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COMED COLLABORATES WITH IIT TO CREATE ONE OF THE FIRST MICROGRID CLUSTERS IN THE WORLD
- Sep 19, 2017
ComEd is working with the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) on two grants it was awarded from the Department of Energy to develop and test microgrid technology that would support critical public infrastructure. A microgrid is a small power grid that can disconnect from the main grid to ensure that even during extreme weather or a cyber or physical attack, power will keep flowing to critical infrastructure, customers and businesses.
This summer, ComEd submitted a proposal to the Illinois Commerce Commission to construct a microgrid in Bronzeville and connect it to an existing microgrid on the IIT campus. This project would create one of the first microgrid clusters in the world and provide information and assistance to emergency personnel and create a better understanding of how microgrids can be leveraged in emergency situations.
IIT Alumnus Carol Bartucci, ComEd’s vice president of Information Technology, visited the Galvin Center for Electricity Innovation at ITT to see the full scale model of the school’s microgrid.
Carol played a key role in establishing IIT’s Center for Smart Grid Application, Research, and Technology, also known as C-SMART, a living laboratory where ComEd is testing a variety of smart grid and smart meter-enabled innovations designed to enhance everyday living for customers.
Watch the video to learn more about how ComEd collaborates and innovates to keep the power flowing.
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A SOLAR-POWERED PYRAMID RISES IN BRONZEVILLE
- Sep 13, 2017
Pyramids have been built by civilizations in many parts of the world and now a collaboration between ComEd, a local artist, an art gallery and high school students has brought one to Bronzeville. ComEd’s Solar Spotlight Pyramid, a newly completed piece, is the first permanent artwork to be included in Gallery Guichard’s Great Migration Sculpture Garden in Bronzeville.
At a recent celebration, ComEd executives were joined by the Solar Spotlight students and several other community members to commemorate the completion of the solar-powered artwork and its installation at the Bronzeville gallery.
The towering artwork was created by artist Shala. with the help of local high school students who participated in ComEd’s Solar Spotlight Education Program earlier this year. This year’s program taught students about STEM Via the Arts, which is also known as STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math).
Students worked with ComEd mentors to use design elements from modern-day logos and ancient hieroglyphics to decorate the solar-powered panels with artwork that represented their individual personalities.
Traja, 17, choose to incorporate a basketball into her panel design.
“At 3 years old, I fell in love with basketball,” she says. “When I play basketball, it always makes me feel better. I drew a basketball with a horizontal line representing a heartbeat going through the basketball.”
The pyramid’s black solar-powered panels will gather energy from the sun during the day to glow at night.
“I was excited to learn about renewable energy because it’s our future,” says Charles, 15. He said he found it interesting to learn how nature, specifically the sun and wind, can be used to generate power.
Shala. says his Solar Art encompasses a revolutionary technique to add artwork to solar panels without disrupting their ability to draw energy from the sun. Believing that technology is a powerful new platform for creative expression, he developed this new medium to accelerate the adoption of solar energy and create a new art movement.
“Creating the pyramid was challenging, but it was fun and will be a monumental piece for the Bronzeville community,” he says. “ComEd is energizing the birth of a new international era in sustainable energy and art.”
Gallery Guichard, 436 E. 47th St., partnered with Shala. and ComEd to construct the revolutionary pyramid, which sits in the garden adjacent to the gallery.
“The historical significance of an art piece in the shape of a pyramid will give visitors a sense of pride,” says Andre Guichard, who co-owns the gallery with his wife, Frances. “It adds a sense of style to the garden and is a symbol of ComEd’s role in the revitalization of an amazingly rich community.”
ComEd offers the Solar Spotlight Program in February as part of its annual celebration of Black History Month. The program engages 60 African-American high school students from across Chicagoland and encourages them to explore STEM. The program includes workshops where the students learn about solar energy and African-American trailblazers.
“This is the first time that our Solar Spotlight students have had the opportunity to create an art piece as they learned about STEM,” says Melissa Washington, vice president of External Affairs and Large Customer Service. “ComEd is proud to partner with the communities we serve to nurture diversity and empower the workforce of the future.”
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A SOLAR-POWERED PYRAMID RISES IN BRONZEVILLE
- Sep 8, 2017
Pyramids have been built by civilizations in many parts of the world and now a collaboration between ComEd, a local artist, an art gallery and high school students has brought one to Bronzeville. ComEd’s Solar Spotlight Pyramid, a newly completed piece, is the first permanent artwork to be included in Gallery Guichard’s Great Migration Sculpture Garden in Bronzeville.
At a recent celebration, ComEd executives were joined by the Solar Spotlight students and several other community members to commemorate the completion of the solar-powered artwork and its installation at the Bronzeville gallery.
The towering artwork was created by artist Shala. with the help of local high school students who participated in ComEd’s Solar Spotlight Education Program earlier this year. This year’s program taught students about STEM Via the Arts, which is also known as STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math).
Students worked with ComEd mentors to use design elements from modern-day logos and ancient hieroglyphics to decorate the solar-powered panels with artwork that represented their individual personalities.
Traja, 17, choose to incorporate a basketball into her panel design.
“At 3 years old, I fell in love with basketball,” she says. “When I play basketball, it always makes me feel better. I drew a basketball with a horizontal line representing a heartbeat going through the basketball.”
The pyramid’s black solar-powered panels will gather energy from the sun during the day to glow at night.
“I was excited to learn about renewable energy because it’s our future,” says Charles, 15. He said he found it interesting to learn how nature, specifically the sun and wind, can be used to generate power.
Shala. says his Solar Art encompasses a revolutionary technique to add artwork to solar panels without disrupting their ability to draw energy from the sun. Believing that technology is a powerful new platform for creative expression, he developed this new medium to accelerate the adoption of solar energy and create a new art movement.
“Creating the pyramid was challenging, but it was fun and will be a monumental piece for the Bronzeville community,” he says. “ComEd is energizing the birth of a new international era in sustainable energy and art.”
Gallery Guichard, 436 E. 47th St., partnered with Shala. and ComEd to construct the revolutionary pyramid, which sits in the garden adjacent to the gallery.
“The historical significance of an art piece in the shape of a pyramid will give visitors a sense of pride,” says Andre Guichard, who co-owns the gallery with his wife, Frances. “It adds a sense of style to the garden and is a symbol of ComEd’s role in the revitalization of an amazingly rich community.”
ComEd offers the Solar Spotlight Program in February as part of its annual celebration of Black History Month. The program engages 60 African-American high school students from across Chicagoland and encourages them to explore STEM. The program includes workshops where the students learn about solar energy and African-American trailblazers.
“This is the first time that our Solar Spotlight students have had the opportunity to create an art piece as they learned about STEM,” says Melissa Washington, vice president of External Affairs and Large Customer Service. “ComEd is proud to partner with the communities we serve to nurture diversity and empower the workforce of the future.”
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12 years of safe family fun at the 79th Street Renaissance Festival
- The Urban Landlady, Sep 7, 2017
The residents of Auburn Gresham celebrate twelve years of safe family fun at the 12th Annual 79th Street Renaissance Festival this Saturday, September 9 and Sunday September 10.
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Green Means Go (Toward a Cleaner Community)
- Ian Grant-Funck, Aug 28, 2017
Learn more about the Team that's cleaning our streets and improving our neighborhood.
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17th Ward "Alderman on the Block"
- Aug 22, 2017
Come out and meet your 17th Ward Alderman, Saturday, August 26th, corner of 76th Parnell, 9am - 10am.
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Brainerd Park Apartments Ground Breaking Ceremony
- Aug 22, 2017
Brainerd Park Apartments will be 36 brand new apartment units opening in late summer 2018. Join us for the ground breaking ceremony, August 25, 2017, 8920 S. Loomis, 10am - 11:00 am.
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“Stay Woke” When Preparing Your Kids To Go Back To School
- Defender Contributing Writer Edye Deloch-Hughes posted 8/18/17, Aug 21, 2017
It’s that time again—back-to-school. And although parents are busying themselves purchasing school clothes and supplies—or lining up for one of the giveaways– it’s also time for parents to “stay woke” when preparing their kids to go back to school.
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Here's how to have a healthier work day
- Cassie Richardson, Aug 18, 2017
Focusing on fitness while you’re on the clock and off could help you earn healthy benefits
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Here's How To Get A Free Backpack From The Majostee Allstars
- Kelly Bauer, Reposted from DNAInfo, Aug 16, 2017
The backpacks will be available during several events leading up to Sept. 5.
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Save it for Some Rainy Play
- Ian Grant-Funck, Aug 16, 2017
Multi-generational physical activity event connects neighbors to their local school, in Auburn Gresham's PlayStreets activations.
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Deadline for City Colleges of Chicago Fall Term 2017 Nears - Register by August 21
- City Colleges of Chicago, Aug 14, 2017
The registration deadline for the 16-week Fall Term for City Colleges of Chicago's seven campuses - Harold Washington College, Harry S Truman College, Kennedy-King College, Malcolm X College, Olive-Harvey College and Wilbur Wright College - is Monday, August 21, 2017.
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Wait, did you say you just WAIVED all the taxes?
- Reposted from the Urban Landlady, Aug 14, 2017
Ever notice a nice-looking house or building which has been vacant for years and no one seems to know why? Read this post on the Cook County Land Bank Authority!
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Mayor Emanuel’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Is Open For Applications!
- Aug 11, 2017
The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund is a new grant to help strengthen our commercial corridors on Chicago's South, Southwest and West Sides. The NOF grant cycle is now open.
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Take Your Job Search to the Next Level
- Skills for Chicagoland's Future, Aug 10, 2017
Are you currently unemployed or underemployed? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by job searching? Are you struggling to find a way to get your resume noticed? Let Skills for Chicagoland’s Future get you back to work.
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Ride a Trolley, Sip a Cocktail, Change a Neighborhood
- Reposted from the Urban Landlady, Aug 9, 2017
In a double decker bus on a gorgeous day, the only place to ride is in the top.
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Don't make these hosting mistakes at your next BBQ
- Cassie Richardson, Aug 8, 2017
4 simple tips will make your next barbecue a big hit with all your guests.
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What You Should Know About Back to School Health Screenings
- Aug 4, 2017
What You Should Know About Back to School Health Screenings. Listen in to WVON 1690AM, 1:00-2:00PM. Call in to ask any questions about health screenings for your children's back to school needs!
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Is working overtime sabotaging your health goals?
- Cassie Richardson, Aug 3, 2017
A physician offers 3 creative solutions for staying healthy at work
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$30 Million Funding to Help Train Workforce for Future Energy Jobs
- Reprinted from the Chicago Defender, Aug 2, 2017
CHICAGO (July 31, 2017) – A combination of six business associations and social have been named as recipients of funding for the development and administration of future energy jobs training as a part of the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA).
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ComEd’s Energy Efficiency Program - Share With Your Community
- Nikoleta Morales, Aug 2, 2017
The ComEd Energy Efficiency program is offering up to $100 in rebates on select Smart Thermostats.
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The Changing Face of Auburn Gresham: How Façade Enhancements Energize Neighborhoods.
- Ian Grant-Funck, Aug 2, 2017
Artful changes inspire local hope and pride.
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JOB TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES HEADED TO ILLINOIS UNDER FUTURE ENERGY JOBS ACT
- Aug 1, 2017
The Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), legislation passed by the Illinois Legislature in 2016 and effective June 1, 2017, allocates $10 million every four years in 2017, 2021, and 2025 — a total of $30 million —for solar pipeline training programs, craft apprenticeships and multicultural training for individuals from diverse and/or underserved backgrounds.
ComEd recently filed the FEJA Jobs Training plan with the Illinois Commerce Commission. Six business associations and social organizations have been named as recipients of funding for the development and administration of future energy jobs training.
The FEJA is expected to pivot Illinois to a new clean energy economy, creating thousands of clean energy jobs while creating important environmental and consumer benefits.
Watch this video to learn more about the clean jobs ahead in Illinois thanks to the FEJA: http://bit.ly/2fa0KUn
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CPS high schoolers get a head start on careers in medicine
- Cassie Richardson, Jul 29, 2017
Future health care professionals complete internships at Advocate Trinity Hospital
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Miya Clay talks ComEd’s Icebox Derby and why STEM is important for girls
- Eddy Lamarre, Jul 28, 2017
The Icebox Derby is a program sponsored by ComEd that brings together young girls from diverse backgrounds to learn about STEM by building race cars out of old refrigerators. We spoke with one of the competitors, Miya Clay, about her experience:
http://rollingout.com/2017/07/28/miya-clay-talks-comeds-icebox-derby-stem-important-girls/