Monday 10/06/2008 10:53am 62 °F
Please enter your query and click on GO button.

Maps & Stats

Welcome to the Village of Barrington Hills

Community News and Information Website

Barrington Hills is an equestrian community approximately 40 miles northwest of Chicago, Illinois straddling across parts of four counties - Cook, Lake, McHenry and Kane. The estimated population in 2003 was 4,176. The village has roots from early settlers in the 1830s and formal incorporation took place in 1957. Residential properties are a minimum of 5 acre zoning with agricultural and horse farms welcome within the community.


Thank you for visiting the Village of Barrington Hills Community Information Website. If you have suggestions for content, news and photos to share, please send e-mail to vbhcomm.info@comcast.net. We want to hear from you! Share our email and website addresses with friends and family members, Put us in your Favorites!

  Upcoming Events ...
  In the News ...
 

October Reminders

CTY: Reverse 911 - Go to http://www.barringtonhills-il.gov/ Register for Vital Notification
• Barrington Hills Village ZBA reviewing Commercial Horse Boarding Recommendations
• Conservation Events and Articles - see Conservation Page
• Meet at Barrington Village Hall for "IKE" Party October 1 at 1:00 p.m.!
Meet at Barrington Library on Referendum October 1 and 9
Get tickets now for Second Annual Concours 'd Elegance October 3 - 5
Get tickets now for the Annual "Ignite the Night" FOTFP Benefit October 11
• Barrington Hills Voters Registration Deadlines
• Barrington Hills Village Fall Newsletter


Equestrian Commission Horse Boarding

Recommendations to the Zoning Board of Appeals

Over the past four months a group of eleven people involved in one way or another in equestrian matters in the village have been creating a draft document containing suggestions for consideration by the Zoning Board of Appeals as the next step in its process. The draft document, which describes the conditions under which boarding could be permitted beyond that contemplated in our Home Occupation Ordinance, was officially received by the ZBA at its regular meeting on September 15, 2008. For access to the text and information about upcoming ZBA regular and special meetings and locations on this topic go to the Village News Committee Page.


Barrington Library Sets Referendum Open House

Chad Brooks | Daily Herald Staff

When voters head to the polls November 4, Barrington Area Library District officials want to make sure they know everything there is to know about the library's expansion referendum. To do that, the library has planned two open houses on the $34.3 million, 53,000-square-foot expansion request. "There is nothing we want to surprise the voters with," said library Executive Director Detlev Pansch. The open houses are 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, and Thursday, October 9, at the library, 505 N. Northwest Hwy. Go to the Community Page for details.

Library Referendum Image


Barrington Hills - Duda Disconnection Update

A September 10, 2008 article published by the Daily Herald is the first public update on the Duda disconnection process in months. "A state appeals court this week unanimously upheld a lower-court decision allowing a developer to de-annex 117 acres from Barrington Hills and make it part of unincorporated McHenry County. The decision, however, soon may be moot as the village and landowner are nearing a compromise allowing a controversial subdivision to go forward within the town's borders, Village President Robert Abboud said Wednesday. 'I think we're going to resolve it,' Abboud said. 'I have the feeling we are rapidly moving toward a successful conclusion.' 'The agreement could return all 485 acres de-annexed by the Fritz Duda Co. since 2004 back to the village,' Abboud said." Go to the Hot Topics Page for more comprehensive information.


Sign Up for CTY Notification

Officer Joe Colditz

As of September 3, the Police Department has identified three of the suspects involved with an August 16 home invasion. A fourth suspect remains at large. For home invasion details click here.

For more on CTY see the Village News Main Page. If you didn’t receive a call, text or an e-mail, it may be that you still need to sign up for this free notification service. It’s easy to do! Sign up today, so you don’t miss out on the next warning that could be a lifesaver.


Vote

Barrington Hills Residents Voters Registration

If you want to register to vote for the first time, if you have just moved to Barrington Hills, or if you have recently changed your name or address, you need to contact the office of the County Clerk of the county in which you reside. The last day to register to vote before the 2008 Presidential General Election is Tuesday, October 7, 2008. For more information for each county, PLEASE GO TO THE VILLAGE NEWS PAGE.


Ike Licked His Canine Competition.
He is the New Face of ALPO®!

Ike the Alpo Pug Winner of Meat Maniac Contest

October 1 Home Town Party

The Village of Barrington Hills hosted a hometown celebration October 1, 2008 in honor of the Holsteen's loveable Pug named Ike, who is the new face of ALPO brand dog food.  Proving that he is indeed the biggest Meat Maniac in America, Ike will appear on millions of cans of ALPO and in national print advertising.

Acceptance of $10,000 Award
ALPO representative presents a check of $10,000 to the Holsteen's for their award winning Pug Ike
who proved against competition from over 10,000 contestants from New Jersey to Hawaii
that he was the "Meat Maniac". Ike was greeted by dozens of two and four legged fans
on the grounds of the Village Hall. Trustee Elaine Ramesh declared October 1, "Ike Day."

Ike Celebration
Proud parents Mary Beth and Frank Holsteen of Barrington Hills at the Village Hall,
together with their dog Ike, who just licked his canine competition
and is the New Face of ALPO – Photo by Anthony Tortoriello

Prior to being whisked off to Hollywood to hob-knob with Tinsel Town’s canine celebs, Ike received a special hometown send-off in Barrington Hills. The Alpo coordinators provided food, drinks and "Pug chocolates" for all in attendance. Take a look at Ike’s winning video entry at www.alporealmeatmoments.com.  You’ll see why his memorable and humorous dinnertime antics helped him lick the competition in the national ALPO Real Meat Moments Video Contest!

The celebration photos can be found on the Photo Gallery's special Community Event Ike Day Page. More photos are coming so stay tuned. For the background story go to the Spotlight Page.


CN and Fight Railway Congestion News Update

Good News: The STB released its ruling September 8, on CN's demand for an October 15 decision. The Board's answer was a firm "NO"!

Congress is still scheduled to debate and vote upon proposed legislation to assist the STB in evaluating the CN Proposal with 21st century guidelines for decision regarding railroads. Stay tuned for more news on this important legislation, HR 6707, and send comments to your representatives and senators and the speakers in the House to be sure they know your position on this vital legislation sponsored by local representatives from our area! See further information below.

We need to make sure that CN is forced to sign on the dotted line when the STB spells out mitigation requirements in the Final Environmental Impact Statement.

Action Needed to get Railroad Legislation Passed Before Congress Adjourns!

We need to get HR 6707 passed into law before Congress adjourns! Contact ALL of the following leadership offices on Capitol Hill by before their session closes with the message: "Pass HR 6707 into law!":

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi -- http://www.AmericanVoices@mail.house.gov

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer -- http://www.majorityleader.gov/email_and_rss/email_the_leader

House Republican Leader Rep. John Boehner-- http://republicanleader.house.gov/Contact/

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid -- http://reid.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell -- http://mcconnell.senate.gov/contact_form.cfm

Senate Asst. Majority Leader Dick Durbin -- http://durbin.senate.gov/contact.cfm

Chairman, Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committees Senator Daniel Inouye -- http://inouye.senate.gov/abtform.html

For more CN references and contacts to write letters go to the Hot Topics Page. Main sites for news and updates are provided there for the Fight Railway Congestion group and the STB.


Roads and Bridges: Timely Drainage Information

Elaine Ramesh
Roads and Bridges Trustee

Fall is the time to do various chores around the house such as checking and clearing gutters. Check that the openings of the culvert drainage pipes beneath your driveway are free of debris. You may find that decorative stones which were originally above and beside the culvert pipes have fallen into the drainage ditch and blocked the opening of the pipe. Freeing the openings will allow the run-off water to flow in a more orderly fashion through your area. For more detailed road information, challenges and future plans go to the Village News Page, and to the Committee Page under Roads and Bridges for Trustee Ramesh's complete text.

Ed. Note: It is necessary to maintain a good flow through the culverts and waterways to avoid blockage and flooding. Watch for more news on culverts of Barrington Hills and photos from the completed work along the roadways in 2008!


Roads and Bridges: Winter Weather Road Services

Elaine Ramesh
Roads and Bridges Trustee

The road salt shortage is serious --- and has been exacerbated by the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) failure to include Lake and McHenry Counties in their annual bidding process for road salt.   For those of you who may not be familiar with it, CMS helps local governments save money by negotiating bulk rates for commodities.  This year, Lake and McHenry counties were only informed in July by the state that they were not going to included in the bidding process.   For the complete text from Trustee Ramesh go to the Village Committee Page. Salt shortage article from the Courier is now on the Archives Page.

Ed. Note:  For everyone using private contractors whether for Private Roads or driveways and walkways, now is the time to verify your contractor is still in business and confirm rates and conditions for services so there are no surprises.  The average date for the first measurable snowfall in this area is October 18.



Barrington Concours d’Elegance Set

October 3 - 5, 2008

Patty Dowd Schmitz
Barrington Concours d’Elegance Executive Director

Barrington Concours d’Elegance is set for October 3 - 5, 2008. The second annual Legends & Legacies to benefit Barrington Area Conservation Trust and Hospice of Northeastern Illinois.

Concours Packard

Award winning 1933 December on display at 2007 inaugural event - photo courtesy of Barbara Kemp

Legends and Legacies is currently accepting nomination forms for its 2008 show field, either in competition or for exhibition only. The Concours will be limited to 100 automobiles in 12 classes. As new features in 2008, Legends & Legacies will also be including Concours Couture and motorcycle classes. An article and ticket information are posted on the Event Page and Dates on our Calendar. Go to the Community Page for added details and see the updated History Pages for the Concours 2007 inaugural event. Link to the beautiful brochure for the weekend details and how to register for each. [Brochure takes a moment to load - thanks for your patience.]

The Annual “Ignite the Night” October 11

Friends of the Forest Preserve Gala Event

The annual "Ignite the Night", the annual gala event to benefit Friends of the Forest Preserves, will be held on October 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. behind the Barrington Countryside Park District Riding Center at 361 Bateman Road in Barrington Hills. This event brings family, friends and neighbors together to celebrate the beauty of nature and support the environment. Go to the Community Events Page for more photos and details on how to obtain tickets.

.Bonfire



Exciting news - Village Beautification

Committee October 25 Event

P. Denise Israel
Beautification Committee Chair

Please join us in our Community-Wide effort to clean up the roadside along Lake Cook Road, Saturday, October 25, 2008!  We invite all residents who are at least 12 years old to join in this amazing event! We need your help for this two hour work project. Please RSVP to: (847) 381-9487 or send email to pdenisei@hotmail.com. View full details on the Village Committee Page.


Barrington Hills Local History Book

In 2005, Patty Dowd Schmitz, local author and former editorial director of Quintessential Barrington magazine was approached by Bruce Frankenberg and leaders of the Barrington Hills Country Club (BHCC) to write a book capturing the club’s rich history and preserving the personal stories and members’ recollections spanning a period of over 80 years. Two years, sixty interviews, and hours and hours of research later, “A Club in the Country: The Story of The Barrington Hills Country Club” was published in 2007. For more information on our local history please go to the main History Page.


Citizens for Conservation September and Fall News
Citizens for Conservation hosts National Public Lands Day!

Donna Bolzman

National Public Lands Day is our nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands that Americans enjoy. Last year 110 ,000 volunteers worked in 1,300 locations and in every state. Join Citizens for Conservation on Saturday, September 27 from 9 to 11 a.m. for the 15th annual National Public Lands Day. Volunteers of all ages and family groups will help collect seed of native plants which will then be processed and sown in local preserves. New volunteers are welcome. .

Meet at CFC headquarters, 459 West Hwy 22, the white farmhouse with a silo across from Good Shepherd Hospital in Lake Barrington. Bring work gloves and dress for the weather. If questions, call CFC at 847-382-SAVE (7283). For added details go to the Community Conservation Page. For more CFC news go to www.citizensforconservation.org.


Barrington Hills Polo Club

Landowners Cup Wrap Up Story

John Rosene
President of the Barrington Hills Polo Club

The 4th Annual Kalaway Landowners Cup Polo Matches took place Saturday, September 6 on the polo field at Oakwood Farm in Barrington Hills. Under clear, sunny skies two fast-paced polo matches included the ever-popular “Battle of the Sexes” and the feature match, “The Kalaway Landowners Cup.” An estimated 700 plus crowd attended the event. Traditionally held on the first Saturday after Labor Day, next year’s event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2009. For complete wrap up go to the Community Event Page.

Polo Players and Horses in Unison

Players and horses move in unison toward the goal at the Fourth Annual Kalaway Cup
September 6, 2008 - This is a major community based event which showcases the
Village's unique equestrian lifestyle. This major event is where neighbors meet neighbors to thank
the landowners for maintaining access to the private horse trails - photo courtesy of Barbara Kemp



Congratulations!!
Barrington Hills Police Department Recipient of Two Traffic Safety Awards

Lt.Joe Colditz

Congratulations to Chief Michael Murphy and the Village Police Department for receiving two prestigious awards! The International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police recently announced the winners of the 2007 “National Law Enforcement Challenge” and “Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge.” The August 13, 2008 ceremony photo is below. For details go to the Police News Page. The national award will be presented in November.

Police Department Illinois Safety Awards
August 13th, VBH Police Department received a second place award at the Illinois Traffic Safety
Challenge Awards breakfast, at Crowne Plaza, Rosemont. Pictured from left:
Master Officer Gary Hammelmann,
Officer Gary Deutschle, Chief Michael Murphy, Sergeant Mike Montemayor, Village President Robert Abboud,
Officer Brian Baird, and
Lieutenant Joe Colditz.



Living Green in Barrington Hills - October

The Village Planning Commission is addressing lighting as part of an updated Comprehensive Plan. Go to the Village Committee News Page and look for the Planning Commission updates. Tips and resources for saving money and getting money from Com Ed are included!


Barrington Hills Living History - See it Now!

A significant part of the beauty and social aspects of the village is reflected on our History Pages. In addition to the main History Page, we are compiling a photo history from the Village’s 50th Anniversary activities in 2007. Link directly to the following historical segments and enjoy: Police Pig Roast, Civil War Reenactment, Private Barn Tours, Kalaway Landowners Cup Polo Match, Countryside School Reunion, Blessing of the Hounds, and the Gala and Play at the Sanfilippo Estate. Ed. We have been provided with background information on archeological digs inside the Village and will be augmenting the History Page with some fun facts from the area. Watch for more on a new History Page!


Lawmakers See Challenges for TV Transition

If February 17, 2009 Seems a Long Way Off - Read On

By Kim Hart Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 17, 2008

In the next five months, federal officials preparing Americans for the conversion to digital television have to clear up reception glitches, sort out problems with hooking up converter boxes and find a way to make sure coupons for those converters get to the viewers who need them.

Rep. Heather A. Wilson (R-N.M.) described the perils of the tasks yesterday during a hearing by the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on telecommunications and the Internet: "The government can do a lot of things, but you mess up people's televisions, and they're going to be very upset. It's going to be a real mess when it rolls out in the real world." Broadcasters will shut off traditional analog signals February 17, 2009 so TV watchers who rely on free, over-the-air programs will need a converter box to keep watching TV. Those who subscribe to cable or satellite service or who have a digital TV will not be affected. For the complete article and challenges to seniors and others please read more on the Village Committee Page under the Technology Section. There are actions to take now to avoid some potential problems in the future!



 

Site Map | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
Copyright © 2008 The Village of Barrington Hills. All Rights Reserved.
112 Algonquin Rd.| Barrington Hills, Illinois 60010-5199 | (847) 551-3000
Designed & Developed By: Evans Web Services
Last Modified 10/3/08 03:17