Nearly 1,700 guests, members of 17 community and environmental organizations, came together on January 19, 2011 at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile for The Chicago Mayoral Forum on Community and Environmental Issues. 
 

Alderman Brendan Reilly welcomed guests and introduced the dynamic Andy Shaw, executive director of the Better Government Association.  Mayoral candidates, Gery Chico, Miguel del Valle and Carol Moseley Braun provided insightful answers to difficult questions.  Rahm Emanuel had been invited to attend, but did not participate.  Questions were provided in advance to event moderator Andy Shaw, by the organizing groups. 
 

CAN TV will be broadcasting the forum in its entirety on Friday, January 28 at 8 am on channel 19 AND on Thursday, February 3 at 12:30 pm on channel 21.

Other press was also in attendance.  To read their summaries, visit Blair Kamin, Chicago Tribune and Steven Dahlman, Marina City Online.

Representatives of each of the 17 participating organizations pose with mayoral candidates (center from left to right, Carol Moseley Braun, Miguel del Valle and Gery Chico, guest moderator, Andy Shaw from the Better Government Association can be seen between Moseley Braun and del Valle).

New Riverwalk Cameras to be Installed

Eight new cameras are being installed along the RiverWalk on the north side of the Chicago River between Michigan Avenue and Lake Shore Drive.  These cameras are being installed to improve security along this scenic walk and will be connected to the Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

An international snow sculpting tournament called Snow Days Chicago is coming to Navy Pier.  Teams competing from China, Mexico, Canada, Russia, and of course the USA will be participating! 

This is a joint production by Navy Pier and the Mayor's Office of Special Events.   There will be 15 professional teams, 12 Chicago Public Schools teams, and an exhibition from last year's winning team from China.  If you are interested in seeing sketches of the 2011 sculptures, please visit:  www.snowdayschicago.us

Sculpting begins on Wednesday, January 26 and runs until 3 pm on Saturday, January 29.  Sculptures will really begin to take form January 28-30.  However, you are welcome to watch the carving process all week.  It is difficult to gauge the exact times the artists will be sculpting because their work is dependent on the weather: if is warm and sunny they carve at night. 

This is truly a unique public art event.  Come out to meet the artists and show them some Streeterville hospitality!  In addition to the sculpting, there will be a snowboarding exhibition, dogsled racing, and family entertainment at the Family Pavilion Stage.

SOAR Member Experiences 

Concerts at Fourth Presbyterian Church

Each Friday of the year at 12:10 p.m., free Noonday concerts take place at Fourth Presbyterian Church-in the sanctuary (except when otherwise noted) from September through June.

Tickets are not required for concerts unless otherwise indicated.

Make the Right Call

Not sure of when to call 911 or 311? Here are some useful guidelines:

311 City Services or situations not requiring immediate response

            Examples of city services:

-         Potholes

-         Street lights

-         Garbage

-         Graffiti

-         General maintenance to parks and public areas

Examples of police non-emergency:

-         File a police report

-         Damage or stolen property after the fact

-         Situations where there is no immediate threat to life, bodily injury or property damage/loss

911 Emergency Services

-         Crime in progress or just committed

-         Immediate threat to property or bodily injury

-         Suspicious activity that may result in property damage or bodily injury

-         Fire

-         Medical emergencies

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

Get Involved!

There are many ways to become active and engaged in SOAR's efforts in Streeterville.  Volunteers can contribute through one-time efforts, work on special events or projects, assist in the office, or participate on an ongoing basis with SOAR's task forces and committees.  Streeterville residents 18 years or older are invited and encouraged to get involved.  For specific volunteer opportunities, please visit SOAR's website.