It is that time of year when we look back at the wonderful events and programs that have brought neighbors and friends together in Streeterville.  As we complete the 2010 calendar year we recognize the many accomplishments achieved by SOAR and its dedicated volunteers to benefit the Streeterville community.
 
Please review our annual report, Look Back, which highlights many successes in the fiscal year from October 2009 through September 2010. 
 
SOAR intentionally keeps membership dues low to enable all Streeterville residents the ability to participate as a member.  As a result, dues cover only 41% of annual expenses.  Your gift makes possible everything we do.

Please consider making a special gift to SOAR's Annual Fund to show your ongoing commitment to the Streeterville community.  

Thank you for supporting SOAR.

SOAR is an independent and non-partisan 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Monday December 13, the northwest corner of Grand Ave. and McClurg Ct. witnessed the unveiling of an 8-foot bronze sculpture of Cap Streeter, commissioned by Golub & Company and sculpted by renowned Illinois artist and sculptor Dennis Downes.  Cap was a legendary Chicagoan for whom the Streeterville neighborhood was named.  His boat ran aground in 1886 on a sand bar in Lake Michigan where the intersection of Superior and Fairbanks is now located. 

In the construction boom in the years following the Great Chicago Fire, he encouraged excavation contractors to dump their rubble into the lake near his boat, thereby creating 186 acres of new landfill along Chicago's lakefront.  Our beloved Streeterville neighborhood now resides on that landfill. 

Photo of Cap Streeter with artist and sculptor Dennis Downes.

Buyers, beware these scams

Some of the most popular locations where Chicago police said
pickpocket scams tend to occur during the holiday season.

The revolving door: The first offender, going through a revolving door ahead of the victim, causes the door to temporarily stall while a second offender walks from behind and grabs a wallet or loose item.

The counter: An offender approaches the target to ask for directions or information and the victim places a bag or item on a nearby counter, allowing a second offender to pick it up and walk away.

The elevator: When a crowd of people is rushing to get into an elevator, the first offender, in front of the target, may lean back and bump into the victim, creating a momentary diversion while a second offender behind them grabs the targeted item.

Source: Chicago Police Department

Copyright © 2010, Chicago Tribune

This safety tip was brought to you by SOAR's Safety and Security Committee.  If you have a safety tip you would like to share, please submit your tip safety@soarchicago.org