Citizen Suburban Times Weekly 5-29-2024

Embrace the Fearless Spirit, with Karina Brez Feather Ear Cuffs

Jacqui Pitman is the Golden Casting Director

ILLINOIS LAUNCHES SUMMER FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Gov. JB Pritzker announces the launch of a new summer nutrition program for school-age children during a news conference at Enos Elementary in Springfield. (CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS PHOTO BY PETER HANCOCK)

New state laws taking effect Jan. 1

Minimum wage hike, pets in public housing among new changes

Illinois launches summer food assistance program

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

BY PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

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SPRINGFIELD – Minimum wage workers in Illinois will see a boost in their hourly pay to $12 per hour starting Jan. 1, while tenants in affordable housing units will be allowed to keep pets.

Those are just some of the more than 300 new laws that take effect in the new year.

families can receive $120 per child for groceries in summer

The minimum wage increase is actually the result of a 2019 law that phases in a state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025. This year, it will increase by one dollar to $12 an hour.

tenants to keep pets is the result of Senate Bill 154, by Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora, and Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego. It provides that tenants of multifamily housing units that are acquired, built or renovated with money from the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund may keep up to two cats or one dog weighing less than 50 pounds. It applies to residents of housing units that are designated as affordable housing for low- and very-lowincome families. The bill passed both chambers in its final form on May 30 and Gov. JB Pritzker signed it into law Aug. 6.

BY PETER HANCOCK CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS PHANCOCK@CAPITOLNEWSILLINOIS.COM

SPRINGFIELD – The state is launching a new program to provide food assistance during the summer for families with children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals at school.

Gov. JB Pritzker joined other state officials and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Thursday to announce that Illinois will take part in the federally funded Summer EBT program, which provides qualifying families with a one-time benefit of $120 per child that can be used to buy groceries during the summer months.

Speaking at a predominantly low-income elementary school in Springfield, Pritzker said it’s important all year long to ensure that children have enough food to eat.

Other new laws include:

“Food insecurity is absolutely detrimental to a child’s development,” he said. It impacts academic performance, social function, and mental and physical health.”

free or reduced-price meals at school. That means they must come from households with incomes at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level – $47,767 for a family of three, or $57,720 for a family of four.

According to the most recent state report card from the Illinois State Board of Education, 49 percent of all students in Illinois public schools meet that criteria.

There is no citizenship requirement for the program and Summer EBT is not considered under the public charge rule of U.S. immigration law.

Children will be automatically enrolled if they have been enrolled on or after July 1, 2023, in either the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP; income-eligible Medicaid; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF; or the state’s Youth in Care or foster care system.

The law allowing public housing

Vehicle taxes: SB58 raises the private vehicle tax, which is a sales tax paid on the purchase of vehicles, by $75 for each model year where the purchase price is less than $15,000 and by $100 for vehicles priced above that amount. However, the registration fee for trailers weighing less than 3,000 pounds will drop to $36 instead of $118.

Pritzker noted the program began as a “stop-gap” measure to address the needs of low-income families with school-age children during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many school buildings were forced to close.

The program proved so successful in helping alleviate child hunger that Congress acted in 2022 to make it permanent. This summer will mark the first under the new, permanent authority.

Families who do not take part in those programs but who may qualify under the income guidelines can also apply through a school that takes part in the National School Lunch Program.

Qualifying families will receive the money in the form of an electronic benefits transfer, or EBT card, known in Illinois as a Link card. For families already enrolled in the SNAP or TANF programs, the $120 per-child benefit will be loaded onto their existing Link card. Others will receive a new card in the mail from the Illinois Department of Human Services.

According to the state’s Summer EBT website, the 2024 benefits will be distributed in late summer.

Darrell Garth President / Publisher

Darrell President / Publisher

Darrell

Garth President / Publisher

“Summer EBT is evidence-based, meaning we know it works,” said Stacy Dean, deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition, and consumer services at USDA, which funds the program. “It’s been tested, piloted, and gone through rigorous research to show that it reduces hunger and increases the intake of nutritious foods (for) the kids who participate.”

The program is open to children who are also eligible for

Janice Garth

Janice

Janice

Garth Sales Manager/General Manager

Garth Sales Manager/ General Manager

Sales Manager/General Manager

College admissions: HB226, establishing the Higher Education Fair Admissions Act, prohibits public colleges and universities from requiring applicants to submit SAT, ACT or other standardized test scores as part of the admissions process, although prospective students may choose to submit them if they wish.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.

CST Weekly, published weekly on Wednesdays and distributed in the Township of Bloom, (publishing 52 issues annually). W ritten permission is required to reproduce contents in whole or part from the General manager or the publisher CST Weekly does not assume the responsibility for nor are we able to return unsolicited marterials. Deadline for advertising is every Monday at noon. For information on subscriptions or advertising call us at (773) 783-1251. Our office is located at 8741 S. Greenwood Ave., Ste# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

CST Weekly,published weekly on Wednesdays and distributed in the Township of Bloom, (publishing 52 issuesannually). W ritten permission isrequired to reproduce contents inwholeor part from the Generalmanager or the publisher CST Weekly does not assume the responsibilityfor nor are weable to return unsolicited marterials. Deadline for advertising is everyMonday at noon. For information on subscriptions oradvertising call us at (773)783-1251. Our office is locatedat 8741S. Greenwood Ave., Ste# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

CST Weekly,published weekly on Wednesdays and distributed in the Township of Bloom, (publishing 52 issuesannually). W ritten permission isrequired to reproduce contents inwholeor part from the Generalmanager or the publisher CST Weekly does not assume the responsibilityfor nor are weable to return unsolicited marterials. Deadline for advertising is everyMonday at noon. For information on subscriptions oradvertising call us at (773)783-1251. Our office is locatedat 8741S. Greenwood Ave., Ste# 107, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

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Drug prices: SB1682 requires pharmacies to post a notice informing consumers that they may request current pharmacy retail prices at the point of sale.

FOID card changes: HB562 enacts several changes to the Firearm Owner Identification card law. Among other things, it provides for a streamlined renewal process for FOID cards and Concealed Carry Licenses for people who voluntarily submit fingerprint records. It also allows the Illinois State Police to issue a combined FOID card and Concealed Carry License to qualified applicants, and it establishes a new Violent Crime Intelligence Task Force to take enforcement action against people with revoked FOID cards.

Oak Lawn, Ill. – Six Advocate Health Care hospitals, including Advocate Christ Medical Center, have been nationally recognized as leaders in advancing maternity and postpartum care by Newsweek and Statista Inc., a statistics portal and industry ranking provider. This distinction reflects the safe, high-quality care parents and their newborns can expect from our compassionate physicians, nurses, and teammates.

“Our dedicated group of experts understand the importance of supporting expectant parents through one of the most memorable moments in their lives,” said Dr. Ann Windsor, vice president of the women’s health service line at Advocate Health Care. “This prestigious honor is a testament to our commitment to providing safe, high-quality care where parents can feel empowered and well-informed.”

Advocate Health Care hospitals named among best for maternity care

The other Advocate hospitals on America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2024 list are:

Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital

Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Advocate Condell Medical Center

Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital

Advocate Health Care hospitals offer comprehensive services for new and expecting parents, including state-of-the-art birthing suites, on-site lactation consultants and classes, support groups for families, and more. These services allow our team to ensure new parents have the best experience possible during this special postpartum period.

to the appropriate school support personnel.

Advocate Christ Medical Center and other Advocate hospitals receiving the honor emerged among the top performers in the country after excelling in three key areas: patient satisfaction, performance data, and surveys.

Official flags: HB605 requires state agencies and institutions to purchase Illinois and American flags that are made in the United States.

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Student mental health: HB576 and SB1577 allow students in Illinois up to five excused absences to attend to their mental or behavioral health without providing a medical note. Those students will be given an opportunity to make up any work they missed during the first absence and, after using a second mental health day, may be referred

“Christ is a destination for top-notch maternity care, and we are thrilled to receive this honor,” said Mike Farrell, interim president of Advocate Christ Medical Center and president of Advocate Children’s Hospital. “We also have the benefit of housing one of Advocate’s Children’s Hospital campuses. Our maternity and pediatric colleagues work side-by-side to offer excellent, comprehensive care for the whole family.”

Hair styles: SB817 prohibits discrimination in schools against individuals on the grounds of wearing natural or ethnic hairstyles, which include dreadlocks, braids, twists and afros.

Lemonade stands: SB119 prohib-

its public health authorities from regulating or shutting down lemonade stands or similar operations that are operated by children under the age of 16. Known as “Hayli’s Law,” it was inspired by 12-year-old Hayli Martinez, whose lemonade stand in Kankakee was shut down by local officials.

Juneteenth: HB3922 recognizes June 19, or “Juneteenth,” as an official state holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the

Advocate Health Care is the largest health system in Illinois and a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. One of the state’s largest private employers, the system serves patients across 11 hospitals, including two children’s campuses, and more than 250 sites of care. Advocate Health Care, in addition to Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin and Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama, is now a part of Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides nearly $6 billion in annual community benefits.

United States. In June, President Joe Biden also signed a bill designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

NATIONAL PARK TRUST HONORS

NBC TODAY’S AL ROKER WITH 2024

AMERICAN PARK EXPERIENCE (APEX) AWARD

WASHINGTON, PRNewswire -- National Park Trust is excited to announce that 14-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Al Roker has received the 2024 APEX Award. Since 2009, this national award has honored an individual or group that has made extraordinary efforts to enhance the awareness and appreciation of our country’s public parks, lands, and waters.

The 2024 APEX award recognizes Roker for his passion for and dedication to our parks demonstrated through his nearly three decades of impactful storytelling on TODAY. Roker’s spotlight on our national parks has inspired viewers of all ages and backgrounds to appreciate and explore our cherished treasures. Additionally, he has utilized his national platform to raise awareness of significant climate change issues that impact our public lands and waters.

he has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the stewardship of our country’s parks and the environment.”

“I am so honored to receive the American Park Experience Award. Our National Parks celebrate every facet of American life. History. Nature. Diversity and Freedom. There is no Nation without our National Parks,” said Al Roker.

Past recipients of the American Park Experience Award include Filmmaker Jimmy Chin; Park Ranger Shelton Johnson; Hydro Flask for their Parks for All program; former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell; former U.S. Secretary of the Interior, U.S. Senator, and current U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar; and filmmaker Ken Burns and screenwriter Dayton Duncan.

Urban One brings Cannes the power of Black Excellence with a Celebration featuring 3x GRAMMYwinning

superstar Ludacris

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Urban One, Inc., the largest Black-owned & Black-targeted diversified media company, returns to Cannes this June with some of the biggest global brands for a week of innovative discussions, creative collaborations, and exclusive experiences. Through engaging and entertaining events during the international festival, Urban One is set to showcase the value and importance of brands investing in the Black audience and forging authentic connections with them. The company connects with two out of three Black consumers in the country through its unparalleled reach across digital (iONE Digital), audio (Reach Media, Radio One, and The Urban One Podcast Network), and linear (TV One and CLEO TV) platforms.

Bringing the scale and excellence of Black culture to Cannes, Urban One will celebrate on Juneteenth with the ONE-on-ONE, an informative and culture-driven one-onone conversation between legendary musical artist and actor Ludacris and Urban One’s CEO Alfred Liggins on the undeniable influence of Black culture. The conversation will be followed that evening by ONE VIP, an exclusive VIP reception with the music celebrity, and then ONE Night with Ludacris, an event and live performance of the rapper’s chart-topping hits on Influential Beach, with dynamic live DJ sets by DJ Trauma.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Influential to bring the power and excellence of Black culture to Cannes with 3-time GRAMMY award-winning legendary urban recording artist Ludacris,” said Alfred Liggins, CEO of Urban One. Liggins continued, “This is a full-circle moment for us, as Ludacris got his start many years ago at Urban One’s Atlanta hip-hop radio station. It is only fitting that he joins us as we celebrate our 44-year legacy and the undeniable influence of Black culture that we unlock for our advertisers as the largest multi-platform fully integrated Black-owned and Black-targeted media company in the US.”

Ludacris added, “Urban One has been family since Day 1. Their positive and profound impact on the Black community and the culture is something that should be celebrated and recognized. I can’t wait to show up and show out with them at Influential Beach in Cannes. This will be an unforgettable cultural experience and the best party Cannes has ever seen!”

Roker covered the 2016 centennial of the National Park Service and in 2022 he interviewed President Barack Obama on his lifelong passion for our national parks and commitment to addressing climate change. He has shared on TODAY a memorable camping adventure at Sequoia National Park with his “city kid” daughter Leila, a surprise trip to the Grand Canyon for three Brooklyn students, and most recently highlighted the National Park Service’s Junior Ranger program while visiting Shenandoah National Park. Roker has captivated audiences and championed the National Park Trust’s mission – to preserve parks today and create park stewards for tomorrow.

“Al Roker embodies the values of the American Park Experience Award,” said Grace Lee, Executive Director, National Park Trust. “He enthusiastically and passionately encourages kids, including his own, to discover and explore our public lands and waters – and

Roker was presented the 2024 APEX award on May 16, on-air in Studio 1A at NBC’s TODAY by National Park Trust’s Executive Director Grace Lee. To learn more about the American Park Experience Award, visit: parktrust.org/american-park-experience-award.

Our mission is to preserve parks today and create park stewards for tomorrow. Since 1983, we have partnered with the National Park Service to acquire many of the “missing pieces” of our national parks, benefiting 55 national park sites across the country. Our national youth education and family initiatives, including our Buddy Bison, College Ambassador and Military Family Programs, and National Kids to Parks Day, support tens of thousands of children annually and cultivate future park stewards. We believe that our public parks, lands, and waters should be cared for, enjoyed by, and preserved by all for current and future generations. Find out more at parktrust.org.

Urban One Inc. (urban1.com), together with its subsidiaries, is the largest diversified media company that primarily targets Black Americans and urban consumers in the United States. The company owns TV One, LLC (tvone. tv), a television network serving more than 59 million households, offering a broad range of original programming, classic series and movies designed to entertain, inform, and inspire a diverse audience of adult Black viewers. As of December 01, 2023, we owned and/or operated 72 independently formatted, revenue producing broadcast stations (including 57 FM or AM stations, 13 HD stations, and the 2 low power television stations) branded under the tradename “Radio One” in 13 urban markets in the United States. Through its controlling interest in Reach Media, Inc. (blackamericaweb.com), the company also operates syndicated programming including the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, and the DL Hughley Show. In addition to its radio and television broadcast assets, Urban One owns iOne Digital (ionedigital.com), our wholly owned digital platform serving the African American community through social content, news, information, and entertainment websites, including its Elev8, Cassius, Bossip, HelloBeautiful, HipHopWired, GlobalGrind, and MadameNoire digital platforms and brands. Through our national multi-media operations, we provide advertisers with a unique and powerful delivery mechanism to the African American and urban audiences.

National Park Trust Executive Director Grace Lee and Al Roker with the 2024 American Park Experience Award. National Park Trust.

BEACHES® RESORTS ADDS A SPLASH OF MOVEMENT

AND MINDFULNESS TO FAMILY TRAVEL ITINERARIES AND CARIBBEAN

KINGSTON, Jamaica, PRNewswire -- Enhancing opportunities for family connection and enrichment on vacation and beyond, the family-friendly Beaches Resorts joins global impact nonprofit organization and longtime partner, Sesame Workshop, to debut all-new programming designed to get children rising, smiling and shining under the Caribbean sun. The program, Sesame Street Sunrise Yoga, is now available exclusively at all three Beaches Resorts Caribbean locations –inviting families to mindfully connect in a whole new way during Mental Health Awareness Month (celebrated during the month of May) and thereafter year-round.

“We know that family vacations are a cherished time for memory making – an opportunity to disconnect from everyday routines to prioritize togetherness, discovery, new cultures, and experiences – with some studies even showing how vacations lead to closer family relationships,” said Heather Effs, Corporate Manager of Entertainment Operations for Sandals Resorts International, parent company of Beaches Resorts. “Together with Sesame Workshop, we are proud to introduce a fun and emotionally nurturing experience for kids and parents to discover together, inspiring memories and mindfulness alike.”

“Sesame Workshop is committed to the emotional well-being of young children and families, building on a long history of support in this critical area,” said Jennifer Ahearn, SVP, Global Strategic Partnerships and Themed Entertainment, Sesame Workshop. “Yoga is a playful way to help children practice mindfulness, and we’re proud to offer this new experience at Beaches Resorts, where we’re kicking off 20 years of partnership together.”

Wake Up in the Morning and Stretch with the Rising Sun

Now available across all Beaches Resorts locations in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, Sesame Street Sunrise Yoga introduces the practice of yoga to children. Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert, and Abby Cadabby are among the Sesame

Street friends taking turns hosting the mindfulness exercise. Bookable at the resorts’ Sesame Street Kids Camps or online as an add-on, the program is rooted in playful movement, mindfulness, and fun for the entire family. During the 40-minute session, parents and little yogis follow along with every stretch, pose, and breath and receive a custom kids-sized Sesame Street yoga mat for continued practice at home. Classes are held two days per week with varying schedules for each of the three Beaches Resorts Beaches Turks and Caicos, Beaches Negril, and Beaches Ocho Rios – with a 5x7 photo included as a keepsake.

Sesame Street Sunrise Yoga adds to the many ways Beaches Resorts and Sesame Workshop spark imaginations on vacation via Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street – where families enjoy special activities, such as reading stories with Elmo, baking with Cookie Monster, dancing with Zoe, crafting with Julia, making puppets with Bert and Ernie, and sharing magic with Abby Cadabby.

“These programs not only build on our shared core values and commitment to families around the world; they also lead to cherished moments of togetherness that foster traditions. It’s incredibly fulfilling to create opportunities for families to connect over new experiences in the Caribbean with valuable takeaways to enjoy thereafter,” adds Effs.

For more information about Beaches Resorts, visit www. beaches.com.

IHG Hotels & Resorts Invites Guests to Celebrate the Best of the Season

ATLANTA, PRNewswire -- IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the launch of Summer Soiree, a new seasonal and experiential series taking place across its luxury and lifestyle hotels in the Americas from June 1 to September 2. Hotels in the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Vignette Collection and Hotel Indigo brands will transport summer seekers to a dreamy escape inspired by the feeling of warm summer days and long summer nights. Experiences are brought to life through multi-sensory offerings and programming, lavish decor thick with hyperreal botanicals and greenery, a perfectly curated IHG Summer Soiree playlist and expertly crafted culinary and cocktail menus.

Summer Soiree Pop-Ups

In partnership with Barcelona-based atelier Wanda Barcelona, IHG is introducing uniquely designed floral pop-ups at six select hotels across North America including InterContinental The Willard Washington DC, InterContinental Presidente Mexico City, Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Miami, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, Yours Truly DC, Vignette Collection and Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown. These one-of-a-kind, larger-than-life installations will embody the aesthetic and feel of a garden with bookable experiences for guests to enjoy. The floral structures will frame an interactive and inviting lobby bar and feature lush greenery and decor, botanical cocktails and zero-proof elixirs as well as plates highlighting fresh seasonal ingredients designed by in-house chefs and bartenders for guests to indulge while relaxing in the space.

For those looking to gather in larger groups, Summer Soiree comes to life at Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia and InterContinental San Francisco with furnishings and floral decor inspired by Wanda Barcelona that bring the essence of summer into the hotels’ meetings and events spaces. Guests will enjoy vinyl listening stations, interactive art and pop-up beverage carts while curated catering menus enhance gathering spaces for a truly unforgettable event.

Summer Soiree Programming

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

Club InterContinental: Club InterContinental lounges at select hotels will be designed with lush botanical elements including florals and greenery that set the scene for an elegant and sophisticated summer experience. Live music in the evenings, vinyl listening stations and Lo-Fi High Tea add additional touchpoints for guests to immerse themselves in the sounds and tastes of summer.

In-Room Summer Camp-Out: For guests traveling with children, InterContinental New York Barclay will have a campfire playset and a kid’s smores amenity perfect for bringing the outdoors in-room while InterContinental New York Times Square will feature a kid-sized pop-up-tent and a summer activity.

LoveShackFancy Pop-Up: InterContinental San Diego will partner with retailer LoveShackFancy to bring an outdoor summer pop-up to life at the rooftop bar, Layover. The pop-up will feature seasonally themed menu items for guests to enjoy while they browse the fashion collection.

Canadian Summer: At InterContinental Toronto Centre guests will be welcomed into a sun-soaked setting adorned with summer-inspired décor, refreshing beverages and a HAKADA Beauty pop-up that will take place in the hotel’s lobby.

Surprise + Delight: IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite members will enjoy additional in-room amenities and perks like Summer Soiree-inspired snacks and beverages, inroom botanicals and elevated summer turndown services including soothing skincare and luxury hydration including sparkling water, citrus water and herbal tea.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Off the Record: Kimpton is bringing back its beloved intimate concert series, Kimpton Off the Record sponsored by Coca-Cola, this summer. Serving as the official kick-off to Summer Soiree, Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Miami will host an Off the Record event on June 12, featuring DRAMA and ben-

efitting Kimpton’s nonprofit partner, National Urban League. Guests can follow Kimpton on social media for a chance to win tickets. Additional Off the Record events will be hosted at select Kimpton hotels later this year, including Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs on Aug. 23 to close out the Summer Soiree campaign.

Culinary + Cocktail: Summer will come alive through seasonal food and beverage menus, informed by Kimpton’s 2024 Culinary & Cocktail Trend Report, available in Kimpton restaurants and bars. For example, guests at properties including Kimpton Everly Hotel, Kimpton Palladian Hotel and Kimpton Pittman Hotel can enjoy a “Spill the Tea” high tea menu perfect for a summer garden party through June 30.

Secret Social Password: Kimpton’s latest Secret Social Password - Good for the Sol - gives guests checking in summer-themed surprises and perks, like a complimentary round of botanical cocktails at the bar or a room upgrade upon arrival.

Hotel Indigo

H.A.G.S: Reminiscent of the days of signing classmates’ yearbooks with “have a good summer,” participating Hotel Indigo hotels will shorten the distance between guests and those they hold dear with a complimentary postcard station complete with pre-stamped bespoke cards.

Long Summer Nights: Hotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown will offer guests the chance to experience an array of music and entertainment in the property’s courtyard.

Travelers can kick their summer plans off with IHG’s annual Summer Sale, with bookings available through September 2. IHG One Rewards members qualify for 25% off their bookings with 20% off for the general public. Discounts will be applied at checkout when booking and terms and conditions apply.

For more information about IHG’s Summer Soiree campaign, visit here or download the IHG One Rewards mobile app to further explore IHG’s luxury and lifestyle destinations and special pricing for members.

Beaches Resorts

Embrace the Fearless Spirit, with Karina Brez Feather Ear Cuffs

New York, NY -- Trademarked by her unique style, Dani G. Waldman, renowned American Israeli equestrian show jumper, offers a look into her fearless and playful spirit through her second collaboration with Karina Brez. Building on the success of the Fearless Feathers Collection, featuring timeless bracelets and rings with a hugging horse hoof and feather motif, Dani G. and Karina Brez fuse their passion for design and equestrian jewelry to expand the collection with the new Fearless Feathers Ear Cuffs.

Dani G. says, “The Fearless Feathers collection with Karina Brez has been such an inspiration and symbol of individuality—now adding the spectacular feather ear cuffs is a dream come true—bold, beautiful and unlike anything I’ve seen!”

Highly anticipated before summer, the Fearless Feathers Ear Cuffs are available in five elegant designs. Accentuating individual shine and brilliance, the first design is embedded with timeless white diamonds along the length of the feather. Incorporating a masterful blend of gems, the other designs are curated for those seeking a colorful element, creating an ombre effect in either pink sapphires, or blue

sapphires. Each style is available in 18K yellow, white, or rose gold. Offering a unique twist, the white gold also has an oxidized variation, creating a deep contrast between the blue sapphire and white diamonds, adding character with dark, bold details. Each sparkling design seamlessly blends gemstones to showcase classic taste, perfect for on or off the track.

On her Horse Bytes show, which has global highlights from the show jumping world, Dani G. Waldman says, “I need something substantial and unique that will stand out but remain classic and high fashion.” She continues, “Karina managed to create the most beautiful, slender feather that evokes movement, but still showcases a bold and fearless expression of individuality.”

Waldman, who is known on the circuit as “Flying Feathers,” collaborated with equestrian fine jeweler, Karina Brez, on an ear cuff look that complements her infamous feathered hair,

embracing authentic style. The ear cuffs embody the confidence and inspiration of one’s unique identity. For women look ing for jewels that symbolize self-expression, freedom and empowerment, the Fearless Feathers Ear Cuffs resonate for those who dare to stand out and embrace their true selves.

“Dani G. is an inspiration to me, and so many that admire her unwavering confidence and radiating energy” shares gemologist and equestrian designer, Karina Brez. “We’ve continued to bond over our shared love for equestrian jewelry and we hope to deliver real expressions of individuality through jewelry.”

This extension of the Fearless Feathers Collection is a continued celebration of persevering women, unapologetically embracing their unique selves. Alluring and comfortable to wear, it is the perfect everyday jewel.

For more information about the Fearless Feathers by Dani G. collection and to explore the full range of Karina Brez’s equestrian designs, visit karinabrez.com.

The Museum at FIT Presents Africa’s Fashion Diaspora

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- The Museum at FIT (MFIT) presents Africa’s Fashion Diaspora, an innovative exhibition that explores fashion’s role in shaping international Black diasporic cultures. This exhibition is the first to examine fashion as a mode of cross-diasporic cultural production. Sixty ensembles and accessories by Black designers from Africa, Europe, North and South America, and the Caribbean are placed in dialogue with each other, showing how these designers take complex inspirations from their own Black cultures and others across the diaspora.

The concept that Black peoples build and share common cultural networks—despite differences in geography, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, language, and religion—is an enduring idea that scholars and leaders such as W.E.B. DuBois, Frantz Fanon, Kwame Nkrumah, and Paul Gilroy have hypothesized over the 19th and 20th centuries. Self-identified Black peoples within the diverse nations of Africa and throughout the Black Diaspora have expressed this connectivity as Pan-Africanism, Black Consciousness, and Afrocentricity, among many other movements.

world.

The exhibition includes nine themes, which includes “Reaching for Africa,” “Mothers and Motherlands,” “A Black Atlantic,” “Homegoing” and “History Is Political.” Black designers explore the cultural impact of religion and mythology in “Transcendent and Supernatural.” American Grenadian designer Fe Noel partnered with Harmonia Rosales to feature the artist’s depiction of Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of rivers, love, and fertility. Papa Oppong’s (Fashion Design MFA ‘23) “Witchcraft” ensemble sheds light on the harmful practice of accusing Ghanaian women of channeling dark magic and recasts the witch as an empowered modern woman.

Textiles from Africa and the diaspora are emblematic of the artisanship and creative practices found in Black communities around the world. “Monumental Cloth” features designers who work with communities of weavers and dyers to produce contemporary fabrics rooted in historical practices: from Pathé’O in Côte d’Ivoire to Emmanuel Okoro of Emmy Kasbit in Nigeria to Aurora James of Brother Vellies in the United States.

trict upcycles secondhand garments with graphic motifs to create modern Kenyan streetwear, and Dyandra Raye designs vegan shoes from Piñatex for her brand Jo-Anne Vernay.

“Ubuntu” is a Bantu word that has come to encompass African humanist philosophies of community support, compassion, and generosity. Designers—from Tracy Reese, whose Hope for Flowers brand is helping to revitalize urban Detroit, to Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, whose AAKS accessories brand consciously pays fair wages to raffia weavers in northern Ghana—show how fashion companies can be a force to build communities with job security and respect for labor.

Africa’s Fashion Diaspora ultimately reveals fashion as a significant contributor to international dialogues on Black cultural production. Some of the designers featured use fashion to document, explore, and interrogate their own localities and histories, while others take inspiration from across the diaspora—and because fashion circulates internationally, all build networks across a specifically (but not exclusively) Black cultural space. Black communities across the globe are uniquely situated in their own societies, yet movements for solidarity and connection are beautifully expressed by designers who use fashion to tell stories of parallel, interconnected, and evolving Black cultures.

While Black Diasporic connections have been explored in music, literature, art, and philosophy, this exhibition is the first to investigate how 20th- and 21st-century fashion designers contribute to these conversations with creative practices that focus on visual storytelling to explore how Black identity operates in the contemporary

“Tun Yuh Han Mek Fashan” is a Jamaican patois phrase that describes Caribbean ingenuity, the ability to create beauty and utility from meager or unexpected resources. This section features designers from across the African Diaspora who engage innovative materials to promote sustainability in fashion. Nairobi Apparel Dis-

Africa’s Fashion Diaspora is curated by Elizabeth Way, associate curator of costume at The Museum at FIT.

Africa’s Fashion Diaspora is accompanied by a multi-author volume edited by Way and published by Yale University Press which will be released in September 2024.

Pietra Communications

A Bowl Full of Flavor

(Culinary.net) If you’re looking for a dinner or lunch combination that is wholesome, filling and, of course, easy, you’re not alone. Meal prepping is a popular trend for many people (and families) who are working on healthy eating habits but are constantly on the go.

No matter if you’re searching for a healthy family dinner, a quick lunch at home or an easy idea to meal prep for the week ahead, this Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowl is perfect for seafood lovers who also enjoy a hint of spice. It’s fresh, healthy and full of deliciously prepared shrimp and veggies, including mushrooms, peppers and cucumbers.

The sauce is light and has a sweet yet spicy vibe. Everything rests over 1 cup of steamy quinoa – a filling base that also serves as an easy way to add some healthy grains to your diet.

To make this quick and easy recipe, prepare the quinoa according to the package directions and set aside.

Next, combine orange juice, hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, lime juice and miso in a medium bowl and whisk together.

Pour about one-fourth of the liquid into a separate bowl and set aside the smaller portion.

In the medium bowl, add shrimp to marinate for about 15 minutes.

Add butter to a hot skillet, along with the shrimp mixture. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes on each side then add mushrooms and cook until tender.

Now it’s time to assemble your bowls. Start with quinoa then top with bell peppers, cucumbers, green onions, avocado and the perfectly pink shrimp. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro for some extra texture. Drizzle bowls with the remaining sauce.

Find more wholesome and healthy recipes at Culinary. net.

Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowls

Serves: 2

1 cup quinoa

1 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon hot sauce

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon soy sauce

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon white miso

1/4 cup butter

1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails removed

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cucumber, sliced into half moons

5 green onions, sliced

1 avocado, sliced

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside.

In medium bowl, whisk orange juice, hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, lime juice and miso until combined. Pour one-quarter of liquid into separate bowl. Set aside.

Add shrimp to remaining mixture and marinate 15 minutes.

Heat large skillet over medium heat with butter.

Add shrimp, salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes on each side until pink. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.

In two serving bowls, divide quinoa, bell pepper, cucumber, onions, avocado and shrimp. Sprinkle sesame seeds and cilantro over both bowls. Drizzle with reserved dressing.

Jacqui Pitman is the Golden Casting Director

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire -- For several decades now, casting director Jacqui Pitman, owner/CEO of Pitman Casting Inc. and PartyPit Productions Inc., has played a crucial role in the success of numerous long-standing TV shows. With her creative insight, Pitman has contributed to over 500 shows, including iconic staples like “America’s Most Wanted,” “Price is Right,” “Let’s Make a Deal,” “Face Off,” and “Big Brother 2.” Pitman served as the casting director for ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor” and is now casting for the highly anticipated spinoff series, “The Golden Bachelorette.”

Pitman’s contributions to the world of dating shows and reality television are extensive. Her career began in the late ‘80s with classic courting shows like “Love Connection,” Fox’s “Studs,” and as the notable casting director of CBS’s “Big Brother 2” which was said to be the season that revitalized the series. In 2004, when she was Senior Vice President of Development at Lighthearted Entertainment, Pitman created and executive produced the MTV hit dating show “NEXT” which was inspired by her own dating life. She also developed and co-executive produced ABC’s hit show, “Extreme Makeover.”

In 2017, in partnership with Asylum Entertainment, Pitman created, executive produced, and cast Bravo’s “To Rome for Love,” a groundbreaking series following five single African American women in Italy, produced under her PartyPit Productions Inc. banner.

“My television career has been AMAZING! From casting to developing, to executive producing and creating my own shows, I have had the opportunity to interact with some of the most fascinating people. Casting itself is like a big puzzle where we find the pieces that we think will fit naturally. But I must admit, dating shows are my thing! From “Love Connection” to MTV’s “NEXT” to the ultimate fantasy of living in one of the world’s most romantic places, Rome, Italy, while filming “To Rome for Love,” playing Cupid over the years has taught me so much about men and women. It’s clear pursuing love is a never-ending quest, no matter how old we are. But who could ask for a better day job than mine? It truly has been an unimaginable experience,” reveals Pitman.

Under PartyPit Productions Inc., Pitman specializes in all facets of reality show production, from casting hosts and experts to overseeing logistical aspects like background checks and casting finals. Her expertise extends across various platforms, including Fox, NBC, Discovery, OWN, Lifetime, WE and streaming services like Amazon, Netflix, Snapchat and Hulu. She continues developing original reality show concepts, with recent options at GSN, ABC, and CBS Studios.

Born in New Jersey and raised in foster care, Pitman’s childhood experiences have shaped her compassionate persona. She has long been involved in philanthropy, organizing annual drives to support children in the foster care system. Currently, she’s launching “Marvin Cares for Kids,” a non-profit named after her late brother, aimed at helping foster children transition into careers in the entertainment industry.

For more information about Pitman Casting Inc., visit https://pitmancasting.com.

FAWN WEAVER ANNOUNCES FIRST LOVE & WHISKEY: UNFILTERED TOUR DATES, FEATURING EXCLUSIVE TASTINGS

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- After smashing pre-sale records with tens of thousands of copies already ordered, accompanied by overwhelming public enthusiasm for Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest (on sale: June 18) written by Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey CEO and pioneering force in literature and spirits Fawn Weaver, publisher Melcher Media proudly reveals the first tour dates for the Love & Whiskey: Unfiltered book tour. Prepare for extraordinary evenings of whiskey exploration and open, unfiltered discussion, featuring Fawn Weaver and Victoria Eady Butler, four-time Master Blender of the Year.

Experience the Unforgettable: Attendees will enjoy exclusive tastings of the finest Uncle Nearest single barrels and master blends, meticulously selected by Victoria for this tour. Immerse yourself in a night of authentic, unrestricted conversation with Fawn Weaver as she delves into the legacy of Nearest Green, the captivating journey of building the Uncle Nearest brand, the vision for the future of America’s first spirits empire to be built by a woman or person of color, and her personal story from homeless teen to triumph.

A New Breed of Book Tour: “This tour redefines the book event experience. I am known for my transparency; I embrace spontaneity and genuine interactions,” Fawn declared. “Here, the audience leads—every question is unfiltered, straight from our guests. In between discussions, guests will have the ability to savor exquisite whiskeys under the guidance of one of the industry’s most respected Master Blenders.”

The book impressively held the No. 1 spot in seven out of its eight categories throughout the week, including Women’s Memoirs, U.S. State and Local History, Culinary Biographies & Memoirs, and Black & African American Biographies. It was also heralded as the No. 1 “Mover & Shaker” on Amazon. Additionally, the earliest pre-orders will receive an extra special touch—a copy signed by Fawn Weaver during her record-setting Guinness World Record attempt for the Longest Marathon Book Signing, where she autographed 25,005 books in 24 hours and 35 minutes.

The first of 20 Love & Whiskey: Unfiltered tour dates and locations will be:

Washington, DC: Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the National Press Club

Tampa, FL: Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the Hard Rock Hotel (SOLD OUT)

Atlanta, GA: Friday, June 21, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency

Chicago, IL: Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at DuSable Black History Museum

Birmingham, AL: Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Hudson in BHM Airport Indianapolis, IN: Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Newfields Shelbyville, TN: Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Humble Baron Portland, OR: Monday, July 15, 2024, at Portland Center Stage Expect Sellouts: Tickets for all events can be purchased here. The Tampa event is already sold out, with others expected to sell out quickly. Stay tuned for additional dates.

From Obscurity to Bestseller: Love & Whiskey chronicles Weaver’s odyssey, beginning with her discovery of Nearest Green through a piece in The New York Times. Green, a formerly enslaved Black man and skilled whiskey maker, served as the world’s first known African American master distiller and the original master distiller for Jack Daniel. Weaver embarked on a quest, assembling a team of over 30 historians, archivists, genealogists, and researchers to unearth the true story of Nearest Green. She interviewed and spent time with over 100 of Nearest Green’s descendants, as well as numerous descendants of Jack Daniel, amassing thousands of documents from more than six states. This monumental research effort led to the creation of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, which has grown into a billion-dollar enterprise and stands as the top-selling Black-founded and owned spirit brand of all time. Reminiscent of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Love & Whiskey masterfully intertwines the lives of Nearest Green, Jack Daniel, and their descendants from 1849 to the present, alongside Weaver’s own trailblazing path to establish the first spirit conglomerate founded by a woman or person of color.

Record-Shattering Launch: Upon its pre-order announcement, Love & Whiskey soared to No. 17 in the Top 100 books on Amazon, America’s largest book retailer.

A Tour Unlike Any Other: “The enthusiasm for this book is unlike almost any other we’ve seen in recent history, and this book tour will be one of the largest tours of its kind,” said Melcher Media CEO and founder Charlie Melcher. “Attendees will get access to the powerhouse that is Fawn Weaver, and the exquisite craftswoman that is Victoria Butler. Fawn’s unwavering ambition and dedication to telling an incredibly important part of American history will be on full display with the Love & Whiskey: Unfiltered tour.”

Stay Connected: For the latest updates on tour dates and exclusive content, subscribe to the Love & Whiskey email list here or follow Fawn Weaver and Uncle Nearest on Instagram. Founded in 1993 by Charles Melcher, Melcher Media has produced and published award-winning stories for top-notch authors, companies, and media properties for more than thirty years. The company has published 32 New York Times bestsellers and meets its clients at every stage of the creative process to help them find solutions that demand attention, stoke curiosity, and reward repeated interactions. Its sophisticated and immersive design sensibility has helped them to put more than 15 million copies of its titles into print, including New York Times bestsellers such as Hamilton: The Revolution, Kobe Bryant’s The Mamba Mentality, Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down, Oprah Winfrey’s Food, Health and Happiness, and Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth.

PRNewsfoto/Melcher Media

Photo credit: Michael Roud

MyFitnessPal Introduces a Gut Health Nutrition Plan

NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- From cringey to cool, the once private conversations around gut health now dominate social media feeds and news headlines. But as people become aware of the important role gut health plays in overall wellness, there remains a knowledge gap in what, exactly, contributes to better gut health. In response, the no. 1 global nutrition and food tracking app, MyFitnessPal collaborated with MyFitnessPal Scientific Advisory Council Member Dr. Janese Laster, to create the Gut Health Nutrition Plan, available now to all members for free in the MyFitnessPal app. The week-long plan includes nutrition ideas and suggestions, quizzes that test knowledge and assess current eating habits, and daily check-ins that encourage reflection on progress and current knowledge to help enable behavior change and fuel motivations.

According to a recent MyFitnessPal survey1 86% of people say they’re aware of the importance of maintaining gut health and 43% actively seek out gut health-related information. However, only 18% consider themselves to be “very” knowledgeable about what contributes to gut health. “It’s no secret that what you eat plays a huge role in gut health, so developing better eating habits and focusing on nutrition can ultimately enhance focus, energy, mood, sleep, and weight,” 2,3,4,5 explains Dr. Laster, MyFitnessPal Scientific Advisory Council member and founder of Gut Theory Total Digestive Care.

For example, one study recommends that a way to improve gut health is to eat 30 diverse fruits and vegetables in a week.6 MyFitnessPal’s survey found that despite 85% of people trying to incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into their diet to improve gut health, only 2% are consuming more than 20 fruits and vegetables each week. To bring even more awareness to a person’s food intake, MyFitnessPal introduced a free feature, Food Group Insights, which gives members an overview of the number of foods they logged in a week categorized by food groups. And to support members in reaching their gut health goals through nutrition, MyFitnessPal introduced a new gut health recipe collection featuring high-fiber recipes that

include a variety of fruits and vegetables.

“People are starting to hone in on their gut health in an effort to improve and boost their energy levels or reach certain health goals like weight loss, and as our members become more educated and aware about their own gut health, we want to empower them with the appropriate resources like our nutrition plan,” explains Katie Keil, MyFitnessPal Chief Marketing Officer. “By also incorporating ‘daily check-

MyFitnessPal is the #1 global nutrition and food tracking app for achieving health goals, especially weight management. Since 2005, MyFitnessPal has empowered over 200 million users in over 120 countries to improve their health by tracking their food, recording exercise activity, and logging their weight. As one of the world’s most trusted resources on nutrition, MyFitnessPal’s mission is to help people around the world reach their health goals through better food choices by providing knowledge, motivation and a sense of progress. With one of the largest food databases in the world comprising over 19 million foods, access to over 500 recipes, more than 50 workout routines and exercise demos, and over 40 connected fitness partners, MyFitnessPal provides users with tools for positive healthy change. The MyFitnessPal app is available on the App Store and Google Play store. To learn more, visit www.myfitnesspal.com or follow MyFitnessPal on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter.

1 Survey fielded in April 2024 with 4000 people across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.

2 Zhang YJ, Li S, Gan RY, Zhou T, Xu DP, Li HB. Impacts of gut bacteria on human health and diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2015;16(4):7493-7519. Published 2015 Apr 2. doi:10.3390/ijms16047493

3 Hu S, Li A, Huang T, et al. Gut Microbiota Changes in Patients with Bipolar Depression. Adv Sci (Weinh). 2019;6(14):1900752. Published 2019 May 15. doi:10.1002/advs.201900752

ins’, we further support users by helping them become more aware of their habits and putting the power in their hands to develop and nurture behavior change.”

For more information on MyFitnessPal, visit www. myfitnesspal.com or download the app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

4 Smith RP, Easson C, Lyle SM, et al. Gut microbiome diversity is associated with sleep physiology in humans. PLoS One. 2019;14(10):e0222394. Published 2019 Oct 7. doi:10.1371/journal. pone.0222394

5 Byrne, C., Chambers, E., Morrison, D. et al. The role of short chain fatty acids in appetite regulation and energy homeostasis. Int J Obes 39, 1331–1338 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2015.84

6 Knight R 2018. American Gut: an Open Platform for Citizen Science Microbiome Research. mSystems. 2018: 3:10.1128/msystems.00031-18. https://doi.org/10.1128/ msystems.00031-18

WATKINS-CONTI RECEIVES FDA 510(K) CLEARANCE FOR YŌNI.FIT®

EDMOND, Okla., PRNewswire -- Watkins-Conti Products, Inc. (“Watkins-Conti”), a company that develops innovative and accessible solutions for women’s pelvic health, has obtained 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Y ni.Fit® Bladder Support (“Y ni.Fit®”). Y ni.Fit® is intended for the temporary management of urine leakage caused by stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women, 18 years and older.

Manufactured in the U.S. with 100% medical-grade silicone, Y ni.Fit® is a soft vaginal insert that reduces urine leaks without interfering with voluntary urination. Y ni.Fit® is self-administered and can be used during a specific activity or up to 12 hours for general control over symptoms. The FDA clearance represents a substantial milestone in non-surgical options for the temporary management of urinary incontinence, a condition that is estimated to affect about two in three women in the United States at some point in their lives, negatively impacting quality of life and emotional well-being.

“In my clinical practice, women who experience urine leakage feel they have limited treatment options and desire an alternative to surgery or adult pads,” said Eric R. Sokol, MD, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford Health Care and an investigator in the Y ni.Fit® clinical study.

“My patients with stress urinary incontinence want a solution that is effective and convenient – one that accommodates the reality of their busy lives and does not interfere with voluntary urination,” said Karolynn T. Echols, MD, Director and Associate Professor of Female

Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University and an investigator in the Y ni.Fit® clinical study. “The cost and downtime associated with surgery can be prohibitive for some women.”

“My lived experience as a new mother with SUI gave me the inspiration for Y ni.Fit®. The options available to me at the time did not complement my lifestyle as a working mom with two small children,” said Allison L. Watkins, founder and CEO of Watkins-Conti. “Listening to patients on their journey and innovating accordingly is paramount. I am committed to developing even more solutions for women’s pelvic health, using the Y ni. Fit® device as a self-care platform that could potentially include diagnostics and drug delivery.”

Fifty-eight (58) participants were enrolled in a randomized, controlled, single blind, multi-center study of Y ni.Fit® in women with SUI. The study was conducted by urogynecologists at Stanford, NYU Langone, and Jefferson Health. Of the participants completing the evaluation phase, a significantly higher percentage experienced clinically meaningful reduction in 12-hour pad weights with the Y ni.Fit® device compared to the control device. Among study participants experiencing adverse events, the severity was mild to moderate; there were no serious adverse events related to Y ni.Fit®.

“I believe Y ni.Fit® will be an appealing and effective self-care solution for patients who value convenience and want to be in control of their pelvic health,” said Kate C. Arnold, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Watkins-Conti. “We are committed to helping all women, including those

in rural areas and in medically underserved communities, where access to surgery would be challenging.”

“With this FDA clearance, Watkins-Conti is now positioned to help this important and underserved market,” said Ross Watkins, president of Watkins-Conti.

Y ni.Fit® will be available with a prescription from a primary healthcare provider and may be covered by insurance. Product information is available at Y ni.Fit. com.

The company has raised nearly $10M from angel investors and VCs. The funds have been directed towards creating a quality management system, protecting the company’s robust intellectual property portfolio, conducting clinical trials, biocompatibility and toxicology testing on the devices, and expanding the executive team and expert advisors.

Founded by entrepreneur and inventor Allison L. Watkins, Watkins-Conti is an American healthcare company that develops innovative and accessible solutions for women’s pelvic health. Watkins-Conti is developing a pipeline of treatments and diagnostics that address women’s reproductive, sexual, and pelvic health — with the ultimate goal of getting women everywhere the care they deserve. The company’s flagship product, Y ni. Fit®, is the first patient-designed, non-surgical device designed to relieve the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. Based in Edmond, Oklahoma, Watkins-Conti holds numerous utility patents, design patents, and trademarks in the U.S. and abroad. For more information, visit WatkinsContiProducts.com and LinkedIn.

Keep Up with KITCHEN TRENDS

(Family Features) If you’re considering a kitchen renovation, you’ve probably heard cautions about avoiding overly trendy designs that can diminish your home’s value and limit its appeal to future buyers. That’s sound advice, but many of this year’s trends are relatively neutral and have long-term staying power.

Kitchen upgrades are typically all about making practical updates to meet the needs of a family. The key to smart design is incorporating functional elements a family requires while striking a balance between style and trends that quickly become outdated.

Before you dive into a kitchen project, consider these on-trend design recommendations from the experts at Wellborn Cabinet.

Add Health-Focused Features

As the hub of nutrition, it’s no surprise wellness design features are making their way into the kitchen. Some examples include appliances with air frying or steaming features, and double ovens are appearing in more homes, making home meals for the family easier to manage. Also look for technology that simplifies meal planning and managing your pantry inventory, as well as features that regulate food storage temperatures more precisely, including during power outages.

Shift Back to Wood Stains

Painted cabinets had their moment, but the latest designs are revealing a movement back toward warm wood grains, specifically oak. As trends continue to shift toward embracing natural elements, as well as exploring diverse

color palettes, cabinet manufacturers are constantly innovating to meet the demands of consumers and design professionals alike.

To elevate contemporary cabinetry design, Wellborn Cabinet introduced captivating finishes that celebrate natural materials and textures. Inspired by the highly desired white oak at a more accessible price point, Boardwalk offers a breath of fresh air, allowing the unique oak wood grain to take center stage. The striking finish of Peppermill introduces a versatile darker brown hue with a subtle gray undertone, adding depth, dimension and sophistication. If you’re not quite ready to fully embrace natural wood tones, Alabaster may be a perfect alternative; this hue provides the timeless elegance of neutral white.

Dedicate Space for Beverages

Food prep may be a mainstay in functional kitchen design, but a growing number of homeowners are calling beverages a close second with the addition of built-in coffee bars or smoothie stations and specialized storage for beer and wine. Countertop or supplementary nugget ice makers are another example of trending kitchen accessories that reinforce a growing focus on beverages for all occasions.

Go for Contemporary Cabinetry

Your kitchen’s cabinet doors play an important role in defining your design aesthetic. Consider Wellborn’s wide variety of door styles, several of which have been redesigned to support the trend toward a simpler, smaller rail that’s in favor among designers and homeowners alike.

With softer, more up-to-date appearances, they feature eased profiles to produce simple, straight, clean appearances. Options like Breckenridge and Ridgebrook offer updates to the modified shaker style with a clean, modern, less clunky aesthetic. Made of quality, solid wood, they feature a reversed raised center panel to coordinate with a variety of design styles.

Embrace the Middle Ground

Kitchen islands are hardly a new design element, but an increasing number of homeowners are making them a major focus of their renovations. A kitchen trends study by Houzz revealed 42% of homeowners are opting for islands that are 7 feet long or more. That’s extra prep space, but also more room for casual seating or socializing while hosting. Also gaining popularity are double islands for double the workspace.

Skip Bland Backsplash Tile

The wall space between your countertops and upper cabinets may not amount to much, but it’s a sure place to make a style statement. This year’s designers are saying farewell to stark white subway tile backsplashes. Instead, nature- and earth-inspired tones are trending. You can still use subway tile but consider a variation from the traditional stacked design. Texture is another option for modernizing your backsplash; think handcrafted tiles or earthy textures but take care to avoid overly busy patterns.

Find more inspiration for your kitchen remodel at wellborn.com.

CSTWEEKLYclassified MONEY

REAL ESTATE

AC 5-29-2024

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC Plaintiff, vs. VICKY SMITH, DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE INVESTMENT TRUST 2007-2, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants, 23 CH 6118 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 32-25-116-029-0000. Commonly known as 21763 PETERSON AVE., SAUK VILLAGE, IL 60411. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance,

(312) 3571125. 23-00925 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3244612

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

4- LEATHER SWIVEL BAR STOOLS

6 LEATHER TABLE CHAIRS 773-382-6475 CALL ANYTIME AFTER 1:00 P.M.

DOGS PETS LIVESTOCK

When veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, ask for Happy Jack® animal healthcare products for cats, dogs, & horses. At Tractor Supply® (www.happyjackinc.com).

NOTICE OF DEMOLISH OR REMEDIATE

NOTICE TO DEMOLISH OR REMEDIATE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE PROPERTY LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS: LOTS 21 AND 22 IN BLOCK 3 IN WEST HAMMOND SUBDIVISION IN SECTION 17, TOWNSHIP 36 NORTH, RANGE 15, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. P.I.N.: 30-17-103004-0000 COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 241 Pulaski Road, Calumet City, IL 60409 is found and deemed by the City of Calumet City, pursuant to Section 11-31-1(a) of the Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/11-31-1(a)), to be a dangerous, unsafe, and/or abandoned building within the limits of the City of Calumet City. Said property is open and vacant and constitutes an immediate and continuing hazard to the community. Unless the dangerous, unsafe and/or abandoned building located at or on the abovedescribed Property is demolished or put in a safe condition, the City intends to proceed with demolition of the Property and any structures thereon. Please contact the City’s attorneys at (312) 724-8035 if you need additional information. Dominick L. Lanzito Peterson, Johnson & Murray, LLC 1301 W. 22nd St., Suite 500 Oakbrook, IL 60523 312724-8035 dlanzito@pjml_ aw.com

RD 5-22-2024

NOTICE TO DEMOLISH OR REMEDIATE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE PROPERTY LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS: LOT 23 AND THE EAST 1/2 OF LOT 22 IN MARKHAM’S SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 10 IN SNYDACKER AND AMB’S ILLINOIS ADDITION TO HAMMOND SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 36 NORTH, RANGE 15 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. P.I.N. No.: 30-08-407004-0000 COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 107 Sibley Boulevard, Calumet City, IL 60409 is found and deemed by the City of Calumet City, pursuant to Section 11-31-1(a) of the Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/11-31-1(a)), to be a dangerous, unsafe, and/or abandoned building within the limits of the City of Calumet City. Said property is open and vacant and constitutes an immediate and continuing hazard to the community. Unless the dangerous, unsafe and/or abandoned building located at or on the abovedescribed Property is demolished or put in a safe condition within thirty (30) days, the City intends to proceed with demolition of the Property and any structures thereon. Please contact the City’s attorneys at (312) 724-8035 if you need additional

information. Dominick L. Lanzito Peterson, Johnson & Murray, LLC

1301 W. 22nd St., Suite 500 Oakbrook, IL 60523 312-724-8035

dlanzito@pjmlaw.com

RD 5-29-2024

BIDS

Invitation to Bid South Suburban College is interested in receiving bids for the purchase of Athletic Uniforms and Supplies. A prior bid opening was held on May 8, 2024, at 10:00am. SSC is rebidding to capture a significant number of items that were not bid and for additional pricing. For further information, contact Maureen Summit, SSC, 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois 60473, (708) 210- 5757, or visit www.ssc.edu/purchasing. Electronic documents can be downloaded via Demand Star or Beacon Bid. A link is provided on the SSC website under this bid. Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 10:00am on May 30, 2024, in Room 2115. A public opening will be held on May 30th at 10:00am in the President’s Conference Room.

SERVICE

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• No Medical Exam • Maximum Age 85 • Maximum Coverage $25,000 312 498 5299 Call Today

BLUE P & P SERVICE CENTER WE CLEAN AND CHECK FURNANCES, INSTALL HOT WATER TANKS WE REPLACE FACUETS IN THE KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS SINKS, IF YOUR CLOTHES DRYER IS NOT WORKING, WE CAN FIX IT ALSO.

WE ALSO DO ELECTRICAL WORK ON: LIGHTS, WE HANG CEILING FANS, FIX SOCKETS AND LIGHT SWITCHES ALL FOR A REASONABLE PRICE CALL AND ASK FOR TOM AT 773-567-1761

EDUCATION

High School Graduation Gift Ideas by Intended Major

(StatePoint) It’s graduation season, and if you have a collegebound student in your life, you’re probably looking for great ways to honor all their achievements of the past four years while helping prepare them for future successes.

Consider this round-up of high school graduation gifts, by intended college major:

Music: College dorm rooms don’t always have a ton of space. For music majors, this can be a problem. Provide a solution with the CT-S1, a 61key ultra-portable keyboard from Casio. Available in black, white or red to suit different styles, this great-sounding, stylish keyboard is designed for beginners and seasoned players alike, particularly for those who want to record their music and perform it live. An easy one-button recorder allows players to capture their musical ideas, while strap pins and battery-operated capabilities mean they can take their songs anywhere they go, whether that be to a battle of the bands event, or to perform a set at the campus coffee house.

Foreign languages: Will your student be majoring in a foreign language? With all those language labs in their future, they’ll need a great set of headphones that keeps their ears comfortable, minimizes distractions by cancelling outside noise, and offers amazing sound quality so they can perfect all those tricky pronunciations. Look for long battery life, high fidelity audio and Bluetooth capabilities.

Health care: A new nursing and pharmacy calculator, the SP-100USNU from Casio, is a practical calculator featuring quick operations that will assist in dosing of intravenous drip medication, finding body mass index, and calculating body surface area and estimated glomerular filtration rate. This model is one of the first calculators to be constructed inside an antimicrobial case approved to ISO 22196 standards, and features an easy-tosterilize silver-colored front plate. Ready for use right outside the box, your student will be prepared to both learn, as well as to apply their knowledge in laboratory work right away.

Art history: Bring your art history major’s studies out of the textbook and into the real world with a membership to the premier art museum in the city closest to where their campus is located. Memberships often provide not only free admission to the museum, but exclusive invitations to one-ofa-kind events with artists, historians and other speakers, as well as special off-hours access to exhibits so they can get up close and personal with the artwork, without having to fight the crowds.