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Citizen Week of June 23, 2021

| Vol. 4 | No. 46 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

SUBURBAN TIMES WEEKLY

CEO NAVIGATES COMPANY THROUGH ACQUISITION Sherina Maye Edwards, CEO of INTREN, is helping the utility specialty contractor company navigate its acquisition by MasTec, an infrastructure construction company.

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Sherina Maye Edwards, President and CEO of INTREN, is helping the company navigating its acquisition by MasTec. Photo provided by Sherina Maye Edwards

With summer approaching, officials warn workers of health hazards from heat

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 | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of June 23, 2021

NEWS

CEO navigates company through acquisition Continued from page 1 BY TIA CAROL JONES

Sherina Maye Edwards, CEO of INTREN, is helping the utility specialty contractor company navigate its acquisition by MasTec, an infrastructure construction company. INTREN, LLC, was acquired by MasTec, Inc., for $420 million. The acquisition allows MasTec to expand its electrical distribution operations footprint. INTREN, at the time of the acquisition was one of the largest private energy distribution contractors in the country. INTREN was founded in 1988 by Loretta Rosenmayer. Edwards said Rosenmayer really worked hard to grow the company. Edwards came on as a board member in 2018. Then, joined as CEO in 2020. “That development and cultivation of really creating that woman-owned business to what it was, was certainly on the shoulders

of Loretta. I like to say I came and accented the foundation that was already there, really growing it and being more strategic and doing some strategic acquisitions,” she said. For the first time in INTREN’s history, there are more than 2,000 employees in 14 states. Because of the acquisition, INTREN is no longer woman-owned but is a minority business enterprise. “The good thing about the acquisition, is we get to maintain our identity, we get to maintain the work we do, we will be an independently operated company, which is a subsidiary of MasTec. So, I in addition of CEO, I assume the title of [p]resident, so I’m president and CEO,” she said. The acquisition did lead to some organizational changes for operational alignment within INTREN. The president of INTREN now has the title of COO. Edwards did a lot of those changes herself, she said to make sure

the company was growing the way it needed to grow and had the necessary support services to run the business. She said the only really big change was the company’s move from a woman-owned business to a minority-owned business, which Edwards believes is a positive addition for the customers. “The acquisition was really a reciprocal benefit to all parties, all of our stakeholders. Certainly to MasTec. They’re acquiring this phenomenal infrastructure company with a great reputation,” she said, adding it is a huge benefit to MasTec. “It’s a benefit to INTREN in the fact that we now have the support and capital and additional resources not only to bolster the work we currently do but also to help us enter new markets.” Edwards said MasTec serves some customers and in some states that INTREN was not servicing. She said it will benefit INTREN as those doors will be open to them with the

acquisition. She added, it will also benefit the customers to continue to do the work it has been doing for more than 30 years, and to bring new, innovative services to them. She described it as a win-win all around. “We are very excited to add INTREN to the MasTec family and substantially expand our reach in the electric utility distribution business,” Jose Mas, MasTec president and CEO said in a release. “We believe that changes in electrical distribution needs, led by grid modernizations and hardening, coupled with the transition towards increased electric vehicle usage, will have an enormous impact on the last mile distribution of electricity. The acquisition of INTREN represents a major expansion of MasTec’ s operations at the forefront of that highgrowth market.” For more information on INTREN, visit www.intren.com.

State Supreme Court pauses transition to new appellate districts Darrell Garth Darrell/ Garth President Publisher

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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

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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.

CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of June 23, 2021

POLITISCOPE

What are ‘ghost guns,’ a target of Biden’s anti-crime effort? BY GAREN WINTEMUTE

It’s not expensive or difficult to produce large numbers of untraceable firearms in the United States. Whether for private use, sale on the criminal market or arming violent extremists, it’s actually startlingly cheap and easy to mass-produce firearms that police can’t track – what are often called “ghost guns.” For just over US$2,000 I can buy a machine – not much bigger than a desktop laser printer – that will do the trick. If I’m feeling handy, I can get it done with just simple power tools. As I discuss in my recent journal article about ghost guns, it’s perfectly legal to privately manufacture firearms without a license in the U.S. But it’s illegal to sell or give away privately manufactured firearms without a license. A person producing a single “ghost gun” for their own personal use may not rise to the level of official concern – but the undetected mass production of untraceable weapons makes it much more difficult to map and disrupt the illicit markets that supply guns for use in crime.

Garen Wintemute

Federal law does not require privately made firearms to have serial numbers or other identifiers, which makes it impossible to trace transfers of ownership – to “follow the guns” – when they have been used in crimes. They have no history and come from nowhere. An almost-gun Federal firearms laws and regulations have over time developed a loophole through which these ghost guns can fit easily. Every firearm has a component, sometimes called a “frame” but also called a “receiver,” which is the keystone

element to which other parts are attached. Finished frames and receivers are considered to be firearms under federal law. To be sold, they must have identifying marks and serial numbers, and sellers must keep records of who bought which weapons. If the firearm is used in a crime, police can investigate current and previous owners to see if they might be involved. But nearly finished receivers are considered nothing more than pieces of metal or plastic. These items are often called “80 percenters” because most but not all of the work has been done to make the piece of metal or plastic into a working receiver. They are available for purchase without a license, background check or other protections put in place for firearms purchases – and cost as little as $50 to $75 apiece, with volume discounts available. The work needed to turn an “80 percenter” into a fully functional frame or receiver takes about half an hour. All the other parts, such as a stock to support the firearm and a barrel through which bullets are fired, are freely available without

regulation, and are easily attached to the receiver during manufacturing of a weapon. An uncountable number There is no estimate of the number of fully functional ghost guns in circulation – how could there be? – but the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives disclosed in May 2021 that nearly 24,000 had been recovered by law enforcement agencies in the past five years. That’s a small but meaningful proportion of total firearms recoveries. The ATF has said in a series of data reports that in 2019 it “traced and recovered” between 250,000 and 350,000 firearms. CBS’s “60 Minutes” reported in May 2020 that 38 states had identified criminal cases involving ghost guns; they had been used in at least four mass shootings. A Florida man has been convicted of making more than 200 ghost guns, mostly AR-15 type rifles. Some ghost gun crimes involve domestic terrorism. In mid-2020, an adherent of the violent extremist “boogaloo movement” – an active-duty Air Force sergeant – was charged with the murder of two law enforcement officers and the attempted murder of a

third. At least one of the killings, and possibly all three shootings, involved a ghost machine gun. In October 2020, more than a dozen men were arrested for plotting to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. They were allegedly participants in the boogaloo and militia movements, and police said they had ghost guns. Fixes are in the making. Several states have taken preliminary steps to restrict ghost guns, and in May the Department of Justice proposed new rules and regulations that would make it much more difficult to manufacture and distribute firearms clandestinely. Public comments on the proposal may be submitted until Aug. 19, 2021. Garen Wintemute is a pioneer in the field of injury epidemiology and the prevention of firearm violence. His work helped create the public health approach to violence prevention. Dr. Wintemute is the director of the Violence Prevention Research Program and also directs UCFC, the University of California Firearm Violence Research Center. He is a practicing emergency medicine physician.

NEWS

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 construction 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 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

As more Illinoisans return to work following the COVID-19 pandemic, people who work outside need to consider another hazard: intense heat, experts say.

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-

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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/Laws-Rules/safety/Pages/default. aspx.

4 | CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of June 23, 2021

FASHION

Fleurs de Prairie Rosé Launches Third Annual Seeds Of Beauty Campaign Fleurs de Prairie, the premium rosé wine brand, has announced the launch of the third annual Seeds of Beauty campaign, a program aimed at uplifting women who are making a difference by way of their passions, whether that be through art, design, food, writing and beyond. This year, the Seeds of Beauty initiative will award three women with $10,000 “Seed Grants”, double the amount given in year’s past, and provide business mentorship for their individual endeavors. Fleurs de Prairie’s Seeds of Beauty campaign is designed to support women’s passions, ideas and small businesses. Interested applicants are invited to submit an online submission form at www.fleursdeprairie. com/seeds-of-beauty.php or mail-in handwritten materials by Friday, July 23 for consideration. A panel of judges will review all submissions, evaluating how each female cre-

ator plans to use the funds to help grow their business and how they foster beauty within their community. Following careful consideration and a final vote on social media open to the public, Fleurs de Prairie will announce the three winners on Wednesday, September 1. Selected recipients will receive their $10,000 grant along with one-on-one mentorship from this year’s brand ambassadors Caila Quinn and Grace Atwood. “Following more than a year of challenges and unprecedented uncertainty faced by many female-owned small businesses, we’re honored to continue to help women turn their passions into a reality,” says Liz Rubin, brand manager of Fleurs de Prairie. “Fleurs de Prairie rosé embodies an expression of true beauty and our goal with the Seeds of Beauty campaign is to provide a platform for female creatives who

Fleurs de Prairie

make the world even more beautiful.” Visit www.fleursdeprairie.com/seeds-of-beauty. php to apply for a seed

grant and learn more about Seeds of Beauty’s submission rules and regulations. For the latest updates, follow along on social media

at @fleursdeprairie. For more information about Fleurs de Prairie, please visit www.fleursdeprairie.com.

Magnetic Lash Brand, Glamnetic Becomes One Of The First Beauty Brands To Accept Payment in Cryptocurrency Magnetic lash brand, Glamnetic recently announced their partnership with BitPay which will allow the beauty brand to accept Cryptocurrency in the form of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin and several other leading crypto currencies. Glamnetic will also keep all the Cryptocurrency sales on their balance sheet rather than converting to USD. Glamnetic is at the forefront of the beauty industry, being one of the very first female-founded beauty brands accepting Cryptocurrency. The world of Cryptocurrency has historically been dominated by men, so long time investor and Forbes 30 Under 30 Founder, Ann McFerran is using this capability to encourage women all around the world to get involved and feel they have the confidence to play a role in the Cryptocurrency market. “We are beyond excited to announce our new partnership with BitPay! While Glamnetic

has quickly raised the bar in the beauty space with our easy-to-use, transformational products, we are equally proud to be empowering our predominantly female consumer base with the tools they need to get educated about cryptocurrency and become comfortable using digital currency as a method of payment. I want to encourage women, in particular, to get involved in the Cryptocurrency revolution and with our BitPay partnership, we can all learn, grow, and embrace the future together,” says Glamnetic Founder & CEO Ann McFerran. “As a long time entrepreneur and investor, I could not be more excited to see these two worlds collide. Glamnetic is all about ease of use and DIY beauty hacks that save our customers time and money. We are thrilled to expand our payment options with BitPay

and allow our consumers another choice of payment while shopping,” says Glamnetic Co-Founder and Kombo Ventures Founder and CEO Kevin Gould. “More and more females are getting into crypto around the world so it’s great to see Glamnetic realize that and accept crypto payments. Crypto is a $2 Trillion industry that is all about creating an open and inclusive financial system. Ann and the team at Glamnetic are true innovators and will get lots of new female customers around the world,” said Sonny Singh, chief commercial officer of BitPay. A few years ago, McFerran saw a gap in the beauty market for magnetic lashes that actually worked, so she sought out to develop magnetic lashes in the styles that she would personally wear. One year later, in July of 2019, after teaching herself everything from product development to marketing, Glamnetic was born. Since then, Glamnetic has become

one of the fastest growing beauty brands in the industry since its launch in July 2019, averaging over seven figures per month and growing from $0 to $50 million in sales within their first year. McFerran is always looking for new ways to use Glamnetic’s platform to set trends in the beauty industry, and as an investor of Bitcoin and other crypto currencies herself, this partnership with BitPay is a step towards normalizing Cryptocurrency as a form of payment. This launch will encourage Glamnetic customers, who are predominantly women, to educate themselves on Cryptocurrency and get involved in the space. The decision to accept this type of payment comes with the purpose of enhancing female empowerment by lowering the intimidation factor and proving that a brand within the beauty space is able to be successful when merging with a world predominantly dominated by men.

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Renfro Brands Acquired By The Renco Group Renfro Brands recently announced new ownership with the private holding company, The Renco Group, Inc. With 100 years of history and experience in the legwear industry, Renfro will further diversify The Renco Group’s portfolio while deepening its businesses within manufacturing. Through The Renco Group’s decentralized business model, Renfro’s leadership will partner with The Renco Group to solidify its position within the market while developing a long-term strategy for growth. “We actively pursued Renfro Brands as they are the clear leader within their category and are poised for continued growth,” says Ari Rennert, president, The Renco Group. “With a unique combination of best-in-class owned and licensed brands, longstanding relationships with leading retailers, unparalleled development and supply chain capabilities, and a top-tier management team, Renfro Brands aligns with our values and represents the right opportunity to expand our portfolio.” The Renco Group is committed to making long-term investments in Renfro, building value over time by retaining earnings and reinvesting in the business. Renfro’s existing management team, including that of the newly launched DTC marketplace Loops & Wales, will partner with The Renco Group on new areas of investment. Under the new ownership, investment will focus on consumer connectivity, operational agility and brand management. “As Renfro Brands enters its monumental hundredth year in business, we are thrilled by the opportunity to not only further invest in talent, performance marketing and technology but to also elevate our supply chain resilience through The Renco Group’s manufacturing experience,” says Stan Jewell, CEO, Renfro Brands. “We are brand stewards and this acquisition strengthens our commitment to position brand management as one of our core competencies to create and drive more value internally and externally.” Today, Renfro stewards over 20 globally recognized brands spanning the essentials, fashion, athletics, outdoors, work and wellness categories. Renfro’s brand portfolio model includes Fruit of the Loom, Dr. Scholl’s, Merrell, Copper Defense, Smartwool and more, including fashion sock labels Hot Sox and K. Bell. The brand’s commitment to sock manufacturing has resulted in long, trusted relationships with large retailers such as Macy’s, Walmart, Costco and Amazon as well as brand licensors. Under The Renco Group, Renfro will aim to create a bestin-class brand management experience for licensing partners and continue to build and balance their brand portfolio to drive value proposition and new business. To learn more about Renfro Brands visit Renfro.com.

CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | 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 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 gov-

ernments 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: 5. On average, vaccinated travelers plan

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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

6 | CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | 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 | Suburban Times Weekly | 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 | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of June 23, 2021

CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | 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

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.

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 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. 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 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 learnto-swim 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.

www.citizennewspapergroup.com

10 | CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | 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 | Suburban Times Weekly | Week of June 23, 2021

CST Weekly

Classifieds REAL ESTATES AC 6-16-2021 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEREK STROESSNER Plaintiff, -v.- AMERICAN ESTATE AND TRUST FBO NANCY BALSINGER IRA, INLAND BANK & TRUST Defendants 2020CH05012 2514 APACHE AVENUE SAUK VILLAGE, IL 60411 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on April 15, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 20, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 2514 APACHE AVENUE, SAUK VILLAGE, IL 60411 Property Index No. 32-25-420-041-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twentyfour (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in "AS IS" condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff's Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-3469088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 20-06649IL Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 2020CH05012 TJSC#: 41-606 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff's attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2020CH05012 I3170546 ____________________________ HUD/BANK FORECLOSURES CITY & SUBURBS Call: FRED D. CLINK (773) 294-5870 REALTY SERVICES CONSORTIUM ____________________________

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(StatePoint) Having kids can mean having a lot of stuff, not all of which is made from eco-friendly materials. However, if you’re like many parents, you want your children to have a clean, healthy planet to live in when they grow up. Going green while parenting might sound challenging, but it’s definitely not impossible. These tips and insights can help get you started: Reusable Food Packaging With a little creativity, you can ditch the plastic utensils, baggies and single-use beverage containers at lunchtime. To substantially reduce your family’s plastic waste, switch to organic, reusable lunchboxes featuring partitions and tightly-fitting, leak-proof lids. Keep kids hydrated with easy-to-clean stainless steel water bottles or thermoses. Finally, rethink the types of products you buy most often. Rather than opting for snacks pre-packed in single-serving plastic, instead buy favorite items in bulk and wrap smaller portions in reusable, compostable wrapping. Eco-Friendly Play Some of your children’s favorite toy brands are already going green, making it easy to make playtime eco-friendly. One example of a leader in the industry is electronic learning toy company VTech, which is committed to sustainability and has plans to replace its fossil-based blister packaging with plant-based alternatives in 99% of its electronic learning products by 2025. Additionally, the brand is launching a variety of green electronic learning products later this year as part of its commitment to replace fossil-based plastics with sustainable alternatives by 2030. New eco-friendly toy options from VTech include the Sort & Recycle Ride-on Truck, which not only highlights the importance of protecting the environment through play, but is made of 90% reclaimed plastic, as well as three new vehicles in the popular Go! Go! Smart Wheels line, all made of 85% plant-based plastic. Its LeapFrog line will include the Choppin’ Fun Learning Pot with food pieces made of 85% plantbased plastic while two new wooden toys, Touch & Learn Nature ABC Board and Interactive Wooden Animal Puzzle, will include wood from responsibly-managed forests certified by Forest Stewardship Council. The brand’s partnership with TerraCycle also provides an easy way for consumers to recycle its electronic learning products. To learn more about VTech’s sustainability efforts, visit vtechcares.com. Composting Composting is a simple way to reduce waste and teach children about how they can positively impact the environment. Start by setting up a compost bin and work with your children to identify ingredients that can be added to it. A good compost recipe includes materials such as dry leaves, household waste like vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and eggshells, and a layer of soil. Add some water and watch as science comes to life. Kids will love seeing their compost turn to soil over time and allowing them to be hands on throughout the process teaches them the concept of recycling in a realistic and relatable way. With a few simple tweaks, parents can make choices that better protect the environment, while setting a great example for kids. PHOTO SOURCE: (c) viafilms / iStock via Getty Images Plus

12 | CITIZEN | Suburban Times Weekly | 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

Paul Lambert President, Bank of America Chicago

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

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender