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.
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November Reminders
• CTY: Reverse 911 - Go to http://www.barringtonhills-il.gov/ Register for Vital Notification
• Conservation Events and Articles - see Conservation Page
• Barrington Hills Voting Information
Enjoy the Season!
There is a small pumpkin patch within the Village. Avoid the crowds at the big pumpkin farms and get your pumpkins locally. Celebrate safely.
Showcase of Arts & Crafts - Langendorf Park
Saturday, November 1 - 12 noon to 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 2 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
60 juried exhibitors
The Barrington Park District presents its 7th Annual Showcase of Arts and Crafts on Saturday and Sunday, November 1-2 at 235 Lions Drive in Barrington. The show features over 60 juried exhibitors. Smokin’ T’s B-B-Que and Riverside Chocolate Factory will be on site to add a little spice and sweetness to the event.
By popular demand, Kim Falat will be returning to showcase her specially designed jewelry. Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Kim excelled in the fine arts throughout her childhood, and her ambition drove her to explore many creative opportunities – contemporary vocalist, poetry and short story writer, hand painting & airbrushing horses, sketching, scrapbooking, and interior design. Kim fell in love with the art of jewelry making and began making pieces for herself, family, and friends. In 2003, she opened Symphony Jewels, which has grown rapidly and now features over 300 unique and beautiful pieces. She is starting to incorporate wirework and metal clay into her designs and is embarking on her metalsmithing education in March 2008. She sells at local art fairs, boutiques, art galleries, and the internet.
There will be returning artists such as: Virginia Bruns, Heidi Carlini, David Farber, Allison Gawor, Lisa Kleppinger, Jessie Lynch, Geri Meyer, Kristen Neubert, Chris Robinson, Dianne Schmitt, Pampered Chef, and Usborne Books, who will promise to make this day enjoyable for you and your family.
Free admission and parking! - Food concessions
Location: Barrington Park District – Langendorf Park
If you would like further information, phone 847-381-0687 or e-mail bthompson@barringtonparkdistrict.org
Roads and Bridges for Residents!
For everyone using private contractors whether for private roads, 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.
As you look over the various Village Pages, you will note that salt is in short supply. Become familiar with driving in hazardous conditions this winter. Less salt means more challenges when the snow and ice cover the roadways.
ZBA - Commercial Horse Boarding
October 20, 2008
The Zoning Board met Monday October 20, 2008. Topics included the Commercial Horse Boarding Proposal. A revised version of the document posted in September is now available on our Village News Committee Page. The ZBA will be hosting special meetings for the purpose of discussing the document. The next formal ZBA Meeting is November 17, 2008 at the Village Hall at 7:30 p.m. Changes to the schedule are posted at the Village Hall. Any special meeting to address this topic must be formally posted 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Please read the revised Second Draft of the information which is available by linking from the Committee Page.
Barrington Library Referendum
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.
Barrington Hills Residents - Tuesday
November 4 Presidential General Election
General Election Page
Prior to the Tuesday, November 04, 2008 Election, Early Voting throughout the State of Illinois will take place Monday, October 13, 2008, through Thursday, October 30, 2008. Note: We learned some of the early voting locations were closed for Columbus Day!
Residents are encouraged to check with their county clerk’s office for exact early voting days and hours at specific locations. Early voting is NOT conducted at everyone’s usual election day polling place, so it is important to verify the proper voting place either by calling the county clerk, or checking the appropriate county clerk websites listed on our General Election Page!
Veterans Day
90th Anniversary of Armistice Day
November 11, 2008
Veterans Day is an American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it's always celebrated on November 11th each year. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice. Over the years the name was formally changed to Veterans Day to honor all service men and women.
In many parts of the world people take a two minute moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. as a sign of respect for the roughly eight million who died in the First World War. November 11, 2008 will be the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day. Given we are at war in Afghanistan and Iraq, it is fitting to take a moment to remember those who fight for our freedom every day.
Village Beautification - Make a Difference Day
Committee Event October 25
P. Denise Israel
Beautification Committee Chair
The Village Beautification Committee held a Community-Wide effort to clean up the roadside along Lake Cook Road, Saturday, October 25, 2008! Residents who are at least 12 years old were invited to join in this amazing event! Thanks go the Committee Members and residents who participated. If you have more photos and local road stories, please send information to pdenisei@hotmail.com. View photos from the Countryside school gathering on the Photo Gallery Page for the Beautification Committee Event. Contact Denise for loaner safety vests if you are still working on your local roads.
P. Denise Israel, Committee Chairperson greets residents on Make a Difference Day at Countryside School.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Please participate in activities to support a cure for breast cancer. Donate time and money for this worthy cause. Go Pink!
Ike Licked His Canine Competition
He is the New Face of ALPO®!
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.
ALPO representative presents a check of $10,000 to the Holsteen's for their award winning Pug Ike.
He was welcomed by his two and four legged fans on the grounds of the Village Hall.
Trustee Elaine Ramesh declared October 1, "Ike Day.
Prior to being whisked off to Hollywood to hob-knob with Tinsel Town’s canine Celebrities, 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. For the background story go to the Spotlight Page.
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.
CN and Fight Railway Congestion
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"!
Bad News: Congress did not pass HR 6707. The remaining decisions depend on the Environmental Statements and the final decision by the Federal Surface Transportation Board.
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 Fall News Update!
Recognize this photo? For a historical perspective on the "Bridges of Barrington Hills" go to the History Page, see photos and learn about our infrastructure. Ed.
Elaine Ramesh
Village Trustee Roads and Bridges
We have additional news regarding assorted fall miscellaneous drainage projects to be undertaken by the Village. Work may begin in early November on the following: Cuba Road bridge maintenance; Klein bridge maintenance on Meadow Hill Road; and culvert work on Hawley Woods Road; Ridge Road. Buckley Road; Helm Rd and Three Lakes Road.
For photos of the completed Oak Knoll project and other Roads and Bridges information go to the Village News Page and the Committee Page.
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.
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.
Blessing of the Hounds
2008
The annual Blessing of the Hounds was a beautiful event. Go to the Photo Gallery Blessing of the Hounds Page for more photos.
Barrington Concours d’Elegance
2008
Barrington Concours d’Elegance concluded on October 5, 2008. The second annual Legends & Legacies was held to benefit Barrington Area Conservation Trust and Hospice of Northeastern Illinois. The event was held in Arlington Park. Intermittent rain did not dampen the spirits of the attendees. For many more photos go to the Photo Gallery for the Concours 2008.
Featured car: Malcolm Prey's 1935 Amilcar Pegase - hood ornament sprinkled with rain drops.
The Annual “Ignite the Night”
Friends of the Forest Preserve Gala Event
The annual "Ignite the Night", the annual gala event to benefit Friends of the Forest Preserves, was 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 brought family, friends and neighbors together to celebrate the beauty of nature and support the environment. Go to the Community Events Photo Gallery Page for new 2008 photos.
 .
Horses and Wagon provide an educational experience for attendees of the 2008 "Ignite the Night" event,
touring visitors through the Spring Creek Forest Preserve. Speakers shared information about the
4000 acres of preserve land, the return of the Savannah through hard work of volunteers of the FOTFP,
and the animals who roamed here only a hundred or so years ago, buffalo, elk, wolves, deer and more.
Citizens for Conservation Fall News
Donna Bolzman
Residents meet regularly 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. There are many work days left this fall. Check out our Calendar Page for specific events, locations and times.
Congratulations!!
Barrington Hills Police Department Recipient
of Two Traffic Safety Awards in 2008
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.
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.
Sign Up for CTY Notification
Officer Joe Colditz
For more on CTY see the Village News Main Page. If you didn’t receive a call, text or an e-mail,about the Home Invasion in August, 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.
Note: October 9: Three of the four perpetrators of the August 16 Home Invasion in the Village have been apprehended and they are in jail since they were unable to post bond. For this and news on recent activity go to the Police Main Page. Arrange for a House Watch if you are on vacation...the forms are available through the Police Page on this website.
Keep your alarms set, lock windows and doors and sign up for CTY notification no matter where you are by voice, email, or text.
The statistics: The October 9 CTY alert was only partially successful because villagers need to sign up for CTY notification and go in personally to change the contacts as needed. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, call the Village Clerk and ask for advice or help. This is important! The purpose for having a villager do it themselves to keep their personal contact information completely confidential even from the Village. CTY maintains the confidentiality.
Alert:
259 contacts could not be reached at any number (10.8% of those signed up)
887 contacts were only reached via an answering machine (37.1% of those signed up)
1,248 contacts received a live delivery of service - that may be 2 or 3 people in the same household. Many households are not set up to get this important notification.
Unsuccessful Deliveries:
Bad Phone Numbers: 194
Busy: 13
Fax/Modem: 17
Hang Up: 24
No Answer: 114
Phone Network Busy: 16
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!
The Photo Gallery Pages carry many additional photos, most recently a number of Countryside Reunion 2007 photos were made available for posting.
The Photo Gallery Page for Community Events carries the remaining photos from the Reunion and photos from Village life such as the "Ignite the Night" event October 2008.
Lawmakers See Challenges for TV Transition
If February 17, 2009 Seems a Long Way Off - Read On
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.
"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." For the challenges please read more on the Village Committee Page under the Technology Section.
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