South Suburban Citizen 6-23-2021 by CITIZEN NEWSPAPERS

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

Citizen Week of June 23, 2021

| Vol. 40 | No. 31 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SOUTH SUBURBAN

TIPS TO REDUCE ENERGY USE IN SUMMER

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Ed Krembuszewski, manager of energy efficiency engineering at ComEd, is known as the Energy Doctor. He has tips on how to reduce energy use while still keeping cool during the summer months. Photo provided by Maura Ferrell

Coalition to Help Coordinate Emergency Relief Funding to Advance Student Success

Tripadvisor Research Reveals COVID-19 Vaccines Driving Demand for Summer Vacations

Waves of Fun: Swimming safety tips for summer

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2 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 23, 2021

NEWS briefly EDUCATION NEW COALITION TO HELP COORDINATE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDING TO ADVANCE STUDENT SUCCESS Twelve leading education organizations recently announced a new effort to help ensure all students receive the equitable educational opportunities they deserve. The newly formed Coalition to Advance Future Student Success is a recognition that the historic injection of federal emergency relief funds presents a transformative opportunity for America’s public K-12 education system. The Coalition represents leaders involved in advancing public education, from practitioners in the classroom to the state capitol. The Coalition’s goal is to ensure that the federal investment provided during the COVID-19 pandemic is spent effectively and efficiently. A key pillar is to support historically underserved students who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coalition to Advance Future Student Success comprises the Council of Chief State School Officers, National Governors Association, National Association of State Boards of Education, National Conference of State Legislatures, AASA, The School Superintendents Association, Council of the Great City Schools, Chiefs for Change, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National School Boards Association, National Education Association, and American Federation of Teachers.

HEALTH

LYSOL®, JOINS THE AD COUNCIL AND COVID COLLABORATIVE’S COVID-19 VACCINE EDUCATION INITIATIVE Reckitt, the maker of Lysol®, has joined the Ad Council and COVID Collaborative in their efforts to promote COVID-19 vaccine awareness, releasing a new public service announcement (PSA) encouraging people to visit GetVaccineAnswers.org for information. The PSA – which focuses on the long-awaited moments of welcoming friends and family back into our homes – will help amplify the organizations’ historic “It’s Up To You” campaign, which educates people about COVID-19 vaccines and the role they play in helping us all get back to the moments we miss. “With the COVID-19 vaccines widely available, it’s critical that Americans with questions know where to turn for reliable answers,” said Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “We are thrilled that Lysol, a brand deeply trusted by consumers, is joining our initiative. Together, we can inspire individuals who are still hesitant to get the facts about the safety and efficacy of these vaccines.”

LAW & POLITICS

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL: CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER RULED SEXUALLY VIOLENT Attorney General Kwame Raoul recently announced that a Kane County judge has found that a registered sex offender is a Sexually Violent Person (SVP). Following the verdict, Kane County Circuit Court Judge Alice Tracy ordered Kerby Ford, 57, to remain in the custody of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) for treatment. Ford will be returned to the IDHS SVP Treatment and Detention Facility in Rushville, Illinois. In 2008, Ford was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl. At the time, Ford worked in the restaurant owned by the victim’s uncle. Previously in 1993, Ford was sentenced to nine years in prison for sexually assaulting two girls, an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old, he was babysitting in Cook County. Also in 1993, Ford was sentenced to nine years in prison for sexually assaulting two girls under the age of 13 while he was babysitting them in Kane County in 1989. Under the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act, Raoul’s office prosecutes cases seeking to commit offenders to the custody of IDHS. To be committed under the act, a person must have been convicted of a sexually violent offense and suffer from a mental disorder. Prosecutors must also prove that the offender is likely to commit future acts of sexual violence if released from custody. Once committed to IDHS, offenders are re-evaluated on a regular basis to determine if they continue to meet the criteria for commitment as a sexually violent person.

Tips to Reduce Energy Use in Summer Continued from page 1 BY TIA CAROL JONES

It’s summer and people will be turning on their air conditioners to beat the heat. ComEd’s Energy Doctor, Ed Krembuszewski, has tips on how to reduce energy use, which will help energy bill costs. Krembuszewski said in most homes, the air conditioning system uses the most energy. He said when you’re running the air conditioner, you want to make sure that the vents that blow the air into the rooms aren’t covered by carpet or furniture. “You don’t want the air flow from those vents to be blocked. What’ll happen then, your room won’t get as cool and the air conditioning system will have to work harder to cool the room,” he said. Krembuszewski said curtains or shades should be closed when an air conditioner is being used. He said it is not only to keep the sunlight out, it keeps out the heat too. “You want to insulate the air space in your house from that warm glass. So, drawing your shades, even if the sun’s not coming in, will keep your home cooler,” he said. Krembuszewski said the Department of Energy recommends setting thermostats to 78 degrees when the air conditioner is running. He said at 78 degrees, without a lot of humidity, it will be comfortable. “It sounds like a high number, but it is comfortable. If you want to save energy, you want to follow this guidance,” he said.

Krembuszewski added, if you leave your home for more than eight hours, the Department of Energy recommends turning up the thermostat by seven to ten degrees, to 85 or 88. “Just keep the eight hours in mind. If you’re going to be gone that long, it’s worth it. The eight hours is the critical duration. Overnight, they also recommend turning it up three to four degrees when you’re sleeping,” he said, adding the Department of Energy is trying to get people to save energy, so they will recommend temperatures that should keep you comfortable and save energy, as well. Krembuszewski said ceiling and box fans are also a way to keep cool and help save energy. He said, they create a breeze, make you feel cooler and cool your skin. The fan, however, is not going to cool the room, it just makes you feel cooler because of the wind it produces, he explained. Krembuszewski added, once you leave that room, turn the box fan off. For the ceiling fan, he said, “make sure that they’re rotating at a counterclockwise direction, because counterclockwise will push the air down, it will create that blowing on you.” He added, in the wintertime, a fan can be clockwise to push the warm air. “In the summertime, you just want that fan to be blowing on you.” After all that, Krembuszewski said, the system might not be running efficiently because you haven’t had the proper maintenance. He said ComEd offers rebates on air conditioning pump tune-ups. He said that maintenance is recommended before the

cooling season. “You could have a brand-new system but if someone doesn’t set it up properly, it could be wasting you energy, even with all the tips,” he said, adding to make sure the air intakes that draw the air back to the furnace, “You want to make sure those are clean because if those are blocked with dirt, or if something is in front of them, your air conditioning system is going to have to work that much harder to cool the air.” Krembuszewski said the air filter in the furnace should be changed every three months. He said in the summertime, air filters get dirtier faster because people are going in and out of the house more, there is more dust being pulled in. ComEd offers free home energy assessments, which can be done by having an energy advisor come in-person to the home, or it can be done virtually. Krembuszewski said having the assessment done could qualify the homeowner for free LED lightbulbs, advanced power strips, water-saving showerheads, faucet aerators for the bathrooms and kitchen, hot water pipe installation and a programmable thermostat. “The energy advisor will also provide you with a personalized report that has tips and ideas that can help you save energy that will be personalized for your home,” he said. To request an assessment, visit comed.com/assessment, or call 855433-2700. If you have a questions for the Energy Doctor, email energy. doctor@comed.com.

With summer approaching, officials warn workers of health hazards from heat As Illinois begins to experience higher temperatures, the Illinois Department of Labor is warning workers to pay attention to heat and humidity, which can be deadly. “As more Illinoisans return to work following the COVID-19 pandemic, people who work outside need to consider another hazard: intense heat. Exposure to high temperatures and humidity can cause sickness and death if not taken seriously. Both employers and employees have a responsibility to understand the dangers,” said Illinois Department of Labor Director Michael Kleinik. Thousands of construc-

tion workers are exposed to the elements everyday while upgrading roads, bridges and other necessary infrastructure. To prevent serious injury and death, the Illinois Department of Labor and OSHA stress “Water. Rest. Shade.” The symptoms of prolonged exposure to dangerous heat need to be recognized, experts say. The warning signs of a heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, include: • Heavy sweating • Nausea or vomiting • Dizziness • Weak pulse • High body temperature (103°F or higher) According to a press release, stroke is the most

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serious heat-related ailment that can lead to death if the warning signs aren’t caught. If a worker appears to be suffering heat stroke, it should be treated as an emergency and 911 should be called. The victim should be taken to a cooler, shady place and be given a cold compress, if possible. Some people – including those over 65; overweight; and those with underlying conditions, including heart disease and diabetes – are most susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Consuming alcohol or medication can also impact body-temperature regulation, which increases the danger.

Employees should be trained to recognize heat-related illness and how to respond in an emergency. It is critical cool water is not only available to workers, but they are encouraged to stay hydrated. Employees should also be encouraged to protect themselves from the sun if working long hours outdoors, the press release further stated. OSHA’s training materials provide a three-word strategy that can save lives -- Water. Rest. Shade. https://www.osha.gov/heat/ For more information on Illinois OSHA, a division of IDOL, visit https://www2. illinois.gov/idol/LawsRules/safety/Pages/default. aspx.

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 23, 2021

NEWS

State Supreme Court pauses transition to new appellate districts

POLITICAL Affairs

Order comes after Pritzker signed the new map into law BY SARAH MANSUR Capitol News Illinois smansur@capitolnewsillinois.com

Springfield — The Illinois Supreme Court will delay its transition to implement new appellate court boundaries that were created by a recently approved judicial district map until further notice. “Appeals and other matters shall continue to be filed in the judicial districts as they existed on June 3, 2021, until further order of the Court,” according to the court order released recently. Last month, lawmakers redrew four of the five judicial districts along with the state’s legislative districts, the latter of which is a process required by the state constitution every 10 years following the decennial census. Gov. JB Pritzker signed the maps into law on Friday, June 4. The delay is needed “in view of the numerous changes to the processing of appeals and the administration of the justice system in Illinois necessitated by (the new judicial map),” according to the order. That includes changes to e-filing and case management systems, redistribution of staffing and judicial resources, training for judicial stakeholders and education of the public and members of the bar. The five judicial districts that are used for electing the seven Illinois Supreme Court justices are the same district boundaries used to elect judges within the five appellate court districts. The 1st District, which contains only Cook County and elects three Supreme Court justices, was not included in the judicial redistricting process. The remaining four districts, which elect only one justice each, share boundaries with the four appellate court districts outside of Cook County. The 2nd District previously spanned

13 counties that surrounded Cook County and ran across the northwestern portion of the state, bordering Wisconsin to the north and Iowa to the west. It now covers DeKalb, Kendall, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties. DuPage County was moved from the 2nd District to the 3rd District, which previously included 21 counties spanning from Kankakee County to the Metro East. The new 3rd District also includes Bureau, LaSalle, Grundy, Iroquois, Kankakee and Will counties. The new 4th District, which contains 22 counties that were previously within the 2nd or 3rd districts, contains counties in western Illinois along the Mississippi River and encompasses counties up to the Wisconsin border. The new 5th District gained 11 counties that were previously in the 4th District. Republicans in the Illinois General Assembly opposed the new judicial maps, which were drawn by Democrats. They argued the new district boundaries were redrawn in response to former Justice Thomas Kilbride, a Democrat from the 3rd District, losing his retention election in 2020. The new district lines were drawn to maximize Democrats’ chances of keeping a majority on the state’s highest court, the Republicans say. But Democrats claim population shifts that resulted in Supreme Court districts that are no longer “of substantially equal population,” which is required under the Illinois Constitution, necessitated the action. Republicans also decried that the maps were not based on U.S. Census data, which will not be released until August due to the pandemic. Instead, the Democrats used the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey data which is less detailed and precise. The legislation creating the new

judicial map states that the new districts do not change the “composition and boundaries of the Judicial Circuits,” which are trial courts where cases typically originate. There are 24 judicial circuits across the state, including six single county circuits in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. The new judicial boundaries relocate eight judicial circuits to new districts. DuPage County, which is the 18th Judicial Circuit, has moved from the 2nd to the 3rd Appellate District under the remap. In addition, the 15th Judicial Circuit (containing Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Carroll, Ogle and Lee counties) and the 17th Judicial Circuit (containing Winnebago and Boone counties) moved from the 2nd to the 4th Appellate District. The 14th Judicial Circuit (containing Mercer, Rock Island, Whiteside and Henry counties), the 10th Judicial Circuit (containing Stark, Putnam, Marshall, Peoria and Tazewell counties) and the 9th Judicial Circuit (containing Knox, Fulton, Warren, Henderson, Hancock and McDonough counties) moved from the 3rd to the 4th Appellate District. In a statement, Dennis J. Orsey, Illinois State Bar Association president, said the organization agrees with the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision “to temporarily pause the implementation of the legislatively enacted judicial redistricting plan in order for the Court to faithfully execute the plan.” “On behalf of the ISBA, I applaud our Supreme Court’s leadership and foresight in recognizing that the changes necessitated by this legislation must be properly and thoughtfully implemented in order to ensure the efficient and orderly administration of our justice system,” Orsey said in the statement.

EEOC Condemns Antisemitism In Unanimous Resolution The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has unanimously approved a resolution condemning the recent violence, harassment, and acts of bias against Jewish individuals in the United States, the agency recently announced. The resolution reaffirms the Commis sion’s commitment to combat all forms of harassment and discrimination against

members of the Jewish community, and to ensure equal opportunity, inclusion, and dignity for all in the workplace. “Hatred, bigotry, and antisemitism violate our nation’s core principles and impact all of us,” said EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows. “The recent violence and harassment against Jewish persons serve as a reminder of the challenges we face as a nation and the

importance of the agency’s work. The Commission stands with the victims, their families and the nation’s Jewish communities.” The EEOC advances equal opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information about the Commission is available on EEOC’s website at www.eeoc.gov.

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REP. DAVIS LEADS EFFORT TO EXPAND THE WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT Rep. Danny K. Davis, along with House Ways and Means Democrats, Rep. Brian Higgins (NY), Bill Pascrell (NJ), Tom Suozii (NY), Terri Sewell (AL), John Larson (CT), and Dale Kildee (MI), introduced the "Promoting Employment of Skilled Workers and Foster Youth Act of 2021." "As the economy begins to reopen and the strong possibility of an infrastructure bill on the horizon, expanding the WOTC to encourage the hiring of skilled workers and foster youth will provide employment opportunities to reduce unemployment further," Davis stated. While the national unemployment rate continues to decrease, certain areas of Chicago still have double-digit unemployment. This bill will encourage more opportunity for skilled workers in the construction fields and foster youth to enter the workforce."

Senator Jones announces over $1.5 million investment in local biking and walking trails State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) announced that Midlothian and Oak Forest will see a combined investment of over $1.5 million in local sidewalks, as well as biking and walking trails. “Transportation isn’t just about cars and buses,” Jones said. “People need to be able to safely travel on sidewalks and bike paths to get from home to school and work, as well as to get healthy exercise.” Residents of the communities will see improvements to area trails for pedestrians and bicyclists, which include: ·

Sidewalks in Oak Forest and

The Natalie Creek Trail in Midlothian

These projects are part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, for which the Illinois Department of Transportation has selected 99 projects totaling $105.7 million. Projects receiving funding in this round of investment include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification, and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level.

Illinois Senate Black Caucus Celebrates the signing of HB#3922 making Juneteenth a State Law On June 19, 1865, two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of slavery and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. 50 years later, Illinois has now declared June 19 a state holiday to recognize Juneteenth National Freedom Day. The initiative, led by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (DMaywood) began as an effort to keep Black history alive in Illinois by creating a statewide celebration of African American freedom and independence. “Making Juneteenth a state holiday is a breakthrough in Illinois history,” Lightford said. “It reminds us that freedom and racial equality have always been a hard-fought battle for Black Americans and gives us an opportunity to celebrate our culture and achievements.” “Juneteenth is a day to commemorate the end of the ‘peculiar’ institution of slavery. The abolishment of America’s original sin on June 19, 1865, was the manifestation of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation,” said State Senator Christopher Belt (DSwansea). “Make no mistake about it, the date slavery was eradicated in America should be a date held in high sacrosanctity, not only in Illinois, but in all America. The legislation was signed into law recently and will become effective Jan. 1, 2022.

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BUSINESS Sean Combs Teams Up With Salesforce To Launch SHOP CIRCULATE, An All-In-One Digital Marketplace For Black-Owned Businesses Combs Enterprises and Salesforce have teamed up to create SHOP CIRCULATE, a curated digital marketplace that allows consumers to discover and buy products exclusively created and sold by Black entrepreneurs. SHOP CIRCULATE provides Black businesses with a platform to reach global audiences and empowers consumers to shop the world’s best Black-owned brands. This innovative new platform will be designed and built by Deloitte Digital, a leading Experience Consultancy and global strategic partner for Salesforce, and powered by Marketplacer’s best-in-class online marketplace technology. SHOP CIRCULATE’s announcement reinforces the importance of supporting and empowering Black entrepreneurs and building wealth through “circulating” dollars within the Black community. “Building Black wealth starts with investing in Black-owned businesses and giving entrepreneurs access to the consumers needed to build sustainable companies that can thrive,” says Sean Combs, chairman of Combs Enterprises. “I’m excited to partner with Salesforce to create a platform that will advance our collective pursuit of economic justice.” “Salesforce is honored to collaborate with Sean Combs and Combs Enterprises to help close the unjust wealth gap that prevents too many Black Americans from achieving econom-

BUILDING BLACK WEALTH STARTS WITH INVESTING IN BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES AND GIVING ENTREPRENEURS ACCESS TO THE CONSUMERS NEEDED TO BUILD SUSTAINABLE COMPANIES THAT CAN THRIVE. Sean Combs, Chairman Combs Enterprises ic equality,” said Marc Benioff, chair and CEO of Salesforce. “SHOP CIRCULATE will empower us all — as individuals, communities and companies — to support Black-owned businesses, amplify the talent of Black entrepreneurs and move us closer to true equality.” Combs Enterprises has united the industry’s most progressive companies and innovative minds to lead the charge in elevating Black-owned entrepreneurs. SHOP CIRCULATE has acquired The Nile List, a widely respected and rapidly growing digital community that connects consumers with Black-owned brands. With the acquisition, Combs Enterprises has appointed The Nile List founder Khadijah Robinson to head of product, where she will oversee development and spearhead all SHOP CIRCULATE global efforts. Additionally, SHOP CIRCULATE has inked a robust partnership with Official Black Wall Street, the leading directory

TD Bank Announces $100 Million Equity Fund to Support Minority-Owned Small Businesses TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank® (AMCB), recently announced the establishment of a $100 million equity fund in support of minority-owned small businesses, demonstrating its continued commitment to combat racial inequities and provide opportunity in underserved communities. TD Bank’s equity fund will enable Specialized Small Business Investment Companies (SSBICs) and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide small business loans and technical assistance, ensuring these businesses have the resources they need to scale and adapt long-term. Seventy-five million of the capital will be funded through an SSBIC initiative, to be launched later this year. SSBICs provide financial assistance to disadvantaged businesses that are minority-owned, women-owned or are in areas of need. $25 million will be specifically earmarked for Black- and Latinx-owned small businesses, funded through CDFIs, which are notably skilled in helping businesses in communities of color secure financing. “The pandemic has highlighted the depth of disparities that exist in communities of color, especially as it relates to small businesses, which serve as the backbone of our economy,” said Greg Braca, president and CEO, TD Bank, AMCB. “The equity fund will ultimately infuse capital and help stabilize these small businesses. But it’s also about contributing to job creation, stimulating economic development, revitalizing these vibrant communities and, just as important, breaking the cycle of disinvestment which systemically prevents communities of color from thriving. Small businesses are

the heart of our communities – especially communities of color – and it’s up to us to help them succeed.” The equity fund stems from a larger commitment made by TD Bank Group last year to advance racial equity for its colleagues, customers and communities. As part of that commitment, TD Bank pledged to establish ways to better support minority-owned businesses. Many of these businesses, particularly Black- and Latinx-owned, were already experiencing financial fragility due to underlying systemic challenges faced by underrepresented groups, a situation that was exacerbated during the pandemic. “We hope that our investment in these SSBICs and CDFIs serves as a means of making access to capital more equitable for minority small business owners. But our support doesn’t end there,” said Michael Innis-Thompson, head of community leading and development at TD Bank. “TD has always helped sustain small business owners. For instance, we’ve long supported CDFIs through philanthropic grants and access to capital for loans, providing them with the liquidity to offer low-interest, micro-loans to businesses that may not have qualified for traditional lending due to barriers commonly faced, especially by Black and Latinx small business owners. Additionally, TD will continue its practice of referring customers to a CDFI when we can’t underwrite a loan, because at the end of the day, we want these vital businesses to succeed – it’s what differentiates us as a purpose-driven bank.”

to discover Black-owned businesses, with its founder Mandy Bowman joining as an advisor. SHOP CIRCULATE was developed by a dynamic and diverse team of engineers, storytellers, brand marketers and product specialists across Salesforce, Deloitte Digital and Combs Enterprises. The platform will launch later this year, featuring an expansive list of businesses across categories -- from beauty, fashion and art, to health, wellness and home. “Deloitte’s purpose is to make an impact that matters. As the largest professional services organization in the world, we have a responsibility to help level the playing field and advance opportunities for the Black community in business,” says Punit Renjen, Deloitte Global CEO. “This is one of the most effective ways for organizations like ours to do our part in ending systemic bias, racial injustice, and unequal treatment in all its forms.” “Marketplaces are a great leveler in bringing together businesses of all sizes into a single venue to drive opportunity and growth. It’s our goal that our partnership with SHOP CIRCULATE will bring our powerful marketplace platform to Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs as a vehicle to drive change, growth and success,” said Jason Wyatt, executive chairman, Marketplacer.

In First Round of Grantmaking, Black Girl Freedom Fund Supports Organizations Serving Black Girls Across the U.S. The Black Girl Freedom Fund, an initiative of Grantmakers for Girls of Color, recently announced its first grant recipients. The grantmaking was guided by an advisory committee of seven Black girls and Black gender-expansive youth between the ages of 13-17 years old. The Black Girl Freedom Fund is focusing its first round of grants for Black-girls serving organizations that address safety and wellbeing of Black girls. Along with the fund, the #1Billion4BlackGirls campaign aims to mobilize $1 billion for Black girls and young women over the next 10 years. The campaign has mobilized $17 million since it was first launched in September. “We affirm that Black girls are sacred, and are deserving of love and abundant resources to heal, grow, and thrive,” says Dr. Monique W. Morris, president and CEO of Grantmakers for Girls of Color, and cofounder of the #1Billion4BlackGirls Campaign. “Black girls present some of the boldest, wisest, most creative articulations of justice in our society. We’ll all benefit when we listen to their experience and needs, and fund their solutions.” For its first round of funding, grants ranging between $50,000-$100,000 will be distributed to The F.I.N.D. Design(Nashville), Pretty Brown Girl (National), Healing the Black Body (National), Get Smart B4U Get Sexy(California), The Hive Community Circle (South Carolina), 3D Girls (Atlanta). Each grantee meets the fund’s criteria that organizations are led by Black girls and/or Black women, Black femmes, gender-expansive Black people, and serve Black girls, Black femmes, and/or gender-expansive Black youth. In addition, each organization is U.S.-based, focuses on leadership development, works to center the power of Black girls, facilitates pro-

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gramming for Black girls, centers the wellness and safety of Black girls in its mission and/or programs. “Black girls and gender-expansive young people are deeply invested in the wellbeing and safety of their peers,” said Kyndall Clark Osibodu, manager of organizational health and learning for Grantmakers of Girls of Color, who co-facilitated the Black Girl Freedom Fund Youth Advisory Committee. “Not only did the Youth Advisory Committee conjure up and bring into the room their first-hand experiences, they modeled for us what it means to do philanthropy abundantly, make decisions with conviction, and hold us accountable to co-construct a container that centers their own healing, safety, and wellbeing.” The fund was created to address a major disparity in giving to Black girls and other women and girls of color, which was discovered to represent only 0.5% of $66.9 billion by foundations, totaling just $5.48 per woman and girl of color in the United States, according to the Ms. Foundation. In 2017, one of the most recent years for which data exists, less than $15 million was specified as benefiting Black women and girls. “It has been a joy to have this empowering and transformative experience guided by the brilliance and leadership of Black girls and gender-expansive youth in the fund’s Youth Advisory Committee,” said Cidra Sebastien, manager of the Black Girl Freedom Fund. “I look forward to more collaborative opportunities to imagine and co-create alongside them. We are eager to support more Black girls and gender-expansive youth in every city, every state, in every way.” Additional rounds of funding will be made in 2021. For updates, visit 1billion4BlackGirls.org

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 23, 2021

NEWS

‘Have Shot, Will Travel’, Tripadvisor Research Reveals COVID-19 Vaccines Driving Demand for Summer Vacations A new travel trends research paper released recently by Tripadvisor®, the world’s largest travel guidance platform*, reveals that vaccine rollouts globally are driving increasing demand for summer vacations, with vaccinated travelers more likely to stay longer and spend more on their trips than unvaccinated travelers. The report, entitled ‘A Shot in The Arm for Travel? Examining the Vaccine’s Impact on Leisure Travel Demand’, provides a unique insight into emerging travel planning trends around the world by combining behavioral analysis of Tripadvisor’s first-party search data - revealing the type of trips travelers are actively researching on the world’s largest travel platform - with consumer sentiment analysis gathered via traveler surveys in six major international markets, exploring the latest in traveler attitudes and confidence. The report identifies clear behavioral differences in how vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are thinking about travel, and how that is translating into travel planning behaviors on the Tripadvisor platform. In countries like the U.S. and the UK, where

THE REPORT IDENTIFIES CLEAR BEHAVIORAL DIFFERENCES IN HOW VACCINATED AND UNVACCINATED TRAVELERS ARE THINKING ABOUT TRAVEL, AND HOW THAT IS TRANSLATING INTO TRAVEL PLANNING BEHAVIORS ON THE TRIPADVISOR PLATFORM. the vaccination rollout has reached large swathes of the adult population, eager travelers are pushing the tourism recovery forward. At the other end of the spectrum, countries where the vaccine rollout is at a less advanced stage and new variants of Covid-19 have impacted local populations - particularly across the Asia-Pacific region - are experiencing a slower recovery in leisure travel demand. “Higher income millennial travelers were driving the demand for leisure travel this past spring, but heading into the summer the age demographic of travelers now booking up vacations has broadened significantly, at least in countries where large populations have been vaccinated,” said Stephen Kaufer, CEO

and co-founder, Tripadvisor, Inc. “If ever we needed proof that vaccines are the key to long-term recovery in the tourism sector, our latest trend data provides it. Now the focus must be on governments and international organizations to ensure vaccines reach every part of the world as quickly as possible and make it as easy as possible for vaccinated tourists to travel globally once again.” Key findings from the report include: 1. The vaccine has a significant impact on the demand for accommodations. Countries where the pace of the vaccination rollout is more advanced, like the U.S. and UK, are powering near-term growth in tourism demand, while a more muted recovery picture emerges across the Asia-Pacific region. 2. Vaccine rollouts are also offering a boost to dining and experiences. 3. Domestic tourism is dominating travel planning searches for the peak season ahead, but for trips further out, travelers are already actively planning international travel. 4. The urban tourism revival is in full swing. City destinations are re-emerging as the trip of choice for vaccinated travelers:

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5. On average, vaccinated travelers plan to spend more and vacation longer than other travelers. “After such a turbulent year, many in tourism are hopeful that a busy summer will provide a much-needed boost to the tourism industry, so it’s welcome news to see the latest traveler data pointing in that direction, especially for destinations and hospitality businesses that are able to capture the growing demand for domestic vacations,” said Christopher Hsi, head of market research, Tripadvisor. “What offers even greater hope for a long-term recovery is the impact the vaccine is having not just on people’s confidence to travel, but also their willingness to turn planning into bookings. As more and more countries make progress on the rollout of the vaccine, and the positive impact that should have on the re-opening of international borders, there is every reason to expect further growth in traveler demand will come.” You can read the report in full here: https:// www.tripadvisor.com/TravelTrendsReportJune2021

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CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 23, 2021

On the patio, online or streaming on-the-go, Xfinity celebrates the season with the music that unites us all. Just say, “Black Experience,” into your Xfinity Voice Remote to enjoy a Black Music Month collection filled with your favorite groups, collabos, duets, TV shows, and more. Plus, with Xfinity Internet, your entertainment starts at FREE with a Flex 4K streaming box that puts all your apps in one place. Xfinity, the ultimate in Black storytelling and a way better way to watch. Visit xfinity.com/blackexperience to learn more.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Access for Xfinity Internet customers via the Xfinity Stream app or Flex. Flex is not available in all areas or to current Xfinity Video customers. Requires post-paid subscription to Xfinity Internet, excluding Internet Essentials. Pricing subject to change. Taxes, fees and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change. Limited to 3 devices. 1 device included, additional devices $5/mo. per device. All devices must be returned when service ends. Separate subscriptions required for certain streaming services. Viewing uses your Internet service and will count against any Xfinity data plan. Streaming content limited to the U.S. ©2021 Comcast. All Rights Reserved.

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Amplify your summer.

8 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 23, 2021

HOME & GARDENING

Corral Clutter with a Mudroom (Family Features) Often positioned near the primary point of entry, mudrooms are a popular addition to many family homes. These organizational dynamos are the perfect place to catch muddy boots, backpacks, sports equipment and dirty paws before they make it all the way into the main living areas. Luxurious mudrooms in high-end homes can sometimes boast custom cabinetry, full bathrooms, laundry facilities, showers for pets and direct pantry access. Regardless of whether your mudroom is an actual room or just a small space near the front door to hang bags and jackets, the organizational basics are the same: Corral Clutter: One of the most important items in any mudroom is storage for shoes, pet supplies, backpacks, sporting equipment and other items. If built-in storage isn't in your budget, put up a sturdy shelving unit with a bin or basket for each family member. Get Hooked: Securely anchor a row of strong hooks along the wall for coats, hats, scarves or other seasonal accessories that may otherwise find themselves dropped on the floor upon arriving home. Mud Happens: Mudrooms are meant to handle dirt so nix the carpet and lay down tile or hardwood flooring. Pick a stylish rug to catch dirt in its tracks while also adding a design element to the space.

Shoe Space: Place a wooden bench or sturdy coffee table near the door so everyone has a place to sit while removing shoes. Slide a few baskets or bins underneath as an alternate location for storing backpacks and other gear when not in use. Take Command: Create a family command center by adding a small cabinet or desk with a corkboard above. It makes for a perfect spot to stash keys, charge cell phones, open mail, sort school papers and post the family calendar. Find more organization tips and tricks at eLivingtoday.com. Photo courtesy of Unsplash

Home Upgrades to Improve Indoor Air Quality (Family Features) When most people think about air quality, they’re typically thinking about outdoor pollution. However, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air inside your home can be as polluted, or even more so, than the air outside. The concentrations of some indoor pollutants can be as much as 2-5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations. The air inside your home also contains pollutants from everyday activities like cooking, bathing and cleaning. A family of four can produce the equivalent of 22-30 pounds of moisture per day from normal activities, according to the Institute of Specialist Surveyors and Engineers, while household cleaners and products like paint, upholstery, carpeting and plastics can release chemicals containing volatile organic compounds. On average, Americans spend an estimated 90% of their time indoors, according to the EPA. All that time with minimal access to daylight and fresh air can take a toll on your health. These steps for managing indoor air quality can help you create a healthier home. Support your HVAC system Many homeowners assume their heating and cooling (HVAC) system is adequate to manage their home’s indoor air quality. Typically, these systems only circulate existing indoor air, so you’re missing out on the benefits of circulating fresher, cleaner air. What’s more, without regular servicing and frequent filter replacements, it’s easy for standard HVAC systems to fall short. This is especially true in older homes or in households where there’s a high volume of allergens like dust or pet dander. Adding standalone or integrated devices can help give your HVAC system some extra support. Air purifiers can effectively help filter pollutants while ultraviolet lights purify the air and help control pollutants like bacteria, mold and mildew. Improve fresh air ventilation When it comes to upgrades that improve air quality, better fresh air ventilation is near the top of the list for many homeowners. Improved ventilation allows you to clear out stale, polluted indoor air and circulate fresh, outdoor air in your home.

Polluted air tends to stagnate at the ceiling, so one effective and energy-efficient way to create natural ventilation is with skylights that open. Sometimes called venting or operable skylights, when you open skylights in combination with vertical windows, you create natural airflow that can helprelease indoor air pollutants and bring in fresh, clean air to keep your home healthy and pleasant. This concept is known as the chimney effect. Warm air naturally rises and escapes from open skylights while fresh air is drawn inside through the windows. This practice can reduce your reliance on air conditioning, improving your home’s overall efficiency and keeping a lid on cooling costs. Today’s skylights can also be automated to open and close at regular intervals or extend and retract shades to block light as needed. Many models, including those from Velux, can even connect to a smartphone app to combine convenience with a soothing mood booster that supports health and wellness. Keep up with cleaning Textiles like carpeting, rugs and window treatments can harbor a great deal of dust and dander that reduces air quality. It’s important to regularly clean and air out these decorative fabrics and surfaces, especially thick carpet that is likely to host dust mites and bacteria. Remember air quality while you’re cleaning, too, and opt for cleaning products with fewer chemicals. When possible, use microfiber cloths and natural materials like white vinegar and soap flakes. With proper upgrades, adjustments and care, you can enjoy a home filled with fresh, healthy air and comfortable surroundings year-round. Learn more at whyskylights.com. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 23, 2021

NEWS

Waves of Fun: Swimming safety tips for summer Family Features - Playing in or around water is one of the joys of summer, but this treasured seasonal pastime comes with some serious risks. Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 14 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As COVID-19 restrictions ease, many families will have more informal gatherings and take trips to the beach, increasing the potential for children to have unsupervised access to water sources. Because of this, it’s important for children to take swimming lessons to learn water safety skills and create safer habits in and around water. As swimming lessons begin across the country, many are being conducted safely with COVID-19 precautions in place. Protect your family’s safety around water this summer with these tips from the Make a Splash Tour, presented by Phillips 66 and the USA Swimming Foundation. Designate a Water Watcher and Closely Monitor Children. Designate a water watcher when you are in, on or around water. Watch all children and adolescents swimming or playing in or around water, even if they know how to swim. Keeping young children or inexperienced swimmers within arm’s length at all times can help ensure you’re able to provide assistance if and when it’s needed. Wear a Life Jacket. Anyone participating in any boating, paddling or towed water sports, regardless of swimming ability in pool or open water situations, should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Preschool-aged children (5 years old and younger), who are not protected by touch supervision, in particular, should always wear a life jacket. Swimming aids and water toys – such as water wings, inflatable water wings and rings – are not intended to be life-saving devices. They may provide some buoyancy in the water but do not prevent drowning. Swim with a Buddy. When possible, choose swimming locations where a trained lifeguard is watching for dangerous conditions and helping keep an eye on swimmers. Also make it a practice to always have at least two people swimming together. That way, if someone has a problem, the other can get help. Learn to Swim. Research has shown formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of childhood drowning by 88%. Through the annual Make a Splash Tour, the USA Swimming Foundation, with the support of Phillips 66, encourages children’s swim lessons. By equipping your child with the skill of swimming, you’ll open doors to a lifetime of safety, fun, fitness and even employment opportunities. While lessons progressively teach a variety of swimming strokes, some of

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, many families will have more informal gatherings and take trips to the beach, increasing the potential for children to have unsupervised access to water sources. Because of this, it’s important for children to take swimming lessons to learn water safety skills and create safer habits in and around water.

the most important things swimmers learn – even in beginner classes – are breath control and how to float. These basic skills are essential for staying above water should someone find himself or herself unable to touch or too tired to swim to safety. Children can participate in swimming lessons before they can walk, and parent-child swim lessons provide bonding opportunities along with water safety education. Enter Water Feet First. Diving in a pool that is too shallow or into water where you’re not certain what’s below the surface, like a lake, can have dire consequences. Teach children to dive only in designated diving areas and to always enter water of unknown or non-visible depth feet first. Swim in Designated Areas and Obey Posted Signs and Flags. Ropes, buoys and flags in larger bodies of water like lakes or oceans are commonly used to mark off safe swimming areas and provide visual cues about changes in depth, underwater surfaces and currents. Teach children what these signs and markers mean and that they’re in place as safety tools, not toys to play with or float on. Learn CPR. If the unthinkable does happen, knowing how to perform CPR allows you to take immediate action, which has been shown to significantly better the outcome for children with submersion injuries. In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive, you could save someone’s life. Seconds count; the more quickly lifesaving CPR is started, the better the chances of recovery. There are many places that offer CPR training, including community organizations and nonprofit groups. Remember to keep your certification current once you have completed the initial requirements.

can ask people you know and use social media and neighborhood boards to get tips. If your school has a swimming team, the coach may also be able to give you some ideas. Another resource is online search tools, such as usaswimming.org/makeasplash, which allows you to search for swim lesson providers near you. Many of these programs also offer options for free or reduced-cost swim lessons. Once you identify a program, visit

the facility with your child to see how swim lessons are run. Find out who your child’s teacher will be and whether it’s possible to meet him or her in advance. Learn the program expectations for you as a parent or guardian. Inquire about the provider’s approach and learn-to-swim philosophy. While researching programs, some industry best practices to look for include: Ask about the facility’s COVID-19

mitigation protocols. Swim lessons can be safely administered with proper protective equipment and procedures. A nationally recognized learn-toswim curriculum or an independently developed learn-to-swim curriculum that follows a similar model. Trained and certified instructors, with on-deck lifeguards holding current CPR and first aid certifications. A maximum 6-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio for group lessons. Minimum of 30 minutes per week of in-water instruction with a minimum total in-water instruction time of four hours. Written and practiced emergency action plans. Regulation of the facility and water by the Department of Health or similar governing agency. Established and practiced child-protection policies. Screening and background checks on all staff members. Make safety a priority for your summer water fun. Find more information, including swim lesson providers in your area, by visiting usaswimming.org/makeasplash. SOURCE: USA Swimming Foundation and Phillips 66

Be FIRST in LINE when you visit ONLINE. Visit

to: Purchase license plate stickers; Renew driver’s licenses and ID cards for those who qualify; Obtain a duplicate driver’s license or ID card.

Driver’s license and ID card expiration dates have been extended until Aug. 1, 2021. The federal REAL ID deadline has been extended to May 3, 2023.

Finding a Swim Lesson Provider If you’re unsure where to take your child for swim lessons in your community, these tips can help: Ask other parents in your area where they take their children. You www.citizennewspapergroup.com

10 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 23, 2021

GOOD EATING

A Sizzling Summer Meal

(Family Features) Summertime, for many, represents an opportunity to enjoy freshly cooked meals while enjoying time outdoors. Taking your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary starts with chef-inspired recipes that call to mind the flavors of the season. If you're a summer burger connoisseur looking for a fresh twist on tradition, this recipe calls for high-quality beef from Omaha Steaks. Created by Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose, these Fried Lobster Po Boy Burgers with pimento remoulade sauce are a tempting way to combine two summertime favorites - seafood and burgers. Visit OmahaSteaks.com for more summer meal inspiration.

Fried Lobster Po Boy Burgers Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose Prep time: about 20 minutes Cook time: about 20 minutes Servings: 2 Pimento Remoulade: 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 1/2 tablespoons minced pimentos 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon minced bread and butter pickles 1 pepperoncino (seeded and minced) 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 3 dashes hot sauce kosher salt, to taste Fried Lobster Tails: Vegetable oil, for frying 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 large egg 1 tablespoon water 2 dashes hot pepper sauce 1/4 cup potato chips, finely blended in food processor 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs 1 tablespoon minced flat leaf Italian parsley 2 Omaha Steaks lobster tails (5 ounces each) Cheeseburgers: 1 pound Omaha Steaks premium ground beef salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 brioche buns 2 slices yellow cheddar cheese 3 leaves romaine lettuce, shredded To make pimento remoulade: In small bowl, mix mayonnaise, pimentos, mustard, pickles, pepperoncino, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, lemon juice and hot sauce until well incorporated. Season with salt, to taste. To make fried lobster tails: Preheat grill to 400 F and add oil to 10-inch cast-iron pan about 1/2-inch deep. In medium bowl, whisk flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika until well incorporated. Set aside. In separate medium bowl, whisk egg, water and hot pepper sauce. Set aside. In third medium bowl, whisk potato chips, panko breadcrumbs and parsley until well incorporated. Set aside. Cut lobster tails in half lengthwise, remove meat from shell and season with remaining kosher salt and black pepper. Toss halved lobster tails in flour mixture first, egg mixture second then potato chip mixture third, coating thoroughly. Fry lobster tails 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Close grill lid between flipping. To make cheeseburgers: Preheat grill to 450 F using direct heat. Form ground beef into two 1/2 pound patties, each about 1/2-inch thick. Using thumb, make dimple in center of each patty to help cook evenly. Season both sides of burger with salt and pepper, to taste. Spread butter on each cut side of buns. Grill burgers 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. Add one slice cheddar cheese on each burger, close lid and grill about 30 seconds to melt cheese. Remove patties from grill to clean plate. Place buns cut sides down on grill grates and toast 20-30 seconds, or until well toasted, being careful to avoid burning. To assemble: Place desired remoulade on buns. Place cheeseburgers on bottom buns. Top each with two fried lobster tail halves. Place handful shredded lettuce on lobster tails. Top with buns. #15698 Source: Omaha Steaks

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CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 23, 2021

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12 | CITIZEN | South Suburban | Week of June 23, 2021

Making a lasting impact in Chicago At Bank of America, we have long been committed to advancing racial equality and economic opportunity in the communities where we work and live. Recognizing the urgency of the moment, we’ve expanded our longstanding efforts to drive progress by committing an additional $1.25 billion over five years to create opportunity for people and communities of color. By partnering with organizations here in Chicago, we’re continuing to align our resources to help drive sustainable progress locally. Our investments and partnerships will help address critical issues and long-term gaps including: • connecting workers to new skills and enhanced job readiness • expanding affordable housing options for more people • ramping up lending and support to local small businesses • increasing access to healthcare and addressing food insecurity

Working together We’re collaborating with a variety of organizations to help our community move forward. They include: Chinese American Service League Association House of Chicago Institute for Latino Progress

We know there’s so much more work to be done. My teammates and I remain committed to the job ahead. Together with our local partners, we can make a real difference. What would you like the power to do?®

Metropolitan Family Services

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Go to bankofamerica.com/chicago to learn more about the work we are doing with our incredible partners.

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