Task Forces & Committees
The following describes the purpose of SOAR’s various task forces, committees and clubs. Streeterville residents are invited and encouraged to get involved. Any resident eighteen or older who is interested in participating should contact the chair of the task force or committee by email as indicated below.
Safety & Security Task Force
The Safety & Security Task Force actively works to secure public safety for all our neighbors.
What we do: Develop safety-related events, including town halls with elected officials; connect and communicate with local police force; create and distribute information on safety in an urban environment; develop safety programs, such as our WhistleStop program
When we meet: Monthly
Contact: Bob Johnson
Land Use & Development Task Force
The Land Use & Development Task Force addresses land development issues, such as real estate development, traffic, and preservation, in order to ensure the desired balance between residential, commercial, institutional, retail, recreational and mixed uses that currently exist.
What we do: Advocate for green, pedestrian-friendly design and infrastructure for parking, new real estate developments, and green space; consider and respect the variety of institutions in Streeterville; identify opportunities to improve traffic patterns/flow.
When we meet: Every other month or as necessary
Contact: Gail Spreen and Judy Aiello-Fantus
Environmental Issues
Our Mission
The Parks and Greening Sustainability Task Forces are now combined into the Environmental Issues Task Force. This task force will work to protect and improve the environment in Streeterville.
Task Force Goals
- Preserve and expand green spaces in Streeterville
- Support improvement of the Streeterville environment, with particular emphasis on air quality, judicious use of materials, energy, water and environmentally sensitive acoustics and lighting.
- Partner with the Park Advisory Councils, (PACs) to achieve common objectives for Streeterville parks
- Coordinate the Beautification and Green Ribbon awards
- Become actively involved with the Park District, Chicago DOT and other governmental agencies
- Motivate all stakeholder to pursue environmentally friendly practices.
When we meet: Monthly
Contacts: Jay Lubinsky
Traffic & Transportation Task Force
Our mission
To advocate for effective transportation and traffic for pedestrians and vehicles in Streeterville
Task Force Goals
- To monitor Traffic & Transportation matters in the interests of SOAR’s members
- To be informed of new and changing Transportation and Traffic issues in order to make policy recommendations to the SOAR board of
- To respond to the board’s requests for direction
- To seek a comprehensive traffic study for Streeterville
- To inform and communicate Traffic & Transportation developments to our members
When we meet: Monthly
Contacts: Judy Aiello Fantus
Farmers Market Task Force
The SOAR Farmers Market Task Force is responsible for orchestrating our Farmers Market that runs from June to October at the MCA Plaza.
What we do: Coordinate with vendors; assist in marketing efforts of the market; and run the SOAR Info Booth at the market each Tuesday.
When we meet: As needed & Tuesdays when the market is in season
Contact: Judy Aiello-Fantus and Debby Gershbein
Marketing & Communications Task Force
The Marketing and Communications Task Force acts as the voice of SOAR. We handle all of the marketing, as well as special event planning. We communicate with our members and the Streeterville community via our electronic newsletters, social media, web and print materials.
What we do: Plan social media posts; curate neighborhood news for our SOAR Spotlight; write copy for SOAR events, flyers, and brochures; design materials as needed; assist in event planning and promotion.
When we meet: As needed
Contact: Clare Hennessy and Deborah Gershbein
Blueprints Gala Task Force
The Blueprints Committee plans our annual Blueprints Gala. This is our largest fundraising event where each year, the SOAR Vision Into Reality Award is presented to Chicagoans in the arts and architecture who have communicated the unique beauty of Streeterville and Chicago to the world.
What we do: Nominate honorees; communicate with sponsors and donors; assist in marketing efforts; and plan and execute event.
When we meet: As needed
Contact: Clare Hennessy
Fundraising Task Force
The Fundraising Committee assists in fundraising efforts through the year.
What we do: Identify fundraising opportunities; and assist with Annual Appeal.
When we meet: As needed
Contact: Debby Gershbein
Garden Club
The SOAR Garden Club is responsible for maintaining the gardens at Lake Shore Park. From purchasing the plants to weeding the beds, dedicated SOAR members keep this neighborhood garden looking fresh all season long.
What we do: Purchase plants; plant greenery; maintain weeds; and water garden.
When we meet: Saturday mornings during growing season
Contact: Judy Birk