In This Issue
President's Message
Safety & Sound
Greening & Sustainability
Real Estate Development
Traffic and Transportation
SOAR Membership
Farmers Market
Voter Registration
First Wednesdays
Parks Task Force
Park Advisory Councils
Safety & Sound Task Force
Volunteer Roundup
Member Offers
Save the Dates
Volunteer Opportunities
Around the Community
Local Contacts
SOAR Mission Statement
Public Information
Contact SOAR
Join SOAR
Community Specialists
www.communityspecialists.net

 

Join Our Community 

Message from the President:  Centennial Hosts Welcome SOAR
Through a wonderful coincidence, the next two major events on the SOAR calendar will be at two neighboring institutions marking their Centennials in Streeterville this year. On Wednesday, October 5, SOAR's 41st Annual Meeting will be held at Navy Pier. Wednesday, November 2, The Arts Club of Chicago will host our Blueprints annual fundraiser.
 
It is fitting for this event to take place at Navy Pier because SOAR has worked with Pier leaders at every step of the transformation from unused sheds to a recreational and cultural attraction to more than nine million annual visitors. Our relationships there are noteworthy examples of the "staying power" of SOAR over more than four decades. At the annual meeting we will review the numerous and varied achievements of the past year. In particular, the Lake Shore Park Garden Club celebrates 20 seasons at Lake Shore Park; we will give special recognition to these volunteers-who also will choose and present the winners of the 2016 SOAR Beautification Awards, the 36th consecutive year they have been distributed to residential, public and institutional neighbors. We also will present the annual P.I.V. (Positively Invaluable Volunteer) awards-I can tell you that choosing only three was a challenge this year! After the program, Navy Pier is hosting a reception. The Annual Meeting is a members-only event.
                 Navy Pier 100 arts Club  
            Happy 100th Birthday to Navy Pier and The Arts Club of Chicago!

Blueprints is "going global" this year, with a Passport theme. We will honor two Streeterville residents (and SOAR members) who travel the world as architectural ambassadors: interior designer Nada Andric and architect James (Jim) Goettsch, who will each receive the 2016 Vision Into Reality Award. This is the first time the award has been given to two people-and we are thrilled to recognize these neighbors. Nada is Associate Director at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), focusing her extensive talent and experience on the firm's large-scale global architecture and interior design projects. The Arts Club is hosting this event in honor of Nada, who is on their Board of Directors. Jim is Chairman and CEO of Goettsch Partners, as well as the design director, leading the direction and quality of design for the office. The festive evening will include Champagne, wine, heavy buffet, and a raffle.
 
More details on both events will be sent shortly. But I wanted to give you a "sneak preview," and also encourage you to "Save the Dates."
 
As always, I will be happy to respond to your questions and comments when you reach me at  dgershbein@soarchicago.org

Deborah Gershbein







P.S. SOAR eNews now will be delivered once a month, the last week of every month. We will soon introduce SOAR eWeekly, a brief calendar of upcoming events. I will appreciate your comments on both  publications.

Call for Volunteers! Showing Appreciation for First Responders
Help SOAR Thank Streeterville's First Responders For Protecting Us! 
Wednesday September 14, 11:30 am to 7:30 pm
Lake Shore Park Field House Gymnasium, 808 N Lake Shore (at Chicago Avenue)

The third annual SOAR First Responders Appreciation Day, a tribute to the firefighters at Engine Companies 98 and 13, EMTs and paramedics from Ambulance Companies 11 and 74, officers of Chicago Police District 18, the Chicago Police Marine Unit, Northwestern University Police and representatives of other private forces will be held at the Lake Shore Park Field House, 808 N. Lake Shore, on Wednesday, September 14. Volunteers Welcome.  

The day-long event requires a number of volunteers to help in planning and on-site assignments. Bob Johnson, Chair of the Safety and Sound Management Task Force, said, " Even if you are unable to volunteer to help out, just stop by and tell the officers and firefighters you appreciate their service."
For information contact Safety and Sound Management Task Force Chair Bob Johnson

2015 1st Responders 2015 1st Responders
Photos by Jeff Brown, All Events Photography
Greening and Sustainability Task Force
On August 15, the SOAR Greening and Sustainability Task Force, chaired by Jay Lubinsky, hosted "Chicago Retrofit Energy Challenge," a presentation featuring a municipal initiative to encourage owners and managers of buildings to implement strategies to save energy and reduce emissions. The program was in the context of SOAR's goal in Streeterville Neighborhood Plan, to make Streeterville the "greenest neighborhood in Chicago, serving as a national model for sustainable living and development."
 
Condominium association Board officers and members, residents and managers throughout Streeterville heard presentations from Margaret Hansbrough, Energy Engagement Manager, Office of the Mayor, City of Chicago and Amy Jewel, Senior City Advisor for Chicago, City Energy Project. According to Jay's report, the speakers shared important factual information and offered assistance and resources to Streeterville buildings.
 
  • Building energy use accounts for 71% of greenhouse gas emissions in Chicago-so energy efficiency of buildings is a citywide priority.
  • Joining the Energy Challenge (formerly called "Retrofit Chicago") is voluntary. City Hall staff help enrolled buildings get started and support them all the way through their conservation efforts
  • As of 2016, the program has enrolled 62 properties, involving 43 million square feet, across the city and they have already reduced energy use nearly 12%. This has translated to $6.4 million in energy cost savings, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emission equivalent to removing 14,000 automobiles per year from the road.
For speaker information contact Jay  SOAR extends a sincere thank you to our meeting sponsor, Northwestern Medicine
 
Greening 08-15-2016 Greening 08-15-2016
Photos by Jeff Brown, All Events Photography
Real Estate Development Task Force
Navy Pier: The latest phase of Navy Pier redevelopment was presented to the Chicago Plan Commission, which heard and approved plans:  Read the Sun Times article.
T he SOAR Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the task force, approved the overall plan but urged completion of a comprehensive traffic study; urged Navy Pier's participation and leadership in creating a connection between the Pier and Michigan Avenue, including infrastructure improvements, signage, lighting and artistic enhancements, and recommended initial construction/completion of one performance stage at Polk Bros. Park before two are constructed. Click here for SOAR's statement.
 
Museum of Contemporary Art: The task force heard a presentation involving interior improvements the Museum plans to complete for their 50-year anniversary in 2017. Construction is scheduled to take place November 2016 through April 2017. The exterior footprint of the building will stay as it exists. The plans are directed towards increasing engagement by museum visitors, including the community. Features include creating a full-service restaurant and bar inside the Pearson entrance and creating a staircase and additional floor on the east end to lead to the café and terrace. That will open space to create a new 'engagement zone" on the 2nd Floor and an education center on the 3rd Floor. The MCA is developing a plan to communicate with nearby residents throughout the construction process, which, because only interior construction is involved, is not expected to have a major impact on nearby buildings. The SOAR Board accepted the task force recommendation to support these plans.
 
237 E. Ontario: The task force met with representatives of the Schatz Building located next door to the proposed hotel, along with residents of nearby buildings. The discussion was focused on the use of the alley at the east side of the property as a street.  A zoning letter was sent to nearby property owners, stating that Tishman is looking for a zoning variance to reduce the length of the two required loading berths from the required 50' to 25'. The task force is working to schedule a meeting with Alderman Reilly to discuss the proposed hotel plans. 

Peninsula Hotel Rooftop Lounge:  The SOAR Board supported the task force recommendation to send a letter of support to the Alderman. Please read SOAR's letter.

Streeterville Retail:   Members of the task force recently discussed the changing retail environment and the impact on shopping and stores for residents.  If you have ideas about what retail stores and services you would like to see in Streeterville, contact task force chair Gail Spreen . These suggestions will be relevant as SOAR meets with developers and business groups now and in the future.
 
SOAR Real Estate Task Force
Date:                Tuesday, September 13
Time:                6:00 pm
Location:           432 E. Grand   
Contact:           Gail Spreen
Traffic and Transportation Task Force
The task force heard a presentation from principals at PORT Urbanism, a firm that submitted a proposal regarding public infrastructure improvements for the underpasses at Lower Michigan, Grand, Illinois, Hubbard, Kinzie and Lake Shore. The proposal outlines the scope and fees for a preliminary study and will be discussed at the next task force meeting.
 
SOAR Traffic and Transportation Task Force
Date:                Wednesday, September 27
Time:                5:00 pm
Location:          432 E. Grand
Contact:           Malek Abdalsamad  
SOAR Membership
Keep Streeterville a Neighborhood!
Join SOAR or Renew Now
Benefits and annual dues information at  SOAR Chicago  
SOAR Farmers Market at the MCA Plaza

   

Last in the popular culinary demonstration series this year will be Sam Burman, head chef at the Museum of Contemporary Art, who will present a culinary demonstration at noon on Tuesday, September 27. He will be using ingredients fresh from the SOAR Farmers Market at the MCA Plaza. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Chef Burman has been fascinated by the culinary world since a young age. After years of culinary adventures throughout Chicago's dining scene and in San Diego, Chef Burman returned to Chicago to direct restaurant and catering activities at the MCA. Chef Burman describes his culinary style as simple and honest, allowing the true flavors of seasonal ingredients to take center stage.

SOAR Farmers Market Culinary Demonstration Chef Burman FM 09-27-2016
Date:               Tuesday, September 27
Demo:             Sam Burman, Head Chef
                       Museum of Contemporary Art
Time:               Noon








John Chiakulas, Corporate Chef of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and Chef-Partner of Beatrix, combined the fresh ingredients provided by our vendors and created tasty samples for shoppers at a culinary demonstration on August 23. 
           FM Demo 08-22-2016
Photo by Doug Boehm

Film stars often avoid upstaging by children and dogs. But some of our favorite shoppers come in strollers and on leashes. Here are just a few:
                         FM 2016 FM 2016

           FB 2016 FM 2016
Photos by Jeff Brown, All Events Photography


Thank you to our SOAR Farmers Market sponsors! 
 

Calling All Volunteers: SOAR is looking for volunteers to help make this market great by welcoming patrons and creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere. They also help with the overall market management by counting the number of people attending each Tuesday. If you would like to volunteer please  contact  Judy Aiello.
Voter Registration Table at Farmers Market
FM 2016
Streeterville residents and SOAR members Paula and George Noble recently qualified as Deputy Registrars for Voter Registration. They will have an information / registration table at the SOAR Farmers Market, beginning on Tuesday, August 30. If family or friends just reached voting age or just moved into the neighborhood, Paula 
and George will register them for the General Election on November 8.

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, SOAR is nonpartisan and nonpolitical.
We do encourage participation in the election process.  
First Wednesdays
The next free Summer '16 social event is at Timothy O'Toole's, 6:00 to 8:00 pm at 622 N. Fairbanks, on Wednesday, September 7. A festive evening of fun, food, drinks and friends. Meet with current SOAR members, make new friends and, if you're not a member, join up! Click here to RSVP            
                    Timothy O'Tooles

The last event was a warm, welcoming and lavish party graciously hosted by Pinstripes on August 3. 
                    
Parks Task Force
Lake Shore Park:  Alderman Brian Hopkins (Ward 2) met with Chicago Park District commissioners to urge the move of Chicago Sports' softball leagues at Lake Shore Park and redevelopment for uses more conducive to community use. The SOAR Board will be issuing a position statement on the situation shortly.  For more on this subject  Read DNA article

New Park Supervisor: Jason Zaffaroni was named supervisor of Streeterville public parks and offices at Lake Shore Park. Reach him at 312.742.7891.
 
Parks Task Force
Date:                  Wednesday, September 28
Time:                 6:00 pm
Location:            SOAR Conference Room
                         244 E. Pearson, Lobby Level
Contact:            David Lewin
Park Advisory Councils
Lake Shore Park Advisory Council:  Lake Shore Park Meetings are held the second Monday of the month, 5:30 pm at the Lake Shore Park Field House, 808 N. Lake Shore, at Chicago Avenue. The next meeting is scheduled for September 12. Contact David Kostelansky
 
Seneca Park and Eli M. Schulman Playlot Advisory Council: The next Advisory Council is on Wednesday, November 9, at the Lake Shore Park Field House, 808 N. Lake Shore, at 6:00 pm. Contact Marc Schulman

Nando's The opening of Nando's on August 7 was a great success, with $7,781 donated by Nando's for improvements to Seneca Park and Eli M. Schulman Playground. The funds are held by the Chicago Parks Foundation in a special account.
                             
   






On June 16, the Seneca Park and Eli M. Schulman Playground Advisory Council and Eli's Cheesecake sponsored a performance in the playground by the Happiness Club, a group of children and young adults from all over the Chicago area who share a positive message with their peers.
          Seneca Park

Safety and Sound Management Task Force
Court Advocacy Program: The Safety and Sound Management Task Force is looking to expand  the Court Advocacy Program for Streeterville, run through the Chicago Police and Cook County States Attorney's Office. By attending court hearings for individuals arrested while committing crimes, Court Advocates are recognized for their service and attendance, and help show that the community cares about prosecution of offenses committed in our neighborhoods. Training is provided. For information contact Task Force Chair Bob Johnson.

Chicago Public Police District CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Policy) Beat (aka Sector 30) Meeting : Beats 1831, 1831 and 1834 meet the first Thursday of every odd-numbered month at 6:30 pm at Access Living, 115 W. Chicago. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 8. For information phone 312.742.5778 and ask for Officer Christopher Schenk.
 
SOAR Safety and Sound Management Task Force
Date:                Thursday, September 22
Time:                6:30 pm
Location:           SOAR Conference Room
                        244 E. Pearson, Lobby Level  
Volunteer Roundup
We are looking for volunteers willing to come into the office to help send out membership, event and fundraising mailings. We also are looking for a pool of volunteers to assist in on­-site registration at events. Traditionally, this group has been affectionately known as the "SOAR Office Posse." These assignments are on an "as­-needed basis," coordinated by Associate Director Martha Music. If you have time, please contact her at Martha Music
Member Offers
Lookingglass Theatre Company:  Lookingglass presents the Midwest Premiere of 
Life Sucks by  Aaron Posner, September 9 through November 6  in the historic Water Tower Water Works on Michigan Avenue. Seven incurably lusty and lovelorn characters collide in this brash, revelatory reworking of Chekhov's Uncle Vanya. Never has unhappiness been so much fun! SOAR Members get $10 off with code SOAR. Visit Lookingglass Theatre   or call the Box Office at 312.337.0665 
 





Chicago Shakespeare Theater:   SOAR members receive 25% off of Company Theatre Mumbai's Hindi Twelfth Night--Piya Behrupiya, September 27 through 29 on Navy
Pier, 800 E. Grand. Purchase tickets at the theater's website or phone the box office at 312.595.5600. Use special code SOAR.

Piya Behrupiya a Hindi translation of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, is filled with a cast of unforgettable characters and combines cruelty with high comedy and the pangs of unrequited love with Shakespeare's subtle poetry and exquisite songs. Performed in Hindi with projected English translation.  To read more about the performance Click Here  


Canine Cruises:    Take your best four-legged friend on a city adventure aboard Chicago's only cruise for dogs, Mercury's Canine Cruise!  Enjoy a relaxing 90-minute
  city tour on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The cruise line is offering SOAR members one free dog ticket with each adult ticket purchased ($8  savings per dog).  Saturdays and Sundays at 10:15amJuly 10 through September 25. Located on Chicago's Riverwalk at Michigan Avenue & Wacker Drive, east of the bridge - look for our blue awnings! Well-behaved, leashed dogs only please.  To receive the discount, print the Cruise Coupon and present at ticket counter.  Or book online at Canine Cruise's and use code 20202 at
                         checkout.
Save the Dates
You must be a SOAR member in good standing to attend and participate in committee and task force meetings and to attend Board meetings.

SOAR Farmers Market*
Date:              Every Tuesday through October 25 (rain or shine)
Location:         MCA Plaza, Chicago at Mies van der Rohe
Time:              7:00 am to 2:00 pm
Contact:         Judy Aiello Fantus 
 
SOAR Farmers Market Culinary Demonstration*
Date:             Tuesday, September 27 
What:            Sam Burman,  Head Chef, Museum of Contemporary Art
Time:             Noon
 
SOAR Garden at Lake Shore Park*
Contact:         Judy Birk 

SOAR First Wednesdays Social
Date:                Wednesday, September 7
Time:               6:00 pm
Location:         Timothy O'Tooles,  622 N. Fairbanks
RSVP:               SOAR First Wednesday              
Contact:            David Hampe

SOAR Safety and Sound Task Force
Date:               Thursday, September 8
Time:               6:30 pm
Location:         SOAR Conference Room, 244 E. Pearson, Lobby Level
Topic:               First Responders Preparation
Volunteers Welcome!

SOAR Real Estate Task Force
Date:                Tuesday, September 13
Time:               6:00 pm
Location:         432 E. Grand   
Contact:           Gail Spreen 

SOAR First Responders Appreciation Day
Date:               Wednesday, September 14
Times:             9:00 am until 8:00 pm
Location:          Lake Shore Park Field House Gymnasium
                        808 N. Lake Shore
Volunteers Welcome!
Contact Bob Johnson

SOAR Board of Directors    
Date:               Tuesday, September 20
Time:               6:30 pm
Location:          SOAR Conference Room, 244 E. Pearson, Lobby Level
 
SOAR Traffic and Transportation Task Force
Date:               Wednesday, September 27
Time:               5:00 pm
Location:          432 E. Grand
Contact:           Malek Abdalsamad

SOAR Safety and Sound Task Force
Date:                Thursday, September 22
Time:                6:30 pm 
Location:           Lake Shore Park Field House Gymnasium
                         808 N. Lake Shore

Parks Task Force
Date:                 Wednesday, September 28
Time:                6:00 pm
Location:           SOAR Conference Room
                        244 E. Pearson, Lobby Level
Contact:           David Lewin

SOAR Annual Meting
Date:               Wednesday, October 5
Location:          Navy Pier

SOAR Blueprints Gala*
Date:              Wednesday, November 2
Location:         The Arts Club of Chicago
                       201 E. Ontario

SOAR Artisan Market*
Date:             Friday-Sunday, November 11-13
Location:        Lurie Medical Research Center
                     303 E. Superior
Contact:         Artisan Market
 
 
*You do not have to be a SOAR member to participate
Visit the SOAR  website for the latest information on upcoming events.  
Volunteer Opportunities
CLICK HERE FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Around the Community
Every issue of eNews reports a sampling of news we believe will be of special interest to SOAR members.

Street Closing:   Northwestern University informed SOAR that Huron will be closed from the driveway of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago to Fairbanks beginning at 3:00 pm on Friday, August 26, through 6:00 am on Monday, August 29, in connection with construction of the biomedical research building. The driveway will be accessible and a flagger stationed on Huron and McClurg will assist those needing to access RIC. There will be a Huron Street closure on Friday, August 26 starting at 3:00 pm until Monday, August 29, at 6 am. Huron Street will be closed from west of the RIC west driveway up to Fairbanks. The RIC west driveway will be accessible and a flagger will be stationed at Huron and McClurg. The flagger will assist with people needing to access RIC. NU anticipates an increase in traffic noise during  a seven-hour procedure on Friday and has taken measures to control the noise and lighting levels to a minimum. Huron will remain closed Saturday and Sunday for the assembly of the facility's South Tower crane. For information contact Brian Kittle, Assistant Director of Operations, or phone
 312-503-8000
 
with 
disabilities as the result of witnessing the personal 
tragedies
 of World War II while serving as the medical 
director for the Veterans Administration. Dr. Henry Betts 
came to RIC in 1963 and was responsible for advancing the medical mission of the Institute and constructing the flagship hospital at 345 E. Superior, as well as focusing on the development of the Institute as a major research organization with robust training and education programs. Since 2006, Dr. Joanne Smith has been President and Chief Executive Officer, now heading the staff team developing the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
at McClurg between Ontario and Erie, transforming 
the structure of RIC to exert strong influence on the field of rehabilitation. RIC was recently named by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 Rehabilitation Hospital in America, the only hospital in the country which has been named #1 for 26 consecutive years. Contact Community Liaison Dorelia Rivera with questions, or 312.238.7522.



Northwestern, Lurie High in Rankings:  Read the Article here

Lurie Children's Hospital: Honorees for the 2016 "Hope and Courage" awards are: Patient and Family Award-Margaret Storey, a mother whose advocacy efforts have resulted in legislative action and public awareness benefitting the lives of countless Illinois families, and her daughter, Josie Heller, who has Aicardi Syndrome; Community Advocate Award-Jacqueline Samuel Ph. D., Senior Program Director for Claretian Associates, an affordable housing developer, community psychologist and a leading voice for violence prevention and trauma-informed care in Chicago; 
Government  Leader Award-Illinois State Senator Kwame  Raoul, a leading  advocate for children's health and well-being in the General  Assembly. Senator  Raoul, whose district includes Streeterville,  led the effort to abolish the death penalty in Illinois and worked to help rebuild healthcare facilities in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, September 16.
 
                                                                              State Senator Kwame Raou l

arts Club
The Arts Club of Chicago: Commemorating their Centennial, the Arts Club announces several special events open to the community, all taking place at 201 E. Ontario, where the Club has undergone significant construction over the past several months. Public gallery hours are 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Tuesday through Friday and 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday. For information contact Isabel Olive  or 312.787.3997.


Tuesday, September 20, 10:00 am:  Honorary Street Sign Dedication
Unveiling of "Arts Club of Chicago Way" honorary sign
 
Tuesday September 20:  Exhibition Opening , 6:00 to 7:30 pm
  A four-part exhibition includes three projects by Sonnenzimmer and Luftwerk and reinstallation of the Arts Club's permanent collection. Chicago-based artist duo Sonnenzimmer (Nadine Nakanishi and Nick Butcher) create an abstract graphic timeline comprised of six prints, based on eras in the club's history of programming and exhibitions. As part of The Arts Club's ongoing series of garden projects, Luftwerk (Petra Bachmaier and Sean Gallero) draws upon the architecture of the Club, in particular the staircase designed by Mies van der Rohe, to create Corner of a Square, a light installation that lights up the garden both day and night. Highlights from the permanent collection of The Arts Club, ordinarily accessible only to members, will be on view to the public in the West Gallery. Come out to toast this milestone and thank lenders at this festive event. The exhibits run through December 17.  
            
 
Saturday October 22:  Centennial Open House , Noon to 5:00 pm
On what has been proclaimed "The Arts Club of Chicago Day" by the City Council, Centennial festivities continue with a day of music and art in grand scale. World-renowned artists and performers Eighth Blackbird, Derrick Adams, Mark Dion, Walid Raad and others will address the Club's singular history by enacting the idea of the "artists talk." Presentations will be ongoing, come for an hour or stay the day.
 
Wednesday, November 16:  Gallery Talk and Music 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Arts Club Executive Director Janine Mileaf speaks, followed by music with DJ Nick Butcher of Sonnenzimmer

Run Mag Mile: New in 2016, Run Mag Mile, the only running 
event to take place on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, will be held 
on Saturday,   September 10. The event is open to men, women  and children, with Half Marathon benefitting the American  Cancer Society and the 5K supporting the Chicago Help Initiative.  For information go to  Run Mag Mile

Loyola University Museum of Art, LUMA: Power and Piety, an exhibition of Spanish Colonial Art from the Coleccion Patricia Phelps de Cisneros, comprising paintings, altars and decorative arts, runs at L LUMA, 820 N. Michigan, through November 12. Free admission on Tuesdays 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Guided tours available at noon and 2 p.m. For information: and programs 
Visit

Pam Ambrose, the founding director of LUMA, which opened in 2005, will retire on August 30.  Beginning in 2004 when the idea of a new museum was slated for Loyola University Chicago Water Tower Campus, she envisioned one that would encompass the diversity of Chicago and the diversity and Jesuit ideals of Loyola. Pam and her artist husband, Peter, will move to Todos Santos, Baja Sur California, to begin a new cultural life in Mexico. SOAR wishes you well, Pam. We have been informed that a new director of the museum will be named shortly.  

Fourth Presbyterian Church: A free open house to discover 2016-17 classes for adults 60+ at the Center for Life and Learning's will be held on Thursday, September 8, from 10:00 am to noon at Gratz Center, 126 E. Chestnut. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about membership, meet the teachers and register for programming. An annual membership fee includes admission to all classes, including discounts on monthly luncheons, excursions, and special topic courses. For more information,  Visit or call 312-981-3387 .

Gold Coast Encore Chorale:  Join the fast-growing choral organization for older adults, 55 and over. The Chorale launched with a pilot program that included singers from Skyline Village, the Fourth Presbyterian Church Center for Life & Learning, The Clare and others, concluding with performances, at The Clare and the Fourth's Buchanan Chapel. The 15-week fall session starts Monday, September 12.  Rehearsals are held weekly at The Clare, 55 E. Pearson, under the direction of professional conductor Jonathan Miller. No audition necessary. To register and review the details for the fall program, Visit  

Ogden International School: Talks are resuming regarding the possible merger of Ogden, which is overcrowded, and nearby Jenner, which has lost students. For further details  Visit

In the face of reduced funding for cultural programs, Ogden is organizing a new music program for the upcoming year. A wish list for instruments and equipment has been Posted At

Chicago Architecture Foundation: "Streeterville, From Sandbar to Elegant Residences," the neighborhood Sunday walking tours sponsored by CAF, will start at the gazebo across from the Drake Hotel, East Lake Shore Drive and Michigan and run from 4 to 5:30 pm on September 18. Maurice Champagne, Streeterville resident, SOAR member and CAF docent, informed SOAR that after this close look around the neighborhood, the tour will no longer be offered, until further notice. We appreciate all that Maurice and his colleagues have taught residents and visitors about our storied community. 

The Great Chicago Fire stopped in Streeterville, at the doors of the Old Water Tower on Michigan Avenue. That is certain to be part of Maurice Champagne's three-session class, "The Chicago Fire of 1871-A Whodunit," at The Newberry Library, 60 E. Walton. Saturdays, September 24, October 1 and October 8. Read More here 

CAF will hold its annual Open House Chicago weekend on October 15-16. Many of the sites are in or nearby Streeterville. For the inside story, go to

Landmarks Illinois:   Architect Benjamin Marshall put his stamp on East Lake Shore Drive, now a Historic District in Streeterville. "Benjamin Marshall, Chicago Architect" is part of Landmarks Illinois's Preservation Snapshots, a free lecture by John Zukowsky and Jean Guarino, on Thursday, September 15, 12:15 to 1:00 pm, The Auditorium Building, Roosevelt University's Murray-Green Library, 430 S. Michigan Avenue, 10th  floor.  

"Bughouse Thursday Nights": Co-sponsored by CapitalOne, the Washington Square Park Advisory Council and Fourth Presbyterian Church. 6:00-7:00 pm, 901 N. Clark. September 1-Mister E. Machine; September 15-Stu Mindeman Quintet. On Facebook: WSQPAdvisoryCouncilChicago.

Loews Chicago Hotel Vinyl Tuesdays: Loews Chicago is chasing away the Sunday blues every Sunday afternoon in August with a remix of killer cocktails and classic vinyl spun by DJ Speed. 4:00 to 8:00 pm through September 4. Food and drink specials, including a $10 burger, $5 beers, and half-priced bottles of rosé wine. 455 North Park Drive, 312.840.6600.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater: The yearlong Shakespeare 400 Chicago continues at Chicago Shakespeare with an exploration of the history plays with Tug of War: Civil Strife, where family divisions launch a country into civil war through Henry VI, Parts 2 and 3 and Richard III. Chicago Shakespeare has four fantastic visiting international shows next month representing Poland, Mexico, India and China-each here for only a short time. Full Details at:
 
Streeterville Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber is a beneficiary of a private Taste of Streeterville event, August 30 at Pinstripes.
 
Chicago River Clean Enough to Swim (By 2020): Read the DNA article here
 
Making the Lakefront Safer for Walks and Wheels: Read the Curbed article here

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF ELECTED OFFICIALS, POLICE AND INSTITUTIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
SOAR Mission Statement
To work on behalf of residents of Streeterville by preserving, promoting and enhancing the quality of life and community.
Publication Information
eNews is published monthly by SOAR, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents, Deborah Gershbein, president.   For information about SOAR contact Associate Director Martha Music . If you have feedback regarding a newsletter item or plan a community event for coverage consideration, please alert us. Or submit your own post-­event story and photos to Rosalie Harris , editor.
If you have any questions or feedback about any news item, please use the contact information associated with the item. If neighbors on your email list do not receive eNews, please forward this copy to them. SOAR does not share our lists with or sell to other organizations. If you're reading a copy forwarded from a friend and would like to receive future editions directly: 


   
Contact SOAR
Email:    info@soarchicago.org  
Phone:   312.280.2596
Mail:      SOAR
              244 E. Pearson St. Suite 102
              Chicago, IL 60611
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