Popular Weekend Talk Show Impacting Lives in Chicago Market

Chicago, IL 1/28/2012 – When “Weekends with Whitney” hit the NBC Chicago Nonstop lineup just under a year ago, host Whitney Reynolds never could have anticipated the shows growth and popularity since the debut episode. “Weekends with Whitney” (W3), a weekly topic based talk show, is approaching it’s one year anniversary episode set for April with a loyal fan base and critical acclaim in tow. Chicago has served as a hub for some of the most recognized television brands in America, with industry leaders like Oprah and Rosie O’Donnell dominating the show format ratings across the nation. Whitney’s mark on the weekend time slot in Chicago is already garnering national attention.

Chicago currently sits as America’s third largest media market, with some industry experts placing the Windy City at the top of the list in some formats. W3’s cross of live studio audience and on location shoots has brought a fresh approach to the weekend viewer. Originally rooted in a successful online talk show, “Weekends with Whitney” was picked up by NBC Chicago 5.2 as one of the contributed shows to air on it’s new Nonstop channel. Like Oprah’s original talk show format, which was produced by Chicago based Harpo Studios as opposed to the network it aired on, W3 has taken a fun, inspiring approach to production that caught the eye of communication strategist Christopher Foltz.

W3’s leadership has announced today that Christopher Foltz & Company is joining the “Weekends with Whitney” production team. Christopher Foltz & Company, one of the fastest growing communication strategy firms in Chicago, looks to bring exciting new content to viewers, as well as work with host Whitney Reynolds in touching the lives and giving back both here in the Chicago metropolitan area and across the nation.

“We are excited to work with Whitney and her amazing team. Whitney is what the market has been looking for, and we know that we can work with her to make a major impact on society in general,” commented Chris Foltz, President of Christopher Foltz & Company. “NBC Chicago’s Nonstop Channel has done so much to make its mark here in Chicago with great contributed content that makes a positive impact on the lives of its viewers. That is what Whitney is all about and we couldn’t be happier to work with her.”

Whitney’s experience in multiple formats in major markets has been attributed to the shows success in Chicago. Starting her career as an intern with “Good Morning America,” Reynolds then took the morning show reigns herself as host on an NBC affiliate in the Dallas area. Honing her reporting skills in the Rockford market before coming to Chicago, Whitney’s diversity in the industry brings a hip approach to the talk format in Chicago. Planning is underway for the anniversary special that celebrates the show Chicago style.

“I am so thankful for the entire Weekends with Whitney team and how far it all has come. We are looking to go into our second year of production with exciting new content and really make an impact in all of our viewers lives. Chris Foltz and his team are rooted in giving back and the ideas and energy you feel working with them is exactly what we want to bring to the show,” commented Whitney Reynolds.

With taping underway today for the “Weekends with Whitney” Valentines Day Special, a live studio audience filling the seats of Lincoln Hall will be treated with “Big Brother’s” Howie Gordon as one lucky viewer wins a date with the season six star. The show is set to air February 11th and 12th at 12PM CST on NBC Chicago Nonstop (Digital 5.2, RCN 50, Comcast 341, WOW 130, ECTV 6) with the W3 podcast available nationwide through iTunes and at www.WeekendswithWhitney.com.

From our locations in Lake Bluff, Illinois and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Scott Byron & Co., Inc. provides unparalleled, complete landscape services.

We are a total care team, delivering services that encompass all aspects of design, installation, and maintenance. From contemporary urban rooftops to detailed, formal English gardens, and from classical backyard terraces with outdoor kitchens to large-scale designs that encompass and embrace their unique geographic character, our dedication is steadfast and our work ethic is paramount. We combine the expertise of horticulturists, landscape architects, project managers, foremen, and yard support to conceptualize, create, and conserve your landscape dreams.

This client-focused and team-driven approach has secured our position as a leader in the landscape design/build field. Twenty-seven years of premier architectural landscaping speaks for itself. But, to our great appreciation, our clients often speak for us too.

No matter what type or size of project we undertake, our core purpose is to provide the “Scott Byron Experience” that delivers your dream and makes you rave to your friends.

Part of the Scott Byron Experience is an unwillingness to compromise our core values:
Passionate: Unwavering, intense desire to excel
Quality: To be the best today and better tomorrow
Creative: The freedom to imagine innovative solutions
Adaptable: Willingness to seek knowledge to initiate change
Integrity: Believing in and committed to doing what is right

Vitruvius once said, ‘Only an architect well-grounded in both theory and practice is properly equipped – not only to prove the propriety of the design but also able to implement it effectively.’ I couldn’t have put it better myself.” “From backyards to islands, and clipped hedges to flowing meadows, our dedication is steadfast and our work ethic paramount.”
Scott L. Byron, CEO

It’s Not Just Audio and Video…It’s an Experience

Davis Audio & Video is an audio video company offering design, sales and professional installation of home electronics, commercial systems and rental equipment servicing Chicago and the surrounding suburbs including Bannockburn, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Northbrook, St. Charles, Wilmette, Winnetka, Wheaton and many more.

We bring you over a decade of design, custom installation and project management experience.  Additionally, we hold advanced programming certificates.

Our Services Include:

• Pre-wire & Structured Wiring
• Multi-Room Audio & Distributed Video
• Surround Sound & Home Theaters
• Plasmas, DLP’s & LCD’s
• Smart Home & System Integration
• Computer Networking
• Sports Bars & Restaurants
• Board Rooms
• Rental Audio Equipment & Rental Video Equipment

Let us help you realize your dream system.
Providing free consultation allows us to listen to and understand your specific needs and dreams. Together, we can design a perfectly integrated, easy-to-use system.

Visit Davis Audio & Video

Chicago Born..Influenced by the World

Christina Karin is a modern women’s dress label featuring sophisticated and seductive dresses and cocktail wear. Christina Karin is a luxury lifestyle brand defined by classic American glamour with an edgy sophistication at an attainable price point. The collection is bold yet humble with underlying tones of quirky sex appeal. The pieces are driven by a deep connection between a women’s sexuality and the confidence of her maturity, yet still conveying the optimism and simplicity of youth.

The designs feature specially sourced stretch fabrics and knits as well as luxurious silks, velvets, tulle and chiffon. The exceptional attention to detail and lines of the fabric are meant to enhance the beauty of the female shape. Christina Karin designs are produced exclusively in the United States and are available in select boutiques across the country.

About the Designer

Christina’s intuitive eye for fashion, innovation, and design are the foundation of her collection and the reason she is one of the latest up and coming designers in Chicago. A native of the East Coast, Christina grew up surrounded by the elegance and history of art. Raised by European parents and a father in the antique business, Christina was exposed to many cultures and travels abroad. Throughout her early years, she learned to embrace her creative and artistic side through numerous endeavors including theater, acting, and modeling. Christina is a graduate of Boston University with a degree in business and art history. She has also studied fashion design at the Art Institute of Chicago. Christina Karin is born out of her cumulative experiences and her desire to make women shine.

Audience

The woman who chooses to stand out from the crowd wears Christina Karin with ease – she shines within and the dress simply accentuates her beauty and intelligence. The woman who wears Christina Karin is smart, strong, and sexy with a touch of quirkiness that allows her not to take the world and herself too seriously.

Visit Christina Karin

We expect that you will be able to sell your property faster when you place it on Marketmaking.com. Rushabh Investments LLC is dedicated to providing you with service that is professional, honest, responsive, efficient, transparent and valuable. We are a full service company that will assist you in finding a buyer, negotiating the price, as well as help you buy or sell those property’s in the future. We are member of NAR, IAR, NSBAR, NICAR and can help you with any residential or commercial property.

Choose Experience. Choose Flexeon.

With a full array of physical therapy services, Flexeon Rehabilitation is the choice of referring physicians, sports teams and patients seeking superior-quality rehabilitation services.

We also are consultants to many successful companies, providing expertise in ergonomics and helping employers reduce risk and improve bottom-line performance, while increasing workplace safety and employee satisfaction.

Changing the World One Surgery at a Time….

A new Chicago based health-care non-profit is making and impact for people across America with no insurance. ProjectHUGS (Helping Uninsured Get Surgery) opened their doors in July of 2011 partnering with Advanced Ambulatory Surgical Center in Chicago. Basic care, quality of life treatment and surgical procedures remain out of reach for thousands who are in desperate need of such aide. The HUGS leadership team have been busy already becoming members along with a $10 Million Dollar Project HUGS commitment to former President Bill Clinton’s Clinton Global Initiative. 

Project HUGS had the opportunity to spend time with First Lady Michelle Obama to discuss their commitments to the new health-care reform being done in our country. Being an organization who believes in offering surgery to uninsured patients around the nation, Project HUGS shares Michelle Obama’s belief that while a new health-care system will not be perfect, it should be implemented.

“We are honored to have had the opportunity to share time with the First Lady and look forward to making an impact in the surgical field that helps those in need when they need it most. We are going to change many lives in a major way in 2012,” commented Brij Desai, Project HUGS COO.

Project HUGS and Michelle Obama share a commitment for health-care and much needed benefits for the uninsured. This commitment fueled an influx of applications for surgery from those in need across America.

Project HUGS has also attracted the attention of Chicago Blackhawk’s star Duncan Keith and his wife Kelly-Rae, founders of the Keith Relief Foundation, an organization founded in 2011, which is dedicated to helping those in financial struggles with medical needs. These two organizations have recently partnered together and hope to change the lives of people both in Chicago and around our nation.

With the current state of the economy, more and more families are living without the security of health insurance as well as bankruptcy and home foreclosure. These troubles have encouraged both the Keith Relief Foundation and Project HUGS to make a valiant effort in alleviating some of the economic strain on families when it comes to medical costs.

“It is truly an honor to be one of the two non-profits the Keith Relief Foundation have chosen as benefactors. Duncan and Kelly-Rae have gone above and beyond to help Project HUGS provide to those in need both here in Chicago and across the nation,” commented Project HUGS founder Dr. Sev Hrywnak. “We are thankful to have the opportunity to help those who have been waiting on life-changing surgeries due to lack of insurance. We hope to give many people their lives back in 2012.”

Project HUGS’ Board of Directors is a venerable who’s who of leadership from across the country. From a New York State Senator James S. Alesi, to Scranton, PA’s  Moses Taylor Hospital Director of Pediatrics Dr. Stanley W. Blondek, and from Mukesh “Mike” Patel, Former White House Commissioner under President Bill Clinton, to Chicago based communication strategist and publicist Christopher Foltz. 

Project HUGS also began their first annual toy drive this holiday season to give back to those in need around the Chicago area around the holidays. The organization is providing special items to children in households who cannot afford to give their kids items on their wish-lists for the holidays. The toys are still being collected at the Project HUGS’ Harlem Avenue office located in Chicago and will then be donated to various local churches and community organizations.

“The holidays are a time for families and celebration. In addition to giving back through surgery here in under-insured America, we want to make sure as many families across Chicago can celebrate the holidays with their children. Since most toy drives end around Christmas, we will continue ours through the month of January 2012 so we can add as much joy to the lives of children throughout the year,” said Joanna Brzostowska, Co-Chairman of Project HUGS.

To get involved or learn more about Project HUGS, call 855-FOR-HUGS or visit www.ProjectHUGS.org.

Where would Wildcats be without Autry?

Many would agree Northwestern’s magical 1995 season likely doesn’t happen without running back Darnell Autry.

Evanston clearly was not a fun place for Darnell Autry to be following his frosh year at Northwestern. He packed his things and left. Fortunately for the Wildcats, he decided to come back.

He was the one who held onto the ball and moved the chains in the final minutes allowing the Wildcats to upset Notre Dame. He rolled through nearly every Big Ten opponent with unforgettable rushing performances. He picked up 226 yards late in the season against Purdue. He broke school records with his 1,675 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the season.

It all led to Northwestern reaching the Rose Bowl and Autry finishing fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

But what if Autry never played for Northwestern in 1995? What if he had packed his bags and transferred after his freshman season? What would have happened to him? What would have happened to Northwestern?

They likely aren’t questions Northwestern or Autry would like to ponder, but there was a time when they could have been looking for the answers just the same.

Autry said he couldn’t stand Evanston, Ill., by the winter of his freshman year in 1994. Coming from Arizona, he wasn’t accustomed to the Midwest’s weather. The freezing temperatures and snow weren’t fun novelties to him. He just simply hated them, and he desired to be back home where it was warm.

“This is terrible,” Autry remembered thinking. “I’m freezing to death. I don’t have the right clothes. It’s nice in Phoenix. I miss my mom and dad. I miss all my little girlfriends. It’s the same thing that plagues all freshmen.”

While a lot of freshmen get homesick, most don’t come as close to the brink of leaving as Autry did. He went as far as packing up his belongings, taking them home with him during Northwestern’s winter break and beginning to look at other football options. Arizona State was the likely destination.

“I said, ‘I’m done,’” Autry recalled.

Northwestern coach Gary Barnett understandably got nervous. He was about to lose his star running back. Barnett flew down to Phoenix and met with Autry and his parents.

“He said, ‘Give us a year,’” Autry said. “‘If you don’t like it in a year, we’ll release you from scholarship and you can transfer.’”

The meaning of “a year” was different to Barnett and Autry. Barnett thought 365 days. Autry thought like the end of 1994, which was less than a month away. Autry was under the belief he had a few weeks to make his decision.

During those weeks, Autry did some soul searching. He was only 19 years old, but he realized his decision could impact his entire future.

“It was not good for me,” Autry said. “I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do next. I’m really on the verge of alternating my life permanently and negatively. What am I doing with my life? Is this really what I want to do to my life?”

Ultimately, Autry realized he needed to return to Northwestern and stick it out.

And when he came back, he was a different Darnell Autry. He was an angry Darnell Autry.

Northwestern wasn’t the dream school he had hoped for, but he was going to stick by his decision just the same. So instead of pouting over the weather and dreaming of Arizona, Autry channeled his frustration to the football field.

As it worked out, Autry’s desire to leave Northwestern actually made him better for Northwestern.

During the 1995 season, Autry led Northwestern to a Big Ten championship and a berth in the Rose Bowl. He would finish fourth in Heisman voting on the strength of 1,675 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.

“I obviously came back a little bent out of shape and pissed,” Autry said. “That fire and anger spurred on my offseason training. I was going to get faster. I was going to get bigger. I thought if I’m going to be here, I’m going to beat everyone in lifting, beat everyone in sprinting.”

What followed is well documented.

In the 1995 season opener, Autry and the Wildcats went in to South Bend as 28-point underdogs against Notre Dame and came out victors. Autry rushed for 160 yards on 33 carries in the 17-15 decision.

Northwestern suffered a major letdown the following week with a loss to Miami of Ohio, but the Wildcats rebounded in Week 3 and carried that momentum throughout the rest of the season. They won nine consecutive games, including seven Big Ten contests, and captured the conference title.

With each victory, the team’s publicity grew in the Chicago area and around the country. Following Northwestern’s win over Penn State, Autry graced the Nov. 13, 1995, cover of Sports Illustrated under the headline, “The Real Deal.”

Autry was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy and invited to the award presentation at the Downtown Athletic Club in Manhattan in December. His parents joined him in New York City.

Autry was unsure of his chances of winning.

“I remember being happy to be there,” Autry said. “I didn’t know who was voting. I didn’t know how it worked. My supporters were saying I could win it. I was just happy to be there. I was happy to be among the top five players in the country. I appreciated being there.”

Ohio State running back Eddie George would take home the bronze Heisman trophy with 1,460 voting points. Autry finished fourth, behind Nebraska quarterback Tommie Frazier and Florida QB Danny Wuerffel and just ahead of Iowa State running back Troy Davis. Autry received 87 first-place points and 535 total points.

The ’95 season ended with a 41-32 loss to USC in the Rose Bowl.

Autry followed his sensational sophomore season with an impressive junior season in 1996, which culminated with the Wildcats being co-champions of Big Ten Conference and invited to the Florida Citrus Bowl. Northwestern lost 48-28 to Peyton Manning and Tennessee in the bowl game, Autry finished seventh in the Heisman voting.

With Autry’s stock soaring, he opted to forgo his senior season at Northwestern and enter the 1997 NFL draft. He was taken by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round.

His NFL career was short, but not sweet.

Autry played one season in Chicago before being cut prior to the 1998 season. He got picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles at that point, but instead he retired from football to pursue an acting career. He then gave up acting in 2000 to give football another try. He played one season in Philadelphia and was cut in 2001. He wouldn’t play pro ball again.

Autry knows exactly where it went wrong.

“When you take it to the next level, you, yourself, have to be willing to push yourself to the next level,” Autry said. “I don’t think I had any expectations of taking my career and pushing myself beyond where I was. If I had done that, I may still be playing. I didn’t do that.”

And if he could do it all over again, Autry said he would have stayed at Northwestern for his senior season.

“I do regret leaving because that was one of the most selfish decisions I’ve ever made in my life,” Autry said. “The decision was made about me and not the team. I wish I would have graduated with my teammates like I should have. I regret that.”

“I would have stayed for them. I would have stayed for another Big Ten championship,” he said about his the team he left. “I wouldn’t have stayed to improve my draft place. I didn’t care about that.”

Following his playing days Autry returned to Northwestern and earned his degree. He has since bounced around the country trying various occupations. Now 35, Autry lives in Arizona, where he hosts the Internet show “Outside the Spotlight” on VoiceAmerica.com and is putting together a production company.

When summing up Northwestern’s 1995 season, Autry doesn’t reminisce about the SI cover, his individual glories or the Heisman Trophy ceremony. What Autry will always remember is was how the team defied its individual abilities with teamwork.

“On paper, we don’t like look like much,” Autry said. “If you look at us size-wise, individually, we didn’t have any five-star athletes. On the field, we were completely a different animal. We were completely a team. We were the ultimate team.”

And Autry was a catalyst for its success.

Scott Powers covers high school and college sports for ESPNChicago.com and can be reached
at spowers@espnchicago.com.