should own.

Indoor Look

Heavyweight Fleece Hoodie

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Wool Cashmere Jogger

Outdoor Look

H o o d i e

w i t h

B l a z e r

Bershka cargo pants with trim detail in black

Grey Suede OCA HIGH

Kenneth Cole Men’s Tech Blazer with Removable Full-Zip Hoodie

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LaFrancis - Talent Coordinator If you are lounging around the house, a T-shirt and sweats are cool. If you have to go out to the store, just throw on some gym shoes along with the cardigan and you’re good to go. Want to be comfortable but still fly? Put a fitted tank or tee under your cardigan with a pair of boots and you’re ready to kick it with the crew!

Indoor Look

Outdoor Look

NIKE AIR MAX 270

WOMEN’S FLEECE JOGGER PANTS - ALL IN MOTION

WOMEN’S COZY LIGHTWEIGHT FLEECE CARDIGAN GALWAY BLACK LEATHER STEVE MADDEN

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Are you a Wardrobe Stylist, Boutique Owner, or Fashion Designer?

WE WANT TO SHOWCASE YOUR COLLECTION Email us at contact@bacemagazine.com

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Making The Grade

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and prevent students from falling behind. She adds that her school is doing its best to reach out to the school community during this difficult time and praises the school’s social worker for keeping families connected to the school while they are away from the building.

Whether they’re learning in person, online, or a combination of the two, school looks a lot different for kids across the country this year.

As COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc, 11 of the 50 largest school districts in the country have implemented a fully remote learning model as of October. Schools and families have had to work together to make sure kids continue to learn from home, and everyone is feeling the impact. Teachers have had to find creative ways to engage kids online, parents have to manage the demands of their careers while supporting their children’s e-learning, and kids have had to adjust to more time in front of the screen and less time with friends.

school since Kindergarten.

As a working mother of two elementary school-aged children, I’ve had my share of frustrations about e-learning. I don’t regret keeping my 8 and 10-year-old at home this year, but I didn’t anticipate the toll it would take on my entire family. When we were thrust into the virtual learning environment last spring, we were all looking forward to a break from our chaotic daily routine. I couldn’t wait to enjoy the quick commute to the makeshift classroom we’d set up in the dining room.

And my kids were excited about the idea of sleeping in and not having to wear their uniforms.

I spoke with Dee, a marketing professional and mom of a 9-year-old, who says she knows her son is missing out by not being in the school building. “He’s an only child, so he isn’t getting to interact with any other kids,” she says. “I used to have strict rules around screen time, but at the end of the day, I don’t even have the energy to try to enforce them anymore.” Dee feels that her son is not getting the attention he needs in a virtual learning environment and that her demanding job won’t allow her to fill in the gaps. She’s worried that he will start fourth grade behind the rest of his classmates.

But as the months wear on and the future is uncertain, cracks are beginning to develop in our rosy outlook. I’ve struggled to manage the responsibilities of my job while making sure my kids are keeping up with their classwork.

My fifth-grader misses her friends and the perks that come with being in her last year of elementary school. And my third-grader is missing out on the speech therapy sessions that have helped him manage his anxiety at

But Tinisa Huff, principal at Betsy Ross Elementary School in Forest Park, IL, is a little more optimistic. “Based on our district-wide assessment in the fall, very few students have suffered any learning loss. Most students are where they were academically when the school buildings closed in March of last year,” she said. Huff says her school will use the data from the assessment to differentiate instruction

I know our situation isn’t unique. I know that a lack of access to high-speed internet and learning devices is disproportionately impacting the Black community and making virtual learning nearly impossible for some families. And I know that cities and towns across the country are being forced to come up with their own solutions without support and guidance from the federal government. So I wanted to talk to teachers and other parents about how they’ve been coping in this digital learning environment.

Parents may be stressed out by the new learning model, but Huff says it’s important to remember that your kids are dealing with stress of their own. She says parents should be supportive and allow children to talk about their feelings. “Be patient. Don’t expect that remote learning will look like a typical school day,” she says.

Lastly, Huff encourages parents to remember that your children’s teachers are being asked to do something that has never been done before. Keep the lines of communication open and view them as partners in your child’s education. “It wouldn’t hurt to thank the teachers for all they are doing. Virtual lessons take more time to plan, and can be more difficult for teachers who aren’t techsavvy,” she says.

I don’t know what the future will look like, but I’m preparing to accept that some form of virtual learning may become part of our new normal. This experience has given me a new appreciation for teachers, and made me wish I’d paid more attention in math class.

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YEAR IN REVIEW

2020 COMPLETED PROJECTS WEST END ON FULTON

Old Cook County Hospital Transforms Into Hyatt Hotel

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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Hyatt House and Hyatt Place have officially opened inside the centuryold building at 1835 W. Harrison St. The dual-branded hotel features 210 rooms, a fitness center, and event space.

LATHROP HOMES Julia C. Lathrop Homes, built in 1937 and recognized as one of the earliest public housing projects in the country, underwent a multiphase redevelopment. A significant element of the redevelopment work included new site infrastructure, the preservation of the “Great Lawn,” and the revitalization of the river’s edge along the Chicago River, including the development of a boat ramp. The redevelopment was led by Related Midwest, and stands as a model for a mix of affordable and market rate residential units, thus contributing to the development’s income and racial diversity.

333 N. GREEN 333 N. Green is a new 19-story, creative office and retail building. The building is composed of approximately 29,000 SF of grade level retail space along Green, Wayman, and Halsted Streets, 537,000 SF of office space, and a 326-space parking structure. The building features unparalleled amenities that include a sky deck overlooking the city, a gaming area, full-service fitness center, and a host of other tenant “lust-worthy amenities.”

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TRADE TALK:

RON CALHOUN UNION PIPEFITTER Ron Calhoun is a proud union pipefitter, but he didn’t always know much about the trades.

The West Side native dreamt of becoming an attorney and a federal agent, and he knew that meant he would have to go to college.

After graduating from Lincoln Park High School, he went on to Triton College. Of his parents’ three sons, Calhoun says he caused the least amount of trouble, but he admits that he didn’t always apply himself in high school.

At Triton, he was able to turn things around and surprised everyone when he made the Dean’s List in his first year. He took his good grades to Southern Illinois University in search of a typical college campus experience, but all of the freedom in Carbondale caused his grades to take a dip. “I went to SIU and had a ball,” he said. He went back again the following year and got the same result. So Calhoun made the difficult decision to come home and get a job.

Back in Chicago, Calhoun spent five years in retail sales at Foot Action before heading to California to work with his cousin, an HVAC technician for a company that produced water chillers for the printing press industry. It was Calhoun’s first exposure to the trades, so he worked closely with his cousin. “It was like an apprenticeship because he taught me on the job,” he says. “I didn’t know it at the time, but I was doing non-union pipefitting.” One year later, Calhoun was laid-off, and he made his way back to Chicago one more time.

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Calhoun set out to find work for himself and his younger brother, whose troubled background had hindered his ability to get hired. His search led him to a program that helped people of color find work in the trades. The four-month curriculum prepared participants for the aptitude tests required for trade apprenticeship programs. The prep helped, and Calhoun received offers to participate in both the pipefitters and plumbers’ apprenticeship programs.

Calhoun was eager to start with the pipefitters but says he faced some challenges in a new industry dominated by young white men.

“Out of 150 people in my apprenticeship class, there were three women and a few Latino men. I was one of only three AfricanAmerican men,” he says. But Calhoun says starting later in life made it easier to handle some of the difficult aspects of the job, like waking up early to be on a job site. “Once I got accepted to that program, I knew there was no way I wasn’t going to finish,” he says.

have created many opportunities for him. “It changed my life in more ways than one, and all for the good,” he says. “I don’t just have a job, I have a career that I can take anywhere in the world.”

Calhoun recently accepted an in-house position with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, the agency responsible for removing the impurities from soiled water and releasing it back into the Chicago River. “I’m still a pipefitter, but I’m doing more maintenance work now,” he says.

Calhoun says he loves the stability of having a guaranteed paycheck, something that isn’t always guaranteed when you work for a contractor. “I’m going to retire here. It’s kind of like winning the lottery,” he says. “Water is an essential part of everyday living, just like electricity, it’s not going anywhere.”

Calhoun says his instructors were always supportive and willing to help. He says he left the apprenticeship experience with a quality education and skills, like welding, that

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GENERAL CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR ONNI GROUP

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CEC salutes the following subcontractors who have continued to hire and sponsor new candidates during the pandemic. We appreciate your commitment to keeping construction workers employed during this difficult time.

Adjustable Form Concrete Bennett & Brosseau Roofing II and One Construction Construction Cleaning Company (ONNI) Great Lakes Plumbing Riteway-Huggins Construction Kole Construction Brightview Landscaping McHugh DW- Mechanical Norman Mechanical Christy Webber UnionBlu

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Ideas for a Fun and Safe Holiday Celebration

PUTTING THE “NEW” IN NEW YEAR’S EVE

This year has come with lots of changes and challenges.

But we still have a reason to celebrate and be optimistic about 2021. We’ve come up with many creative ways to celebrate one another this year, including socially distant birthday parties, baby showers, graduations, and weddings. So, bringing in the new year should be the same, if not even more unique. Whether you decide to do it alone, with a special someone, or with a few close friends and family, you can create an amazing New Year’s Party, even during a pandemic. Just be sure to plan ahead and buy your materials early.

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Here are a few ideas to say goodbye to 2020 and bring in 2021 with a bang. No matter where you live, all of these ideas can fit your situation. Who says you can’t party at home during a pandemic?

You don’t have to cancel the New Year’s Eve toast.

With the help of your favorite winery or local wine shop, you can host a virtual wine tasting for a group of friends.

Beringer Wines will help you pull off a fabulous event. Just send them your guest list, and they will ship the wines and provide a virtual host for your party. Go to www.beringer.com for more information.

Was there a place you wanted to travel this year but couldn’t? Set up your own virtual New Year’s party based on a travel setting. Encourage your guests to set up their own themed backdrop for the virtual event. And if you want to take it to the next level, asks your guests to dress the part.

Celebrate with a bonfire in the backyard with sparklers and fireworks, if permitted.

Plan a staycation with your significant other at a nice hotel in your town.

Check online travel sites like Orbitz and Travelocity for the best deals. Find out if your hotel has any dinner or drink specials for the holiday, or order in from one of your favorite local restaurants.

Jam out and host a virtual karaoke party where you and your guests sing your favorite songs.

Dress up and have a catered hibachi dinner at home with chefs and sake.

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Happy

Holidays Happy Holidays from all of us at B/ACE Magazine and Communities Empowererd Through Construction