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 The Citizen: Serving The Black Community For 55 Years Week of July 1, 2020
| Vol. 51 | No. 27 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com
CHICAGO WEEKEND
Pritzker signs vote-by-mail expansion Page 3
Comerica Bank and National Business League Announce $1 Million Commitment to Support Black-Owned Small Businesses Page 4
Ashley Munson, lead organizer of March for Us 2020, cited a list of demands during the Juneteenth March press conference at Daley Plaza. Munson said the goal is to create a more collaborative Black Chicago. Photo credit: By Tia Carol Jones
MARCH CALLS FOR EQUITY AND MOVES FOR COLLABORATIVE BLACK CHICAGO On Friday, June 19, marchers took to the streets of downtown Chicago, holding Black Lives Matter signs while a brass band played “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Once they arrived in Daley Plaza, people started to do the electric slide as Beyonce’s “Before I Let Go” played. PAGE 2
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2 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of July 1, 2020
NEWS briefly EDUCATION 2020 HBCU COMPETITIVENESS SCHOLARS ANNOUNCED The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Initiative) recently announced the names of 44 students from 33 historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) selected as 2020 HBCU Competitiveness Scholars – the Initiative’s highest student recognition. Scholars are chosen based on their academic achievements, campus and civic involvement and entrepreneurial ethos or “gogetter” spirits. Comprised of undergraduate, graduate, professional students, and international students from various academic backgrounds, the 2020 scholars were selected from among several highly distinguished HBCU students. In addition, each recognized scholar was nominated and endorsed by their institution president, which itself is a prestigious acknowledgement. “I am simply thrilled to recognize the 2020 HBCU Competitiveness Scholars,” said Johnathan Holifield, executive director of the Initiative. “These students are fine examples of the talent and boundless vitality found at America’s HBCUs. This recognition heightens expectations for scholars to continue making meaningful contributions to our nation. I am confident they will deliver.”
HEALTH
LUNG TRANSPLANT PERFORMED ON A COVID-19 PATIENT AT NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE For the first time, surgeons at Northwestern Medicine performed a double-lung transplant on a patient whose lungs were damaged by COVID-19. The patient, a Hispanic woman in her 20s, spent six weeks in the COVID ICU on a ventilator and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a life support machine that does the work of the heart and lungs. By early June, the patient’s lungs showed irreversible damage. The lung transplant team listed her for a double-lung transplant, and 48 hours later, performed the life-saving procedure at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “How did a healthy woman in her 20s get to this point? There’s still so much we have yet to learn about COVID-19. Why are some cases worse than others? The multidisciplinary research team at Northwestern Medicine is trying to find out,” says Rade Tomic, MD, a pulmonologist and medical director of the Lung Transplant Program. Northwestern Medicine has one of the shortest wait-times in the United States for new lungs, according to Dr. Tomic. Once a patient’s name is added to the transplant waiting list, it typically takes 30 days to find a match – much shorter than the national average of three months. Following lung transplantation, more than 85-90% of patients survive one year, and report complete independence in day-today life. For more information on Northwestern Medicine’s Lung Transplant Program, visit nm.org.
LAW & POLITICS
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ISSUES STATEMENT ON U.S. SUPREME COURT’S RULING PRESERVING DACA AND PROTECTING DREAMERS The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of Illinois and a coalition of 15 other attorneys general along with several other plaintiffs against federal attempts to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). In the Supreme Court, Raoul and the coalition argued in a September 2019 brief that the administration’s decision to scrap DACA was based on critical errors. These included erroneous assumptions about how DACA works, reliance on unhelpful case law, and omission of essential factors – including a failure to explain the administration’s abrupt change in position on DACA’s legality or considering the interests of those affected. The Supreme Court recently sided with Raoul and the coalition alongside many plaintiffs from across the nation challenging the administration’s actions. In a statement, Raoul said, “I applaud the Supreme Court for today’s decision in our case and others that protects thousands of young people and their rights to live and work in the only country they have ever known as home. I will continue to fight any discriminatory actions that cause uncertainty and fear in immigrant communities in Illinois and throughout the country.”
March calls for equity and moves for collaborative Black Chicago Continued from page 1 BY TIA CAROL JONES
On Friday, June 19, marchers took to the streets of downtown Chicago, holding Black Lives Matter signs while a brass band played “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Once they arrived in Daley Plaza, people started to do the electric slide as Beyonce’s “Before I Let Go” played. In the wake of the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks and Ahmaud Arbery, marches calling for an end to racial injustice and the killing of unarmed Black people have heightened. The March for Us 2020, spearheaded by Ashley Munson, started on State Street and made its way over to Dearborn. It was one of several marches in Chicago that took place on Juneteenth. Munson said the march was a collective effort, with Black-owned businesses and community organizations coming together to make the event happen. “This could not have happened without everyone coming together, putting their money where their mouth is,” she said. Munson said while she is more on the policy and political side of organizing, working in Springfield, organizing from the ground up was new to her. She uses her social media platform to educate people about politics. “I’m always looking for ways to bring people together and make our message elevated. It just worked out that on the day we celebrate freedom for Black individuals, that should be the day we make these demands and have the march,” she said. The demands include police reforms that actually hold officers accountable and promote transparency; equity in community investment and government contracting; enshrining Juneteenth as a city, state and federal holiday; access to high-quality healthcare; and equity and justice in the education system. “Our goal today is [to] offer you a reason to hope again. While March for Us 2020 was once an idea, and now here we stand in its reality, we do hope our demands start as ideas, but in reality, they will be met,” she said. Munson added “it will take time, collaboration, sacrifices and endurance, but we won’t let up,” she said. “This march is the beginning of a more collaborative Black Chicago, where we will work together to make our demands, legislation and the law.” Illinois State Representative Kam Buckner said while Juneteenth is the www.citizennewspapergroup.com
Illinois State Representative Kam Buckner spoke during March for Us 2020 on Juneteenth at Daley Plaza. He said, this time will be different because this time must be different and highlighted inequities in healthcare and unemployment. Photo credit: By Tia Carol Jones
journey for Black people, it is not the destination. “Past is prologue and we’re required to use our past to inform our future. This is not a time for tranquility, it is not a moment to be modest. This time will be different because this time must be different,” Buckner said. “The past is not our fault, but if we don’t do the right thing, the future will be.” Buckner said he could feel the energy in the streets and feel the energy in Daley Plaza. “I know we’re ready to fight racial injustice, inequality, corporate greed, cronyism, militarism and mass incarceration. We want to dismantle this system,” he said.
Buckner said the people are demanding freedom. He talked about poverty, unemployment and healthcare inequality. “We realize that we live in a society where employment is up, jobs are down, poverty is up, degree attainment is down, incarceration numbers are up, homeownership is down. The things that should be up are down and that are down should be up. We’re living in a society that is upside down, but we’re going to turn it right side up,” he said. “If we are inspired by nothing else on this Juneteenth holiday, it should be this, never ever again in our history will we be the last people to know that we are free.”
CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of July 1, 2020
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NEWS
Pritzker signs vote-by-mail expansion Recent voters, those who changed addresses will receive mail-in application BY JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com
Springfield – Anyone who cast a ballot in the last three years or who registered to vote or changed addresses after the March primary will be sent an application to vote by mail after Gov. JB Pritzker recently signed a bill expanding the program. In a news release, Pritzker’s office said the program is aimed at ensuring “safe and active participation in the 2020 general election during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.” Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1863 and House Bill 2238, which also expands early voting hours at permanent polling places and makes election day a state holiday. Local election authorities must mail or email the applications to voters who cast a ballot in the 2018 general election, the 2019 consolidated election or the 2020 general primary election, as well as voters who registered or changed addresses after the March primary. Any eligible voter who submits an application by October 1 will receive their ballot by October 6. “Sending vote-by-mail applications to residents who have participated in recent elections will allow more people to exercise that right from the safety of their own
homes and help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” Pritzker said in a news release. The changes were backed by the House Democratic Women’s Caucus and sponsored by Rep. Kelly Burke, D-Evergreen Park, in the House and Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Lake Forest, in the Senate. “The COVID 19 pandemic has created many challenges, but participation in the November election should not be one of them,” Burke, an assistant majority leader in the House, said in a statement. “Just as we have taken precautions to make shopping, traveling, and other everyday tasks safer, we must also take precautions and make adjustments to ensure everyone can safely exercise their right to vote.” Republicans, however, have argued that the program is susceptible to fraud. In Illinois Senate floor debate last month, Republicans raised questions on costs, input from county clerks, the security of collection sites and automatic sending of ballot applications. Sen. Paul Schimpf, R-Waterloo, argued the bill creates a system with “significant” costs that are unnecessary given that Illinois already allows any citizen to vote by mail. He added it would also place a “significant burden” on local election authorities, whom he also argued have not been
Anyone who cast a ballot in the last three years or who registered to vote or changed addresses after the March primary will be sent an application to vote by mail after Gov. JB Pritzker recently signed a bill expanding the program.
able to offer enough input. The Illinois State Board of Elections filed a fiscal note saying that if the bill’s provisions are fully implemented by every local election authority, it would eat up every dollar of the more than $16.7 million the state will receive from the federal CARES Act for elections. The legislation also requires the Illinois State Board of Elections to: post an application for a vote by mail ballot on its website; allow a new registrant to apply for a voteby-mail ballot when completing the online registration; provide notice to election authorities about compliance with the new law; and
adopt emergency rules to provide reimbursement for expenses related to the 2020 general election incurred as a result of COVID-19 and the new requirements. The legislation also raises the standard for rejecting a vote-by-mail ballot by requiring local election authorities to appoint a bipartisan panel of three election judges to verify voters’ signatures and the validity of the ballot. Previously, only one election judge made this determination. Also per the new laws, permanent branch polling places are required to be open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. on the weekends and holidays for early voting. Curb-side voting, allowing voters to fill out the ballot outside of the polling place, will also be permitted. Completed vote-by-mail ballots can be returned at new collection sites, which HB 2238 requires to be locked and opened only by election authorities. The legislation also requires local election authorities to establish a central voting site where anyone who lives in the jurisdiction can vote, regardless of precinct. The new laws take effect immediately and only apply to the 2020 general election.
Life or Death Illinois: IDOT campaign spotlights those left behind after crashes The Illinois Department of Transportation has launched its next phase of Life or Death Illinois, keeping the focus of its successful multimedia safety campaign on the real stories of people who have lost their lives on Illinois roads. Throughout the year, Life or Death Illinois is spotlighting the impacts on the families left behind. “Every death on our roads means someone’s parent, child, sister or brother is no longer here,” said Acting Transportation
Secretary Omer Osman. “The choices we make in our travels truly have life-or-death consequences. Hearing from these brave survivors will help us drive the number of traffic fatalities to the only acceptable number: Zero.” Through interviews and non-scripted dialogue, Life or Death Illinois tells of laughter, joy and, ultimately, loss that could have been avoided if smarter decisions were made behind the wheel. The campaign is running on
various media, including digital billboards, social media and online platforms, as well as traditional radio and TV. This year, longer-form video narratives also are available. Additional information is available at lifeordeathillinois.com, where the public can sign up to follow the campaign on social media and share stories of lives lost. Life or Death Illinois debuted in 2018 as the first comprehensive approach by IDOT to reduce injuries and fatalities associated with
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motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, seat-belt use, work zones, and impaired and distracted driving. According to provisional data, 1,009 people died on Illinois roads in 2019, a decrease of 26 from 2018. This year, there have been 370 fatalities, based on preliminary statistics through June 11. Life or Death Illinois is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT.
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BUSINESS
Entrepreneur Empowering Millennials Through Real Estate and Financial Literacy Pongee Barnes, born and raised on the south-side of Chicago, is a politicalscience graduate of Southern Illinois University of Carbondale. Barnes embarked on her real estate career as a college student in 2005 at the age of 20, buying her first condo in Chicago. After buying 2 condominiums during the most recent tumultuous real estate market collapse, she was able to endure and purchase flips and rentals. As of late, Barnes has done both rentals and flipping. Her current portfolio consists of properties with a mix of multifamily, commercial and single family properties. Barnes’ competitive edge is building a real estate portfolio by buying undervalued distressed properties in urban areas. She is passionate about real estate, but most importantly, inspiring millennials to invest in real estate. This passion birthed her first book entitled, “Real Estate & Chill,” which was released in February 2018. Barnes’s zeal for educating millennials on real estate investing led her to teach in Andre Hatchett’s, “Black Real Estate School,” and she was featured in the Crain’s Chicago Business Newspaper. Barnes was also featured on the Dr. Boyce Watkins Intellectual Chocolate YouTube Channel as well as on a radio interview with 1690 AM in Chicago. She also recently published an article for XoNecole and was featured in Medium. Together, she and her two sons, Benjamin 9, and Franklin 6, have created a series of children’s books, “Little Owners,” focusing on entrepreneurship, financial literacy and community leadership. “Ben the Banker,” and “Franklin the Franchise Owner,” was released in December 2019 while “Riley the Real Estate Investor,” and “Robert the Real Estate Investor,” was released in January 2020. Barnes enjoys raising her two sons in Chicago with her husband, who is also her business partner.
Sysco Donates 30 Million Meals, ‘Making Every Case Count’ in a Global Effort to Support Vulnerable, Food-Insecure Citizens Sysco recently announced that it has donated 30 million meals across eight countries since mid-March as part of its community response strategy to the COVID-19 pandemic. These donations were valued at over $100 million and included nearly 16 million pounds of fresh produce and approximately six million pounds of fresh dairy products. With millions more people around the world seeking food assistance, Sysco worked closely with suppliers, customers and government entities, along with key partners like Feeding America in the U.S., Second Harvest in Canada, FareShare in the U.K. and FoodCloud in Ireland, among others, to distribute food to those who need it most. “When the pandemic reduced demand for restaurants and other food-away-from-home establishments worldwide, Sysco associates acted quickly to re-direct millions of cases of food to local organizations dedicated to getting nutritious food into the hands of those in need,” said Neil Russell, Sysco’s vice president, corporate affairs. “This massive effort demonstrates an extraordinary level of partnership, agility and compassion by our global associates in response to the COVID-19 crisis.” In addition to providing food, Sysco’s comprehensive community response strategy aimed to help address a broad set of other needs facing food redistribution efforts, including providing direct delivery to food banks and other hunger relief organizations, loaning refrigerated trucks and facility storage space to increase capacity for local food distribution, and providing volunteer and staffing support for mobile distribution efforts. Through food donations and these other efforts, Sysco supported more than 900 community organizations in their efforts to address hunger and food insecurity. Sysco also donated $150,000 to No Kid Hungry through its Take Out To Give Back campaign, a program that launched a social media movement to support local restaurants during COVID-19 while generating awareness about child hunger. The campaign encouraged diners to support local restaurants by ordering takeout and delivery meals from across the U.S. and beyond. For every meal photo posted and tagged with #TakeOutToGiveBack, Sysco donated 50 cents to No Kid Hungry, helping to ensure nutritious meals reach kids in need. No Kid Hungry is a campaign run by Share Our Strength, a non-profit working to solve problems of hunger and poverty in the U.S. and around the world.
Pongee Barnes
Comerica Bank and National Business League Announce $1 Million Commitment to Support Black-Owned Small Businesses Comerica Bank recently announced its $1 million commitment over four years to the National Business League as part of a national partnership that will launch the Black Capital Access Program (BCAP), an access to capital initiative to assist Black businesses across the country. This innovative small business program is set to pilot over the next three months and will reach Comerica’s five primary markets of Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Texas. The program will become available in all 50 states in 2021. A one-stop online platform for Black-
owned businesses, BCAP will offer access to a capital toolkit, wide variety of technical services, financial planning information, webinars and more. “Small businesses face a myriad of inherent challenges to open their doors and remain viable, and the current conditions due to COVID-19 only deepened those issues especially among African American business owners,” said Curt Farmer, Chairman and CEO, Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank. “We believe our partnership with the National Business League will become crucial in helping many Black-owned
businesses and entrepreneurs recover and survive this turbulent time.” The National Business League fights for legislation and policy to promote the growth of Black businesses. As a nonprofit, nonpartisan and non-sectarian trade organization, the organization collaborates with policy makers and CEOs to advance Black communities’ economic interest supported by research, data and evidence. “Capital access remains the most important factor limiting the establishment, expansion and growth of Black-owned businesses,” said Ken L. www.citizennewspapergroup.com
Harris, Ph.D., President/CEO National Business League, Inc. “As part of the organization’s mission to eliminate institutional, structural and systemic barriers to capital, it is important to develop public and private partnerships to address the financial burden on Black entrepreneurs who are trying to keep their businesses thriving in today’s economy, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our mission with the launch of the Black Capital Access Program presented by Comerica Bank is to assist Black-owned businesses with their capital needs and resources, and we are
thankful to Comerica for its extensive support and national partnership.” The BCAP aims to ensure that Black-owned businesses will benefit from being capitalized, to create and grow sustainable enterprises that are consistently bankable and investment ready in the digital economy. Comerica’s $1 million investment to kickstart the BCAP includes a $150,000 financial contribution and in-kind and technical support valued at $100,000 for four years. Comerica serves the bank’s communities with 435 banking centers throughout its footprint.
CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of July 1, 2020
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FASHION
Lana Bramlette, Columbia Alum, Shapes What’s Next Lana Bramlette, ’97, founder of Lana Jewelry, turned her Columbia education and passion for fine jewelry into a powerhouse brand. Eighteen years ago, she brought gold back into the spotlight by creating her signature gold hoops worn by A-listers including Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Madonna, and Rihanna. Fast forward to today, Bramlette gives back to the institution that helped shape her career. In the early 2000s, she founded the Chicago Fashion Foundation with her husband Rob. The two then enlisted other Chicago- based powerhouse women and men in the fashion industry to be a part of this amazing organization. Through Bramlette’s efforts with the Chicago Fashion Foundation, Columbia received a gift of more than $540,000 to propel future generations of designers and entrepreneurs in fashion. This gift will provide Columbia Fashion Studies students with scholarship funds and access to learning opportunities that otherwise would have been out of reach. Bramlette shares, “We closed the Chicago Fashion Foundation and decided that we needed to give over all the amazing things that were happening with the organization. In particular, the funding that we received from so many people needed a new home.” When asked why she chose Columbia as the recipient of the gift, Bramlette said, “I became successful because of the education I received here. I also taught here, and I really love and believe in this institution. So, for me, it felt really natural and organic that we would be giving this gift to the school that really created the path to my success story.” Chicago Fashion Foundation founding board member Fabia Talhame agrees, saying, “CFF has had a longstanding relationship with Columbia and very much believe in and support the talent we’ve seen coming out of the school for numerous years.” Chair of Fashion Studies Colbey Reid stated, “Columbia is grateful for Lana’s support and continued belief in our students and faculty. The Chicago Fashion Foundation gift is going to democratize components of the premium fashion education experience Columbia offers. Things like immersive experiences in New York and other major fashion cities, for example, will be available to students who would have missed out on such careershaping opportunities. The generous gift from the Chicago Fashion Foundation ensures that resources will be available to our Fashion Studies students so they can achieve
Lana Bramlette (center) and team, Photo by Phil Dembinski ‘08
Lana Bramlette
their dreams.” As Chicago Fashion Foundation board member Beth Lambert has noted, “CFF always had a strong relationship with the fashion programs in Chicago,” and with many Chicago Fashion Foundation members having studied at Columbia, there was always a special connection between the foundation and the institution. Lambert echoes the sentiments of the board as a whole, saying, “I personally hope that the spirit of CFF to nurture and support fashion’s creative and business talent will continue through our gift to Columbia.” For Columbia’s students, the impact will be significant- stronger portfolios, real-world experiences, and expanded professional networksempowering students to shape their careers through the opportunities they’ve been afforded. Even today, after years of accessorizing celebrities,
Bramlette considers her biggest accomplishment to be the team that she’s built. She says, “People always ask me, what is your greatest achievement in your last 18 years of business? It’s not being in the stores that we’re in. It’s not dressing every celebrity. It is literally creating a space for the many people that have worked for me…to become powerful people.” Bramlette Shapes the Student Experience For Bramlette, the work towards building a career starts with mentorship. As an alumna that understands the importance of blending class work with hands-on experience, she hires students to intern at her company. Columbia interns learn the ins and outs of running a business in the competitive fashion market. On a recent campus visit Bramlette led a master class for Fashion Studies www.citizennewspapergroup.com
students, providing advice about how to break out in the industry and how to consider styling when marketing their designs. Seniors Anthony Oyer and Milan Jones worked one-on-one with Bramlette as she demonstrated how they can elevate their designs with accessories. It was a rare chance to engage with a self-made designer of a multi-million-dollar collection that has seen the likes of the Superbowl half-time show and Hollywood after-parties. When asked about her time with Bramlette, Jones stated, “Since I’m about to graduate and go out in to the field, it’s nice to see an industry professional, how she conducts herself, and how she thinks as a business woman.” Jones added, “To hear that she’s made such a generous gift...it means the world, honestly.” Oyer appreciated Bramlette perspective, saying, “It put me in a different head space of thinking about my customer and what she’s accessorizing with. It’s something I normally don’t think of, but now I’ll probably think about it for the rest of my process. It can only help me.” He adds, “Students normally don’t get to work with this caliber of a designer...it’s definitely a great, great opportunity.” One thing that Bramlette is clear about is the unique place that Columbia holds in providing both creative and business-related direction. As Bramlette says, “Not everybody wants to be a designer, but they want to live in this space. How do you do that? There’s production, there’s marketing, there’s selling. There’s a variety of ways to be around this business. I loved the fact that Columbia had so many classes and so many options to really feel like you can live in a different space everywhere and kind of be a part of it. And not have to be a designer.” Bramlette has lived this reality. She readily talks about the journey after she graduated- from making her own Carrie Bradshaw-esque nameplate necklace to getting her line in some of the biggest stores across the
country. She says, “For us it was always about getting credibility and being legitimate. That started with our retailers. Fred Segal launched my company really and my line in 2002. After that, Neiman Marcus came and then Nordstrom, and Saks, and Bergdorf ’s. It’s been that type of whirlwind.” Bramlette has good sounding boards- her father, who is her business partner, and her husband Rob, who has been with her since the beginning of the company. Rob states, “What’s important in any business is, how can you stand out?” For Bramlette testing whether something is sellable or not starts with herself and her vision, and how to translate her vision to her clients. She wants Columbia’s Fashion Studies students to understand how to blend their creative practice with client needs as they launch their careers. Her advice to students going into the business, “You have a voice. How is yours different?” She also emphasizes the importance of the thought process behind design. “The reality of the world is that you have to first manage and understand your market. How does your client live? Is she really going to wear a latex blue bodysuit on a Tuesday at 3:00 PM in Kansas? No.” When asked if her time with Bramlette inspires her to give back, Jones answered, “Absolutely.” She added, “For someone who has gone through Columbia, who believes in students and the future of designers, and to invest in that... it’s kind of invaluable.” Bramlette’s contribution through the Chicago Fashion Foundation will foster generations of Columbia’s Fashion Studies students as they prepare to take their creative voices to the marketplace. Meanwhile, Lana Jewelry continues to expand. As Bramlette says, “In the U.S. we have fulfilled every dream we could possibly have. We’re in the best retailers, we have incredible exposure, and now we’re looking at the world.”
CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of July 1, 2020
Local Leaders To Support Completion of South Suburban Airport Photos by L.M. Warbington
To Stop the exodus of residents, create jobs, attract businesses, stop the violence and generate a tax base, 117th Ward Alderman David Moore says the South Side must support a project that will help to transform communities like his. That is why he is officially announcing his support of the South Suburban Airport near University Park.
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HOME
5 fresh ways to frame your outdoor space View-optimizing options If you want to enjoy your view, thin balusters finished in black are a great choice as they tend to optically blend into the environment, putting more visual emphasis on the natural surroundings. Glass panels are
((BPT) - When determining the look of your outdoor living space, decking is only half of the equation. In many cases, it's the deck railings that are most visible and the design element that makes the first impression.
also ideal, of course, as are cable and rod rail designs. Conversely, if you have nosy neighbors or a view you'd rather minimize, opt for railings with thicker posts and more tightly spaced balusters to enhance privacy.
Following are five fresh ways to frame up your outdoor space for maximum enjoyment and curb appeal:
Form and function In certain cases, deck railings can be as practical as they are pretty. One of the biggest trends is "cocktail railing" or a "drink rail." This approach uses a deck board as a top rail to create a flat ledge at just the right height for holding drinks and plates. This level surface also offers an ideal resting spot for potted plants, candles and other decorative accessories. By using boards that match the decking, you can achieve a look that complements your deck, while making great use of space.
Industrial inspiration
Inviting illumination
Industrial styling is all the rage, as homeowners seek to replicate the clean lines and modern looks found in today's hottest hotels, restaurants and craft breweries. In backyards across the country, this commercial-to-residential trend can be seen in the increased use of aluminum railing styles that deliver sleek sophistication. One such example is Trex Signature Railing, which offers a range of designs, including horizontal rods, mesh panels or glass inserts, in addition to traditional spindles - all with the low maintenance and durability of aluminum.
Augment the beauty of your railing and lengthen the time you can spend enjoying your deck with discreet outdoor lighting that can be integrated into railing posts and caps. Not only will lighting set the mood, it also adds safety and security. Consider LED dimmable options to maximize energy efficiency, such as Trex Outdoor Lighting, which also are weatherproof and salt-air proof - ensuring they will last for years.
"Railings serve a necessary safety function, but they also play an important aesthetic role," explains designer Alison Victoria, star of HGTV's "Windy City Rehab" and "Rock the Block." "They frame an outdoor space and define the setting's style and personality."
Mixed materials While railing matched to the decking remains perennially popular, an increasing number of homeowners are taking advantage of customizable design possibilities afforded by new railing materials, styles and finishes. Visual interest can be achieved by juxtaposing materials such as composite, aluminum, glass and brick. For an eye-catching color contrast, consider pairing chunky, white posts with slim, black balusters. Or, mix classic and contemporary looks by using a traditional, wide railing to frame the deck while installing a slimmer railing style on staircases.
To learn more about different railing options and outdoor living trends, visit www.Trex.com.
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CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of July 1, 2020
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ENTERTAINMENT
Entertainment Studios Networks And Comcast Announce Content Carriage Arrangement Entertainment Studios Networks and Comcast recently announced they have entered into a content carriage arrangement that extends and amends terms for The Weather Channel and 14 broadcast television stations. The deal also includes distribution of Comedy.TV, Recipe.TV and JusticeCentral.TV on X1 and video
on demand and TV everywhere rights for those networks. Comcast will also launch the free ad-supported digital app, Local NOW, on the Xfinity X1 and Flex platforms, and Xfinity customers who receive The Weather Channel will have access in the coming months to its weloveweather.tv website and app on an authenticated basis.
“We’re excited to begin a new phase of partnership with Comcast and Xfinity, including the distribution of our cable channels for
the first time on Xfinity platforms,” said Byron Allen, founder, chairman and CEO, Entertainment Studios/ Allen Media Group. “We are pleased to have reached this multifaceted agreement that continues our long relationship with The Weather Channel while bringing Xfinity customers additional content. We look
forward to an ongoing partnership,” said Bec Heap, senior vice president, video and entertainment, Comcast Cable. The companies also announced that pending litigation between the two organizations has been withdrawn. Additionally, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Sesame Workshop Names Kay Wilson Stallings Executive Vice President Of Creative And Production CEO Jeffrey D. Dunn recently announced that Kay Wilson Stallings has been named the new creative leader for Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit media and education organization behind Sesame Street and other critically acclaimed children’s programs, including Esme & Roy, Ghostwriter, Helpsters, and The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo. Effective immediately, Wilson Stallings becomes Executive Vice President of Creative and Production. Her appointment comes following a seven-month nationwide search to replace Brown Johnson, who retired last month. In her new position, Wilson Stallings will join Dunn’s executive leadership team and will report to President of Media & Education and COO Steve Youngwood. “Kay is the right leader to helm Sesame Workshop’s creative efforts as we embark on our next 50 years,” said Dunn. “Beyond possessing a true wealth of knowledge and experience in creating thoughtful children’s programming, Kay is passionate about our ethos and mission – to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. In her nearly five years at Sesame Workshop, she has been a champion for new and diverse voices in all areas of the creative process, from founding the Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room to the animated screen. The future of our educational programming is in outstanding hands.” In her new role, Wilson Stallings will oversee the domestic production of Sesame Street, starting with the development of the iconic program’s 52nd season, and will work closely with Sesame Workshop’s international teams to expand the show’s global presence. She additionally will lead creative across all of Sesame Workshop’s current productions for distribution partners PBS, WarnerMedia, and Apple TV+, as well as a robust pipeline of new series and original short-form content for kids, including Sesame Studios on YouTube. Wilson Stallings’s appointment comes at a momentous time in the Workshop’s history. Her appointment builds on Sesame Street’s recently-concluded 50th anniversary, which included receipt of an Institutional Peabody Award and a Kennedy Center Honor, and, last month, 17 Daytime Emmy nominations for Sesame Street, Sesame Street’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
PRNewsfoto/Sesame Workshop
and Sesame Street in Communities programming. Sesame Workshop garnered an additional 13 nominations for new Apple TV+ series Ghostwriter and Helpsters, both of which were developed by Wilson Stallings and her team. In recent weeks, Sesame Workshop has played a vital role in delivering on its mission through a primetime special as well as CNN Town Halls addressing COVID-19 and racial injustice. The Workshop also recently announced production on Mecha Builders, its first-ever CGI-animated spinoff of Sesame Street. “Kay brings energy and imagination to every project she leads, along with a passion for helping kids and families,” said Steve Youngwood, president of media & education and chief operating officer of Sesame Workshop. “She inspires excellence and welcomes a range of voices to the creative process. We are thrilled that she will lead our creative team as they continue to develop innovative, impactful content.” Wilson Stallings joined Sesame Workshop in 2015 as Senior Vice President of Creative Development, overseeing all new content creation for Apple TV+, HBO Max, PBS and YouTube. She helped broaden audiences by exploring long and short-form content series as well as animated and live-action programming. To date, Sesame Workshop series developed under Wilson Stallings have earned 17 Daytime Emmy nominations. www.citizennewspapergroup.com
In 2017, Wilson Stallings founded the Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room, a groundbreaking fellowship to develop talent from underrepresented racial backgrounds. Thirty-one fellows have participated in the program thus far, with several securing writing or staff positions with Disney, Nick Jr., Netflix, and DreamWorks. “I am excited and honored by the opportunity to lead the creative team at Sesame Workshop,” said Wilson Stallings. “The television I watched growing up, including Sesame Street, greatly influenced the person I am today. The chance to help shape the creative of Sesame Street – and all of the current and future beloved programs in the Sesame Workshop family – is a dream come true.” Wilson Stallings has more than 20 years of experience producing and developing content for children and adults. Before Sesame Workshop, she spent 16 years at Nickelodeon where, as Senior Vice President of Production and Development, she supervised development of all original series production for Nickelodeon Preschool and Nick Jr., including Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Wallykazam, and Shimmer and Shine. Wilson Stallings holds a Master’s degree from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor’s degree from MacMurray College. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and son. SOURCE Sesame Workshop
10 | CITIZEN | Chicago Weekend | Week of July 1, 2020
FOOD
Start Your Day Strong with Breakfast Family Features - Starting the morning on the right foot can help set a path toward a successful day, and for many, that strong start begins with breakfast. In fact, a lot of research supports the idea of having a balanced meal in the morning. When you turn to breakfast to fuel your morning, look for seasonal recipes that provide a delicious way to start your day.
For example, you can skip high-sugar grains with refined carbohydrates like doughnuts and pastries to instead opt for savory, protein-rich dishes like this Asparagus and Goat Cheese Frittata and Fluffy Scrambled Eggs. If you’re an on-the-go eater, try easily transportable recipes like a Tropical Green Smoothie or Vanilla Almond Crunch Overnight Oats.
ASPARAGUS AND GOAT CHEESE FRITTATA
These breakfast recipes are bolstered by the rich, creamy texture and nutrition profile of fairlife ultra-filtered milk, a lactose-free option with 50% more protein, 50% less sugar and 30% more calcium than regular milk. The recipes also take advantage of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Find more breakfast inspiration at fairlife.com. SOURCE: fairlife
VANILLA ALMOND CRUNCH OVERNIGHT OATS
Prep time: 21 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes, plus at least 6 hours refrigeration
Servings: 4 4 large eggs 1/4 cup fairlife 2% UltraFiltered Milk l 1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, plus additional, to taste, divided l freshly ground black pepper, to taste l 1/3 cup thinly sliced basil leaves, plus additional for serving l 2 teaspoons olive oil l 10 medium asparagus spears, cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths l 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot or red onion l 1 1/2 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled (1/4 cup) l l
Servings: 2 1/2 (about 2 1/2 cups each) 1 carton (5-6 ounces) non-fat or low-fat vanilla Greek yogurt l 2 teaspoons pure honey l 2 teaspoons flax seeds l 2 pinches cinnamon l 2 pinches kosher salt l 4 tablespoons blanched, slivered or sliced almonds l 1 cup rolled oats l 1 cup fairlife Fat-Free Ultra-Filtered Milk l Toppings (optional): l cut berries or citrus l additional yogurt l additional flax seeds or almonds l
1. Heat oven to 400Âş with rack in middle. 2. In large bowl, beat eggs, milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper, to taste; beat in 1/3 cup basil until just combined. 3. In 8-10-inch ovenproof nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add asparagus and salt and pepper, to taste. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Add shallot and continue cooking until asparagus spears are lightly golden and just tender, 2-4 minutes. Pour in egg mixture. Cook 1 minute then scatter goat cheese on top. 4. Bake until frittata is set, 4-6 minutes. Using spatula, slide onto cutting board then sprinkle with salt, to taste, and additional basil. Cut into wedges. Serve warm.
1. Divide yogurt, honey, flax seeds, cinnamon, kosher salt, almonds, oats and milk evenly between two 8-10-ounce glass jars or small glass bowls with tight-fitting lids. 2. Securely close or cover containers; refrigerate at least 6 hours, or up to 48 hours. 3. When ready to serve, remove lid, stir and top with berries or citrus, yogurt and flax seeds or almonds, if desired.
Nutritional information per serving: 140 calories; 10 g total fat; 190 mg cholesterol; 200 mg sodium; 3 g total carbohydrates; 10 g protein.
Nutritional information per serving: 380 calories; 9 g total fat; less than 5 mg cholesterol; 280 mg sodium; 53 g total carbohydrates; 22 g protein.
TROPICAL GREEN SMOOTHIE
FLUFFY SCRAMBLED EGGS
Prep time: 5 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 (8 fluid ounces each)
Servings: 4 6 large eggs 1/3 cup fairlife Whole Ultra-Filtered Milk l 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided l pepper, to taste l
1 cup fresh baby spinach or baby kale l 3/4 cup fairlife 2% UltraFiltered Milk l 1 ripe banana l 2/3 cup fresh or frozen diced pineapple l 1 lime, zest only l 1 lime, cut into wedges l 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil l 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract l 1 pinch ground cinnamon l 3/4 cup ice (optional) l
l
1. In blender, blend spinach, milk, banana, pineapple, lime zest, juice of one lime wedge, coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon and ice, if desired, until smooth. If refrigerating prior to serving, omit ice.
1. In medium bowl, vigorously whisk eggs until about double in volume and light and lemon-colored, about 1 minute. Use immersion blender for extra fluffiness, if desired. Set aside. 2. In separate bowl, vigorously whisk milk until light and frothy, about 30 seconds. Gently fold frothy milk and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt into fluffy eggs. 3. Pour egg-milk mixture into lightly greased skillet over low heat. Let setup 1 minute then use silicone spatula to gently fold eggs over on top of themselves. Rest and repeat until cooked through. 4. Serve with salt and pepper, to taste.
Nutritional information per serving: 120 calories; 2 g total fat; 5 mg cholesterol; 55 mg sodium; 22 g total carbohydrates; 6 g protein.
Nutritional information per serving: 120 calories; 8 g total fat; 280 mg cholesterol; 190 mg sodium; 1 g total carbohydrates; 11 g protein.
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STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: COCKTAILS AND MOCKTAILS ACROSS 1. Angelou and Rudolph 6. Mason's load 9. Bobby Pickett's "Monster ____" 13. Infection from contaminated water or food 14. Formerly Cassius Clay 15. Slow, musically speaking 16. ____ Ste. Marie, Ontario 17. Bonding words 18. Like draft beer 19. *Cognac, orange liqueur, lemon juice 21. *Tropical cocktail favorite 23. Motion of approval 24. *Home of pisco sour 25. Smoker's residue 28. Big butte 30. *It has both white and dark rum 35. Popular BBQ side 37. Pea houses 39. *Hold your drink aloft in honor 40. "Downton Abbey" countess 41. Subject of 17th century Dutch mania 43. Cote d'Azur locale 44. Teatro alla Scala offering 46. Sushi selection 47. Kind of jeans fit 48. *She famously disliked the eponymous drink 50. Chesterfield or ulster 52. Bro's sib 53. Long and lean 55. Petting spot 57. *Negroni and boulevardier ingredient 61. Time for the big bowl games 65. Unethical loaner's practice 66. Designed to guarantee equal rights 68. Cooler manufacturer 69. #38 Down, pl. 70. Atlantic catch 71. Musical ensemble 72. Rodeo Drive tree 73. It's of the beholder 74. Rosetta Stone, e.g. DOWN 1. Difficult situation 2. Antioxidant-rich berry
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