HYDE PARK CITIZEN 6-02-2021

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

Citizen Week of June 2, 2021

| Vol. 32 | No. 28 | www.citizennewspapergroup.com

HYDE PARK

FOUNDER OF THE HOPE IS FOUNDATION CREATES ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP David Robertson is the founder of the Hope Is Foundation, an organization that aims to expand local communities’ capacity to respond to the health, educational and economic needs of the community.

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David Robertson is the first Black alumni at Northeastern Illinois University to create an endowment scholarship. The Hope Is Foundation Courageous Scholars Scholarship, geared toward first generation Black and Latinx college students. Photos provided by David Robertson

Grubhub And Restaurant Strong Fund Program Gives $2 Million To Help Restaurants Reopen

More than half of employees globally would quit their jobs if not provided post-pandemic flexibility, EY survey finds

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NEWS briefly EDUCATION A HISTORIC $5 MILLION COMMENCEMENT FOR CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY On Saturday, May 15, Clark Atlanta University received a total of $5 million in gifts and donations at its 2021 Commencement ceremonies. This day was a historic day for Clark Atlanta University as it’s the first time in the institution’s history that such donations were made in one day in addition to the university hosting two commencement ceremonies in a single day.

“I am elated that our beloved Clark Atlanta University has been selected to be the recipient of these major gifts. Major funds like this will help CAU provide greater opportunities to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs, social justice advocates and civic leaders, and game changers in higher education,” said Clark Atlanta University President George T. French Jr., Ph.D.

HEALTH

MOLECULAR ALTERATION MAY BE CAUSE — NOT CONSEQUENCE — OF HEART FAILURE Clinicians and scientists have long observed that cells in overstressed hearts have high levels of the simple sugar O-GlcNAc modifying thousands of proteins within cells. Now, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found evidence in mouse experiments that these excess sugars could well be a cause, not merely a consequence or marker of heart failure.

Their research found that elevated levels of O-GlcNAc made mice more prone to heart failure, but lowering levels of O-GlcNAc restored the animals’ risk of death and heart function to normal. Together, the investigators say, the new findings, described online in the April 27th issue of the journal Circulation, could offer a potentially new molecular target for therapies that prevent or stop human heart failure.

“Heart failure is a huge problem around the world, and our experiments show we may be able to move the therapeutic needle in the right direction by manipulating levels of O-GlcNAc,” says Priya Umapathi, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and first author of the new paper. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 6.2 million Americans have heart failure, a progressive condition in which the heart struggles and ultimately fails to pump enough blood and oxygen to support the body’s organs.

LAW & POLITICS

NEW SEASON OF ‘SOUNDS LIKE HATE’ The new season of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s (SPLC) original podcast — Sounds Like Hate — was recently released. This season goes deeper into the dangers and peril of everyday people who engage in extremism.

It also includes interviews with experts who specialize in radicalization including Pete Simi, sociologist and associate professor at Chapman University; Megan Squire, a professor in computer science at Elon University who studies extremism online, podcaster Daniel Harper; and SPLC’s Dr. Cassie Miller, an expert on white supremacy.

“These are not just stories of young men who unashamedly fell headfirst into radical hatred, they provide valuable insight for parents and caregivers on warning signs and can help us, as a country, understand the root causes of radicalization and how to prevent it,” said Jamila Paksima, a co-host on the program and award-winning journalist-producer and filmmaker. Sounds Like Hate is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn and more.

Founder of the Hope Is Foundation Creates Endowment Scholarship Continued from page 1

BY TIA CAROL JONES

David Robertson is the founder of the Hope Is Foundation, an organization that aims to expand local communities’ capacity to respond to the health, educational and economic needs of the community.

Robertson has created the first endowed scholarship by a Black alumnus of Northeastern Illinois University. He is seeking to raise $25,000 to establish the Hope Is Foundation Courageous Scholars Scholarship, geared towards first generation Black and Latinx college students.

Robertson said he was blown away to find out that he was the first Black alumnus to create an endowment scholarship at NEIU. He added, his goal is to encourage and inspire alumni who may want to support the cause, but who may not have the finances or time to do it.

He said there are other ways for them to participate in college students’ lives.

“I created the scholarship because I remember sitting in the seats and needing assistance and looking for different scholarships that would be applicable to people who look like me and there were not any,” stated Robertson. “I wanted to create a scholarship and an award that really focused around community,” he added.

When he thinks about his experience in education, Robertson said, it was really because of community that he was able to go from striving to thriving. He said he wants Black and Latinx students at NEIU to know that a stranger, a community of people can support them.

He said it is important for people to know that while their family can support them, their neighbors and strangers can, too.

Robertson said when he looked at his career, and after receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees, he realized there was a handful of people who helped

David Robertson said during his time at Northeastern Illinois University, he was connected to people and was able to network with people who have helped him throughout his career. He wants other students to feel that sense of community. Photos provided by David Robertson

transform his experience and career or, as he describes it, “small hinges open big doors.” He said the people weren’t in high positions nor were they well known.

They were just people who allowed him to understand the power of networking and mentorship. He said without his mentor, John Sykes, he wouldn’t have known about University Without Walls.

He said that connection led him to meet Dr. Kim Sanborn, Dr. Durene Wheeler and Dr. Lance Williams.

“It was this community of people who sharpened me, who created opportunities for me to be vulnerable, but then, who also gave me the capability to know that a degree was not just a piece of

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paper, but it was a stepping stone to helping my family and community,” he said.

Sanborn was immensely instrumental, Robertson continued, not only as it pertained to his education, but also as it related to his career. When he needed advice as a graduate student, Sanborn was there and advised him to expand upon what he already knew.

Sanborn also wrote a reference for him when he applied for the Master of Social Work program at Columbia University. “Being able just to have someone understand the depth of character, but then also heard me speak about my dreams and helped me navigate through it. And, that was just through being

available,” he added.

Robertson said Sanborn saw opportunities and suggested he take advantage of them. He said it was those types of serendipitous relationships and opportunities that forged a goal in him to beget those same opportunities.

Robertson said he wants other alumni to feel that sense of connectivity so they can help shape a positive narrative on college campuses.

As the numbers of Black and Brown students increase, Robertson added, they also want to retain those students so that they can be a part of the community. “My thing is we don’t just get a degree, we’re part of a family,” he said.

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NEWS

More Than 85 Percent of Black Homicide Victims Killed With Guns, Study Finds Guns are by far the most common weapon used to kill Black homicide victims in America, according to a new study by the Violence Policy Center (VPC). The study found that 86 percent of Black homicide victims nationwide were killed with guns. Of these, two thirds were killed with a handgun.

In addition to national data, the annual study, Black Homicide Victimization in the United States: An Analysis of 2018 Homicide Data, also ranks the states according to their Black homicide victimization rates.

It is based on unpublished data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Supplementary Homicide Report (SHR). The study details homicide rates for 2018, the most recent year for which comprehensive national data is available.

This is the 15th year the Violence Policy Center has released the study. To see past editions of the study, visit https://vpc.org/revealing-the-impacts-of-gun-violence/black-homicide-victimization/ “In 2018, Black men, women, boys, and girls were only 14 percent of our nation’s population, yet accounted for 50 percent of all homicide victims. These deaths devastate families, traumatize communities, and almost always involve a gun.

The goal of our research is to help support community advocates and organizations working on the ground to stop this lethal violence while, at the same time, continuing to educate and engage the public and policymakers on the need to address this ongoing national crisis,” states VPC Executive Director Josh Sugarmann.

For the entire UNITED STATES, the study finds that in 2018: * There were 7,426 Black homicide victims in the United States that year.

Blacks represented 14 percent of the U.S. population, yet accounted for 50 percent of all homicide victims. * The Black homicide victimization rate in the United States was 18.18 per

POLITICAL Affairs Secretary of State Jesse White Warns Residents to be Aware of Scams Targeting Illinoisans Scams involve emails or text messages asking residents to provide personal information DO NOT CLICK on the links provided

100,000. In comparison, the overall national homicide victimization rate was 4.92 per 100,000. For whites, the national homicide victimization rate was 2.83 per 100,000. * Of the 7,426 Black homicide victims, 6,314 were male, 1,111 were female, and the sex of one victim was unknown. The homicide victimization rate for Black male victims was 28.48 per 100,000. In comparison, the overall rate for male homicide victims was 7.17 per 100,000 and the rate for white male homicide victims was 3.76 per 100,000.

The homicide victimization rate for Black female victims was 4.63 per 100,000. In comparison, the overall rate for female homicide victims was 1.93 per 100,000 and the rate for white female homicide victims was 1.48 per 100,000. * For homicides in which the weapon used could be identified, 86 percent of Black victims (6,116 out of 7,072) were shot and killed with guns. Of these, 66 percent (4,024 victims) were killed with handguns. * For homicides in which the victim to offender relationship could be identified, 76 percent of Black victims (2,267 out of 2,995) were killed by someone they knew. The number of victims killed by strangers was 728. * For homicides in which the circumstances could be identified, 70 percent (3,018 out of 4,335) were not related to the commission of any

other felony. Of these, 51 percent (1,531 homicides) involved arguments between the victim and the offender.

In addition, individuals living in communities where violence is prevalent are at higher risk for a broad range of negative health and behavior outcomes. An increased understanding of how trauma resulting from community violence influences development, health, and behavior can lead to improvements in the way many social services are delivered as well as policy changes at the local and federal levels (see the July 2017 VPC study The Relationship Between Community Violence and Trauma: How Violence Affects Learning, Health, and Behavior, https://vpc. org/studies/trauma17.pdf).

At the same time, the firearms industry, looking to expand beyond its shrinking base of white male gun owners, has launched an organized marketing campaign focusing on Blacks and Latinos. If successful, such efforts can only increase gun death and injury in these communities (see the January 2021 Violence Policy Center study How the Firearms Industry and NRA Market Guns to Communities of Color, https://vpc. org/how-the-firearms-industry-and-nra-marketguns-to-communities-ofcolor/).

The FBI data includes incidents reported as justifiable homicides of Black victims killed by law

enforcement. Nationwide, there were 110 such incidents reported in 2018. The data does not specifically identify killings by police that are not ruled justifiable.

In December 2015, the FBI announced that it would dramatically expand its data collection on violent police encounters by 2017.

In October 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice outlined a plan to improve the collection of law enforcement use of force data.

The FBI has begun to release online very limited information on law enforcement use of force incidents. In addition, the agency notes that in 2020 only 5,030 out of 18,514 federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies throughout the nation participated and provided use of force data.

The officers employed by these agencies represent 42 percent of federal, state, local, and tribal sworn officers in the nation.

The rate of Black homicide victimization is calculated by dividing the number of Black homicide victims by the Black population and multiplying the result by 100,000. This is the standard and accepted method of comparing fatal levels of gun violence.

The full study is available at http://vpc.org/studies/ blackhomicide21.pdf.

The Violence Policy Center is a national educational organization working to stop gun death and injury.

Follow the VPC on Twitter and Facebook.

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Secretary of State Jesse White is warning Illinois residents to be on alert for multiple texting and emailing scams claiming to be from the Secretary of State’s office seeking personal information to defraud Illinoisans.“I have zero tolerance for fraudsters who prey on people in desperate times,” said White. “My office is working with the Illinois Attorney General’s office to protect Illinoisans from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.”

White is warning the public of scammers who are sending unsolicited text messages or emails claiming to be from the Illinois Secretary of State. In some instances, the scammers copy the Secretary of State website logos and masthead to appear official.

White says these texts and emails are scams and recipients should not click on any links or provide any information. Visiting these various fraudulent websites could place malware on the recipients’ devices or trick them into disclosing sensitive personal information. The Secretary of State’s office NEVER requests personal information, like a Social Security number, via text message or email.

“Delete the text or email,” said White. “Do not click on them and do not provide any of your personal information.”

If you have questions about text message scams or identity theft, please call the Illinois Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Hotline at 800-386-5438 (Chicago), 800-243-0618 (Springfield) or 800-243-0607 (Carbondale).

Lightford fights to ensure public institutions serving disadvantaged communities receive fair funding Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) continued her years-long effort to create a more equitable education system in Illinois by passing legislation that would form a commission to assess whether public institutions of higher education serving disadvantaged communities need a different funding model and are receiving their fair share of state funding.

“State universities have suffered during the economic challenges of the past decades,” Lightford said. “The institutions that serve members of disadvantaged communities are more reliant on state funding, so we need to figure out how to ensure that our Black, Brown, and low-income students who attend these schools are getting the best resources they need to graduate and obtain worthwhile careers.”

Senate Bill 815 follows up on the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Education and Workforce Development Pillar law that passed earlier this year<http://www.senatorlightford.com/news/638-monumentaleducation-package-to-rid-illinois-of-systemic-racism-clears-thesenate>.

This legislation would create the Commission on Equitable Public University Funding, which would be charged with determining if public institutions of higher education are in dire need of a new funding model or fairly funded when serving underrepresented and historically underserved student groups, including Black and Brown students, as well as students from low-income families.

Senate Bill 815 passed the Senate and now heads to the House for further consideration.

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BUSINESS

Grubhub And Restaurant Strong Fund Program Gives $2 Million To Help Restaurants Reopen Grubhub, a leading food-ordering and delivery marketplace, and The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund recently announced the latest phase in their commitment to supporting restaurants: the Restaurant Stronger program, a new initiative to provide $5,000 grants to eligible independent restaurants.

As the industry faces new challenges post-pandemic, the Restaurant Stronger grants will help restaurants fully reopen their doors, including staff hiring and training, COVID-related requirements, and inventory purchasing.

“Over the last 14 months, the support that Grubhub has given to the restaurant community has been extraordinary,” said Greg Hill, founder of The Greg Hill Foundation. “They have ensured that the Restaurant Strong Fund was able to provide millions of dollars in grants to restaurants and their employees to help them survive. This next step

Restaurant Strong Fund and Grubhub program gives $2 million to help restaurants reopen

will help the industry with what is hopefully a final step toward getting back to their normal.”

The Restaurant Stronger Grant program will be supported with a $2 million donation recommended from the Grubhub Community Relief Fund (GCRF), a donor-advised fund created by Grubhub to support charitable organizations helping restaurants, drivers and those in need impacted by COVID-19.

This second phase of the program follows the Winterization Grants launched late last year from a $2 million donation that funded grants to nearly 200 independent restaurants. Upon being awarded one of the Winterization Grants, the team at S&G Restaurant in Chicago said, “This allowed us to keep the current employees we brought back on this summer and to give them an opportunity to earn a little during

the holidays. I cannot tell you how opportune this grant was.”

“As we start to see the country open up after more than a year of uncertainty, we’re focused on supporting our restaurant partners as they are welcomed back into their communities in full,” said Kevin Kearns, senior vice president of restaurants at Grubhub. “However, we know that reopening comes with its own expenses, so it’s important

for us to come together with the Restaurant Strong Fund again to help lift up the industry in this next, and hopefully final, phase of returning to our new normal post-pandemic.”

Going on now through June 5, the Restaurant Strong Fund will accept grant applications from all restaurants with five or fewer locations in Atlanta, the San Francisco Bay Area (San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley), Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, the Los Angeles area (Los Angeles, Anaheim, Long Beach), New York City, Philadelphia, Portland, Sacramento, San Diego, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. The application period will close on June 5 and grants will be fully distributed to restaurants by June 11.

Interested restaurants can learn more about the Restaurant Stronger Grant program and the full application process at https://www.restaurantstrong.org/restaurantstronger.

More than half of employees globally would quit their jobs if not provided post-pandemic flexibility, EY survey finds More than half (54%) of employees surveyed from around the world would consider leaving their job post-COVID-19 pandemic if they are not afforded some form of flexibility in where and when they work, according to the EY 2021 Work Reimagined Employee Survey.

The survey – one of the largest global surveys of its kind – canvassed the views of more than 16,000 employees across 16 countries and multiple industries and job roles. It explores employee attitudes and experiences to work throughout the pandemic and into the “next normal”.

vices Deputy Leader and EY Global Workforce Advisory and Solutions Leader, says: “Employees’ willingness to change jobs in the current economic environment is a game-changer. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that flexibility can work for both employees and employers, and flexible working is the new currency for attracting and retaining top talent. Employers who want to keep the best people now and in the next normal will need to put flexible working front and center of their talent strategy.”

Flexibility The survey finds that nine in ten employees want flexibility in where and when they work.

Given the choice, more than half of employee respondents (54%) would choose flexibility in when they work. By comparison, 40% want flexibility in where they work.

On average, employees would want to work between two and three days remotely after the pandemic. When pandemic restrictions ease in their countries, 22% would prefer to work full time in the office, with 33% of employee respondents saying they want a shorter working week altogether. More than half (67%) believe their productivity can be accurately measured irrespective of location.

Remote working and organizational culture The survey also canvassed attitudes to existing work practices, with employee respondents broadly positive about the impact of remote working. Almost half (48%) say their organizational culture has changed and improved during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, while only 31% believe it has worsened.

Job retention The job roles most likely to move jobs include managers/leaders, those with technology

or finance roles, and caregivers. Those most likely to stay in their current roles include baby boomers, individuals with 10+ years of tenure, and those in government or education roles.

Attitudes to job retention differ by age, with millennials twice as likely as baby boomers to quit. Despite the apparent willingness to move jobs for more flexible working arrangements, most employee respondents (76%) say they are satisfied with their jobs, and almost all (93%) say they plan to stay in their current roles for the following 12 months.

Liz Fealy, EY Global People Advisory Ser-

Health and safety The survey also explored employee respondents’ views on the COVID-19 vaccine and found that 61% want their company to make vaccination a pre-requisite for working from the office. Attitudes toward vaccinations vary between geographies, with 66% of respondents in South America agreeing that companies should require vaccination of all employees, compared with a comparative low of 52% in EMEIA.

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Work from anywhere requires increased technology investments The prospect of increasingly widespread flexible working is leading to more demands for technology, both on-site and in the home office.

Sixty-four percent of respondents say they want better technology in the office (e.g. faster internet and videoconferencing), almost half (48%) say they want companies to upgrade at-home hardware (e.g. extra monitors and headsets), and almost the same proportion (47%) would like re-imbursement for high-speed internet/ phone expenses.

However, despite the shift toward new ways of working and the rapid adoption of virtual meeting technology, 67% would like to travel for business moderately to extensively after the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase from 49% in the previous survey, which was conducted in 2020.

Roselyn Feinsod, principle, people advisory services, Ernst & Young LLC, says: “Organizational culture has historically been built based on shared in-person experiences and it is fascinating to see that the new ways of working have improved such culture in the eyes of many employees. As we look toward the longer-term and organizations continue to transform their operations, employers will need to consistently re-assess conceptions of productivity and the impact on their cultures, ensuring their team’s approach is optimized for the in-person, hybrid and digital work experience.”

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A simple guide to finding the best grill for you

(BPT) - The sound of the sizzle, the smell of foods cooking outdoors, the undeniable taste - it's time to get back to the barbecue. For many people, a grill becomes a second kitchen. For others, it's their primary way of cooking all year long.

"We need it more than ever after a year like this," says Steven Raichlen, grilling authority, author and host of television's "Project Fire." "Grilling brings joy.

Unleashing your inner pyromaniac is fun.

Building a fire is fun. Waltzing the food from hot spots to cool spots is fun. Grilling is an interactive sport. Every grill session is different and that alone makes it joyful."

More than just cooking good food, Raichlen says grilling is a bonding activity that focuses on a simple pleasure that everyone enjoys.

"It's fun and uncanny how grilling brings people together. No one gathers around the stove to watch a pot of stew simmer. Light your grill, people congregate and you, the grill master, become master of ceremonies," he says.

The appeal of grilling transcends generations, and many people are now shopping for new grills so they can enjoy cooking outdoors. The problem is there are many types of grills, different sizes and varying price points, so it's difficult to know which is right for your needs.

Saturday, May 29, is National Back to Barbecue Day, one of the busiest shopping days of the year for new grills. If you are looking to buy a new grill, the experts at the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association share some important things to keep in mind: Types of grills to consider Gas: For people who want convenience.

Just like your kitchen stove, it can be ready to cook in 10 minutes, and it's easy to regulate cooking temps.

Charcoal: For those who love being hands-on with the nuances of outdoor grilling. Some say charcoal provides the best flavor experience. Good for low and slow cooking and high heat searing.

Pellet: For people who want the most in flavor. Wood pellet grills are among the most energy efficient and burn clean.

Pellets come in varieties such as hickory, mesquite and oak, providing a truly flavorful cooking experience.

Electric: For people who love simplicity.

Electric grills are designed to produce constant heat and operate without an open

GOOD EATING

Lets Fire Up Those Grills!

flame. Ideal for apartment or condo dwellers since they don't require charcoal or propane.

Kamado: For people who love cooking all styles and seasons. Kamado grills' excellent insulation is ideal for both grilling and smoking. They can use wood and charcoal and are ideal for roasting and baking.

Questions to ask before buying a grill What do you love to cook? Many grills come with extra features ideal for certain foods, like rotisseries if you love a roasted chicken, side burners if you love soups and stews, or ample space for pizza stones if you frequently crave the 'za.

How much time will you have to cook? If you're hard pressed for free cooking time, consider the convenience of gas or electric grills. Love to pass the time cooking? A charcoal, smoker or kamado grill may be best for you.

How much space do you have? If you have a big backyard, consider a larger grill perhaps with a kitchen island to create a focal point for relaxation and entertaining. Premium portable or more compact grills are ideal for condos and apartments.

Once you have your grill at home and ready to go, it's time to get cooking. Raichlen shares one of his favorite grill recipes below. Find more recipes, cooking tips and pledge to grill out at www.whyigrill.org.

Pamplona of Pork Ingredients2 pork tenderloins, each 1 to 1-1/4 pounds Coarse salt - sea or kosher - and freshly ground black pepper3 tablespoons Dijon mustard1 roasted red bell pepper, stemmed, peeled, seeded and sliced into 1/4-inch strips (see note below)3 ounces thinly sliced smoked ham, slivered One 5.2-ounce package Bours in cheese or other soft garlic and herb cheese, crumbled4 strips thin-cut bacon Vegetable oil for oiling the grate You'll also need: Butcher's string; 1 or 2 hardwood chunks or 1-1/2 cups hardwood smoking chips. If using the latter, soak in water to cover for 30 minutes, then drain. Directions1. Set up your grill for indirect grilling and heat to medium-high, about 400 degrees.2. Meanwhile, cut a deep pocket in the side of each pork tenderloin. Season the inside of the pocket with salt and pepper and paint with mustard. Stuff the peppers, ham and cheese into the pocket. Season the outside of the tenderloins with salt and pepper.3.

Lay four 10-inch pieces of kitchen string on and parallel to your work surface. Lay a strip of bacon on and perpendicular to the strings. Top with one of the tenderloins. Lay a second strip of bacon on top of the tenderloin. Bring up the ends of the strings and tie. Trim the ends close to the knots. Repeat with the remaining tenderloin.4. Brush or scrape the grill grate clean and oil it well with vegetable oil. If using a charcoal grill, add the wood chunks or chips to the coals. On a gas grill, place in the smoker box or under the grate directly over the burners.5. Indirectly grill the tenderloins until nicely browned and the meat is cooked through to 145-155 degrees or as needed, about 40 minutes.6. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes. Remove the strings, then, using a sharp knife, preferably with a serrated blade, slice the tenderloin crosswise into 1/2-inch medallions. Transfer to a platter or plates.Note: The pepper can be prepared at a previous grill session. Heat the grill to high then roast the pepper until the skin is blackened and charred, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Alternatively, roast the pepper over an open flame on your gas stove or the side burner of your grill. Cover and refrigerate for up to a day if not using immediately. www.citizennewspapergroup.com

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ENTERTAINMENT

Need a vocal mic? Top tips for picking the right one BPT - Whether you’re a talented amateur or a seasoned pro, any vocalist knows it’s crucial to have a microphone that’s right for you, your singing style and your preferred genre. With so many brands and styles to choose from, selecting the best possible microphone can feel overwhelming. But using the right mic can make a huge difference to your performances, and be the key to producing a great vocal recording.

With countless options available - dynamic or condenser, single application or multi-purpose, end or side-address - it’s easy to be confused about the best mic for you and your voice.

Who needs a microphone?

It’s not just singers who can benefit from using a good quality microphone. Whether you’re speaking to a large group, honing your skills as a voiceover artist, creating a podcast, vlogging or livestreaming, the microphone you use can enhance or detract from your audio experience - and the experience of your listeners.

Finding - and sharing - your voice Many of the vocal artists you know and love today, including Jacob Collier, Amber Liu, Claudia Emmanuela and Ric Wilson, have already found their right mic match - and with a little know-how, so can you.

Here are important questions to ask and tips to help you choose the best microphone.

1. Where will you be recording?

It makes a big difference if you’re recording or performing at home, in a studio or a music venue. * Home studios: It’s important to understand the acoustics of the room where you’ll record, and then make adjustments as needed - like adding acoustic panels or furnishings like rugs to cut down on too much reverb. You may need to experiment to find the right solutions for the room, and you may not hear all the issues until you actually record. Visit Shure.com for tips like how to sound out the acoustics of your home studio before choosing a good quality

microphone. You’ll want a microphone that can enhance vocal clarity while screening out background noise for use at home. * Studio recording: To capture the subtler sounds and higher frequencies during a studio performance, a more sensitive condenser microphone is usually preferred. When you’re recording in a professional studio, every detail counts.

When you put your all into every take, you’ll want to use microphones known for their critical fidelity, every time. You will want to invest in the best quality mic to capture pristine sound.

* Live performance: When you’re performing live, look for a stage microphone specifically designed for performance. For this purpose, a dynamic microphone is better for capturing loud, bold audio - and can also cut down on some of the other sounds happening on stage.

2. What’s your vocal style?

Are you known for your soft and nuanced vocal stylings, or are you all about the energy and volume? The genre and style of your vocals, as well as your vocal range and power, matter when it comes to your microphone choice. Are you singing a cappella, accompanying yourself on an instrument, singing with a jazz trio, a 4-piece or an 8-piece band? That all makes a difference, too.

3. What’s your budget and your long-term goals?

Whether money is no object or you’re on a tight budget, consider how you’ll use the mic in future. Are you just starting on a fun new hobby, embarking on a side gig or fulfilling a lifelong professional dream?

“Choosing the right microphone is an important first step for all musicians,” said Paul Crognale, senior manager of Musician and Consumer Audio Marketing at Shure.

“We value the investment and hope to ease the worry when selecting professional audio gear. From the beginning, Shure has supported artists at every stage of their journey, providing education and guidance along the way.”

Want to get started? Take the Shure Mic Match Quiz to find the right mic for you.

How video games can spark an interest in history BPT - Summer is almost here!

But with the sunny days and warm weather comes another concern for parents in an already challenging year: How their school-age children will be spending their summer days.

But time away from the classroom, virtual or otherwise, doesn’t mean the holidays can’t still be a time of learning, even with a hobby children already enjoy.

For many, that hobby is video games.

And while games have been studied for their benefits in critical thinking, problem-solving and reaction times, one advantage is often overlooked - games’ ability to spark an interest in history.

“When game creators have the right intentions in mind, they can create something that is both engaging and educational for kids,” said James Hornfischer, naval historian and author. “Even if it doesn’t give them a full history lesson, getting them engaged in the action can open up their curiosity and get them to ask questions, which is important for a successful education.”

Of course, selecting the right game is crucial and depends on the age of a child and the themes parents are willing to expose them to.

Here are some to consider: World of Warships World of Warships is an online naval combat game set in the first

half of the 20th century that lets you battle with - you guessed it - historically accurate warships.

Players can choose and customize their vessels in a port and strategize to win against the opposing team.

Since its official launch in September 2015, World of Warships has added over 400 historical vessels, including the iconic warships that wrote history during World War II such as: * U.S. aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise * German battleship, Bismarck * Japanese battleship, Yamato * UK battleship, HMS Warspite Besides the ships, the game features notable historical harbors and port cities meticulously recreated to the smallest details. The game also awards players for their achievements through historical Collections, bringing the story about different time periods, technological achievements and famous commanders closer to players.

The game’s creators are dedicated to fans’ love of naval history, and regularly release educational resources including the “Naval Legends” YouTube series, which visits and explores the history of the real-world retired warships. This enables players to develop deep appreciation for the naval heritage. As a result, World of Warships organized a couple of successful charity fundraisers that saw players raising money to save USS

is available for download on iOS, Android, PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch.

Texas and USS Batfish ship museums from decay.

On May 18, World of Warships streamed its own “Night at the Museum,” which provided tours of 15 naval museums around the globe. The full 17-hour stream that was followed live by 1.4 million history enthusiasts is now available to watch on World of Warships’ Twitch and YouTube channels.World of Warships is free to play on PC and World of Warships: Legends is available on Xbox, Xbox Series X, PS4 and PS5.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War Released in 2014, Valiant Hearts: The Great War is one of the few www.citizennewspapergroup.com

games to tackle World War I and does so with nuance and an emotional depth uncommon to the genre.

While not shying away from the horrors of war, the game focuses on the stories of those caught up in it, and what it was like trying to survive day to day. The game leans more on puzzle sequences than violent gameplay and has been likened to an interactive cartoon.

It was also reportedly based on real letters written in the trenches in France and has been praised for its historical accuracy and attempt to give context to a period often skipped over in history books.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War

Assassin’s Creed Assassin’s Creed is one of the most popular gaming franchises and has released 12 main games and several more spinoffs that take place during different eras of history.

There’s no getting around the fact that violence plays a major role in the gameplay, but the series is also known for having an engaging storyline and being dedicated to historical accuracy both in its characters and settings.

The series’ games take place during the Crusades, the Industrial Revolution, the American Revolution and in ancient Egypt and Greece.

The franchise’s developer even made Assassin’s Creed: Unity, set during the French Revolution available for free after the near-destruction of Paris’ famous Notre-Dame cathedral, as a way to raise money for restoration and also let players explore the in-game recreation of the landmark. The series of games is available to play on consoles and PC. As the weather turns warm and kids enjoy summer break, encourage them to explore video games that are not only fun to play, but provide a bit of a real history lesson!

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CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of June 2, 2021

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FASHION

Nordstrom Celebrates Pride with Commitment to the Transgender Community

Eliza Christoph geo prints on cotton poplin.

Eliza Christoph Luxury, Ethical Fashion Brand Launched to Embody a Kenyan Sensibility With Color, Pattern, & Sustainability Chic, urban, sophisticated, vibrant, and inspired Eliza Christoph enters the fashion zeitgeist on a mission. Founded by Kenyan-born and NYC-based Liz Njoroge, the newly launched brand is an homage to her homeland and an upscale nod to its betterment.

Poised to empower women in Kenya by creating jobs for skilled artisans and supporting their training, the brand offers more than sustainable, ethical luxury. Eliza Christoph offers principled, handcrafted clothing and accessories that wholeheartedly embrace the vibrant prints that are the spirit of Kenya. For clothing and accessories made outside of Africa, the brand donates a portion of the profits to communities where their artisans live and work.

Classic in design, the pieces mix unique, vibrant prints with timeless and versatile silhouettes to create luxury staples. The first collection consists of shirt dresses, skirts and silk scarves. The dresses come in Dutch-wax-printed fabrics and uniquely designed and printed Italian cotton poplin. The skirts are made from the same

cotton poplin, and the scarves are 100% Italian silk.

The double-faced Dutch wax fabric is printed in rich colors with a labor-intensive technique that applies wax resin before submerging the fabric in dye. For the cotton poplin prints, the brand created its own unique print designs inspired by historic African prints and Africa’s natural beauty.

The bold prints blend the founder’s love for her home country and passion for modern and contemporary art.

The Eliza Christoph silk scarves bring art and luxury together.

Uniquely designed, the scarf prints are hand-painted and digitally designed to depict the magnificent Kenyan sights and experiences.

The scarves are made and printed in Italy on 100% silk and finished with hand-rolled edges for a refined look.

In keeping with their mission, Eliza Christoph will continue to give financial support to the African communities that inspire their collections.

For more information, visit https://www.elizachristoph.com.

Nordstrom recently announced that it will provide a grant to the Trans Lifeline x FOLX Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Care Fund, to support transgender, nonbinary and gender nonconforming individuals.

For anyone struggling to access hormone care, this fund will underwrite their choice of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) care through FOLX, with 75% of funds reserved for Black and Indigenous people, and people of color (BIPOC).

Additionally, Trans Lifeline is the giveback partner for their BP. Be Proud brand with 10% of net sales being donated towards the peer support and crisis hotline, and microgrants providing financial resources directly to transgender people across the U.S. and Canada. Between these efforts, Nordstrom hopes to give $350,000 in support of the Transgender community.

“We’ve long believed that we’re all made better by the diversity that exists both within our communities and our workforce. Our values are centered on the notion of creating a place where every customer and employee is welcome, respected, appreciated and able to be their authentic selves,” said Farrell Redwine, senior vice president of human resources, Nordstrom, Inc. “This year, we are honored to partner with Trans Lifeline to extend those values and support the transgender community in accessing resources that make their lives easier.”

“Trans Lifeline is thrilled to be partnering with Nordstrom to invest in the transformational power of peer support and redistribute resources to trans people,” said Bri Barnett, director of advancement, Trans Lifeline.

“This historic gift will be instrumental in helping us answer over 25,000 calls this year and it will also provide 100 people with a year of life saving medical care.”

Nordstrom will also be highlighting brands founded or designed by the LGBTQ+ community. It is Nordstrom’s priority to support the community year-round by offering a dynamic assortment of products and experiences, including: The BP. Be Proud collection features a range of silhouettes for people of all gender expressions. The lead designer for this collection is queer and the company engaged different members from the LGBTQ+ community to provide insight on what they see as missing from the current apparel landscape. Sizes range from XXS – 4X and prices range from $25 - $59.

MANTL, co-founded by Karamo Brown – the best-selling author, producer and Emmy-nominated host on Netflix’s Emmy-winning series Queer Eye – will be available at Nordstrom. Karamo created the skincare line for both the face and scalp after going through his own balding journey, with the mission to empower the bald and balding to live their fullest lives comfortably and confidently.

Packaged in pink and conceived beyond the gender binary, Boy Smells makes loving your identity a daily ritual. Co-founders and real-life partners Matthew Herman and David Kien created Boy Smells as items they’d want to use on a daily basis and products that were fluid and essential.

Leeway Home launched in March 2021 and launched on Nordstrom.com in May. Leeway Home celebrates everyone at every stage of life and offers products to fit them. Founded by partners Sam Dumas and Lyle Maltz, they’ve leaned into the way real people live and offer everything you need to set your table your way.

Nordstrom is kicking off an ongoing partnership with The Phluid Project with an exclusive Pride capsule featuring gender-free accessories including hats, bags www.citizennewspapergroup.com

Nordstrom will also be highlighting brands founded or designed by the LGBTQ+ community including Boy Smells created by co-founders and real-life partners Matthew Herman and David Kien.

Nordstrom recently announced that it will provide a grant to the Trans Lifeline x FOLX Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Care Fund, to support transgender, nonbinary and gender nonconforming individuals.

and socks starting at $12, which launched at the end of May. The Phluid Project launched in March 2018 in NYC and online as a gender free fashion brand and is known for breaking the binary. The Phluid Project joined a movement of humans committed to challenging the ethos of traditions of the past that inhibit freedom and self-expression.

Year-round, Nordstrom provides grants and funding to LGBTQIA+ organizations like the Hetrick-Martin Institute, Pride Foundation God’s Love We Deliver, Human Rights Campaign and more.

Nordstrom’s celebration of Pride Month and support of the LGBTQIA+ community are a part of the company’s broader efforts and commitments to diversity, inclusion and belonging (DIB). The company recently set goals to guide its DIB efforts and reports annually on its progress. To learn more about the company’s DIB strategy, goals and programs visit Nordstrom.com.

10 | CITIZEN | Hyde Park | Week of June 2, 2021

HOME

3 dreamy deck building products that sidestep sky-high lumber prices

(BPT) - According to a recent survey on the latest outdoor living trends, home improvement pros and deck building specialists tell Qualified Remodeler magazine that, "everyone is thinking about building something bigger, better, stronger and wider," and that "homeowners are requesting increasingly larger, more customized decks." The appeal of more expansive, retreat-worthy decks should come as no surprise considering the unencumbered enthusiasm for outdoor living that has swept the country over the course of a notably unprecedented year.

If you also find yourself dreaming about building a sprawling deck to relax on this summer, first consider the type of building materials you'll need to tackle the project. Lumber has been the traditional deck building material of choice, largely for its low upfront cost and familiarity. However, the series of lumber mill closures in the spring of 2020 wreaked havoc on the building industry's supply chain, sending lumber prices through the roof.

The outdoor living explosion has only further driven up the price. In fact, industry findings from April 2021 reported the price of lumber had jumped to a record-breaking $1,048 per thousand board feet - up nearly 200% from the start of the pandemic. Demand for the commodity product is only poised to grow during peak outdoor living months.

Don't let historically high lumber prices empty your wallet or material scarcity put your deck project on hold altogether. Innovative manufacturers are bringing wood-alternative offerings to the table that provide weatherability, premium performance and unmatched customization capabilities. Consider these three alternative building products before you break the bank building your dream deck.

1. Composite decking One of the many allures of today's composite decking is that it emulates the natural wood grain aesthetic and richness that standard wood deck boards provide, but lacks the propensity to warp, crack or deteriorate over time. Because it's incredibly resilient and can handle whatever Mother Nature throws its way, it will stand strong and look beautiful underfoot wherever you call home, from mountainous snow-shrouded settings to sunparched desert landscapes. What's more, composite deck boards are engineered to last longer than traditional wood decking.

Leading brands offer products that can last 25 years or more, making these readily available boards a sustainable and cost-effective purchase when considering product longevity. With its impressive wood-emulation and enduring composition, composite decking is a smart choice for deck projects.

2. Steel deck framing Once surface boards have been selected, it's time to think about where your

boards will rest. While pressure treated lumber is often the de facto deck framing material of choice, soaring lumber prices and availability concerns are now shedding light on alternatives like steel. Strong and durable, many are begining to recognize how well steel performs as the underbelly of a deck system. "Since today's wood-alternative deck boards are engineered to last for several decades, homeowners want enduring framing materials that can match the longevity of their surface boards," said Toby Bostwick, VP of Product & Brand at Fortress Building Products. "The benefits of purchasing a steel framing system make a lot of sense from an investment standpoint, especially when factoring in material longevity, ongoing maintenance costs and treated lumber's current market rate."

Framing with steel will also eliminate issues associated with moisture absorption, one of the most common reasons wood frame decks begin to show signs of decomposition. In fact, steel is resistant to most tangible threats, including rot and decay, fungi, pests (such as termites) and weathering. In application, this means steel frame profiles will keep surface boards flat and smooth underneath your feet, safeguarding your investment. Not only does steel framing offer long-lasting support for your chosen deck boards, but it also offers a modern, high-end aesthetic that's rising in demand. While the rising price of pressure treated lumber and the current lumber shortage will certainly drive framing trends this summer - the shift in mentality may be permanent, given steel's impressive performance.

3. Aluminum railing While it's certainly natural to gravitate toward a familiar railing material like wood as you finish out your deck project, an aluminum system can bring strength and personality to a larger deck at a cost-effective price point. A wholly customizable railing system, the aluminum panels of Al¹³ HOME™ from Fortress Building Products can be personalized with an array of infill options - including cable and glass insets - to accommodate the vision behind your dream deck. What's more, the system comes with an Accent Top Rail (ATR) and cap rail clips, and is dressed in a multi-layered anti-corrosion powder coating for a no-fuss solution.

Not only does this ensure lasting style and safety around the perimeter of a deck, but it also helps create a finished deck structure that requires very little upkeep.

For peace of mind, the railing is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. With its dreamy customization capabilities and strong warranty, this readily available aluminum railing solution is something your family can "lean" on this summer.

Build a bigger, better, stronger deck now With today's wood-alternative building products within reach, there's no need to put your deck project on hold until debilitating lumber prices retreat. Instead, you can "deck" out your larger-than-life outdoor living space with dreamy solutions that serve up performance and lasting style.

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X A V D I V O C / V I.GO