Community Info

Community Reminders

Click on links for more details about the events:

• Setember and Fall Conservation Events and Articles - see Conservation Page
• CN - EJ&E News Releases
• Barrington Hills declares October 1, "Ike Day". Go to Community Spotlight
• Got to Barrington Library Referendum Open House 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
• Get tickets for the BJWC Fashion Show and November 15

Barrington Library Sets Referendum Open House

By Chad Brooks | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 9/20/2008 12:04 AM

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.

The library board voted last month to seek ballot approval for the addition, and for the tax increase to fund it. The expansion would allow the library to offer more books, CDs, DVDs and services. If approved, it would include a children's pavilion, meeting rooms, quiet adult areas, outdoor programing space, a 24-hour service window, cafe and two-story parking deck.

Pansch said the plans resulted from a three-year study of library use, patron expectations and satisfaction, population projections and building needs. The owner of a home worth $500,000 would pay about $85 to $90 more in library taxes if the referendum is OK'd. After the first year of the increase, officials said the rate would decrease gradually over 20 years while bonds are paid off. The plan also includes environmentally friendly features like green roofs, rain gardens and "geo-exchange" wells to heat and cool the library.

In 2004, library district voters rejected a property tax increase for a $28 million, 43,000-square-feet expansion. The library serves all or part of Algonquin, Barrington, Barrington Hills, Deer Park, Fox River Grove, Hoffman Estates, Kildeer, Lake Barrington, Lake Zurich, North Barrington, Palatine, Port Barrington, South Barrington and Tower Lakes.

Barrington Newcomers and Neighbors

Barrington Newcomers and Neighbors, BNN is a social organization open to anyone residing in CUSD 220 or the 60010 zipcode area. Activities include: Almost Gourmet, Book Group, Bunko, Moms and Tots, Wine Tasting. Our motto is: "Make Friends, Have Fun!" Anyone can join our group no matter how long they have resided in the area -- we welcome established residents as well as new residents! Our web address is: http://www.barringtonilnewcomers.org.

McHenry County Health Website

The McHenry County Health Department's website is a good source of current health news for our area. Check it out and separate fact from fiction. Remember to make normal precautions when traveling on vacation, and while enjoying the great outdoors in our area this summer.

Go to: http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/Common/CountyDpt/health/default.asp. The Village of Barrington Hills has a Health Committee. If you have tips to share for the summer, send information via our Contact Page.

Community Recycling

The new Green Guide '08 is published by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC. It is now available in print and online. Check it out at www.mchenry.edu/recycling. It is full of vital information such as where to take your old paint and outdated electronics to what do do with no longer usable CFL bulbs and household chemicals.

The Guide includes Green Living a new section about where to buy "green" products locally and online. For more information call (815) 479-7817. Your updated Recycling Directory is available online: www.mcdef.org/recy.pdf

Reminder: Don't put paint, electronics and other hazardous materials into the trash. There are local facilities to dispose of those recyclables and others responsibly. One such location is the Algonquin Township Office on the north side of Highway 14 in McHenry County west of Fox River Grove.

$$ Com Ed Suggests Smart Ideas for Your Home $$

ComEd is the dominant electrical utility for our area. ComEd has released energy efficiency tips to save money and protect the environment.

Still Using Incandescent Bulbs?

Americans have been using Edison's light bulb for more than 100 years but there is a new version, the Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb or CFL. Energy Star rated CFLs use up to 75% electricity than equivalent incandescent bulbs and they last up to 10 times longer. Replacing one 60 watt incandescent bulb with a comparable CFL could yield savings of up to $30 over the life of the bulb. Through the ComEd program you can obtain the bulbs at a discount. To learn more go to www.comed.com or call (888) 806-2273.

Some Day Your CFL will Burn Out - DO NOT Toss it into the Trash!

CFLs use a small amount of mercury to work efficiently. To recycle the CFLs, take them to a recycling center such as a participating Home Depot or ACE store near you. To learn more about suitable recycling facilities visit www.earth911.org or call (800) CLEAN-UP.

Can your Central Air Conditioner Make You Money?

If you enroll in ComEd's Smart Ideas Central Air Conditioning Cycling Program you can receive $10 each summer month in credits by allowing your air conditioner to cycle off-and-on automatically during peak energy usage times. To learn more go to www.comed.com or call (888) 806-2273.

There Could Be Cold Cash in the Garage or Basement!

If have a second old refrigerator or freezer in your home it may be costing you more money than you think. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators use at least 20% less energy than required by current federal regulations and 40% less than conventional models sold in 2001. For a limited time ComEd will pay you a cash incentive to turn in your working second refrigerator or freezer. Working with JACO we will recycle them in an environmentally responsible way and even send someone to pick them up for FREE! While we are there if you have an older air conditioner we will recycle it as well. To learn more about turning in those older second appliances call (888) 806-2273.

Analyze Home Energy Use

If you want to learn more about saving money ComEd has an online analysis program to learn how homes comparable in size to yours compare in energy efficiency and to learn more tips for saving energy. If you take the Home Energy Analysis Test, ComEd will give you a one time $10 credit to spend in their Online Energy Store. Visit www.comed.com and click on "Save Energy and Money" to use the FREE analysis service.

Seven Ways to Save Energy and Money

If you want to learn more about saving energy and money, ComEd has information online including "Home Makeover How-To Videos."

1. Replace 6 incandescent bulbs with CFLs in high usage areas and lower your annual electricity use by 4%.

2. Place one 100 watt bulb on an automatic timer to reduce usage by four fewer hours a day and reduce annual electricity usage by 1.5%.

3. Turn off your desktop computer and monitor for 2 additional hours a day and cut annual electricity usage by 1.5%.

4. Raise your air conditioner by 5 degrees in summer to save up to 1% in annual electricity bills.

5. Change your air conditioner filter monthly to save up to 2% on your annual electricity bill.

6. When replacing appliances look for the ENERGY STAR label. Replacing an old refrigerator with a new one can save up to 7% on your annual electricity usage.

7. Unplug your "phantom load." Even when you think an appliance is turned off, if it is plugged in, it is really still "ON." That is a phantom load. By unplugging unused appliances, electronics, adaptors, and chargers, you can save 5% to 6% on your annual electricity usage.