News Archives :: The Village of Barrington Hills

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.

There are many locations where you may register to vote prior to the October 7th deadline; below is a list of permanent registration offices.

COOK COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE -- NORTHWEST SUBURBS/ROLLING MEADOWS
2121 Euclid Ave., Room 238
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
(847) 818-2850

BARRINGTON TOWNSHIP OFFICES
602 S. Hough Street
Barrington, IL 60010
(847) 381-5632
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:00PM

CUBA TOWNSHIP OFFICE
28000 W. Cuba Road
Barrington, IL 60068
(847) 381-1924
Office hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00AM - 3:30PM

ALGONQUIN TOWNSHIP OFFICES
3702 U.S. Highway 14
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
(847) 639-270
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Eligibility
To be eligible to register to vote, a person must:
* Be a U.S. citizen
* Be 18 years of age by the next election
* Reside in the precinct for 30 days prior to the next election.

Acceptable Forms of ID
In accord with Public Act 83-0258, you are to furnish two (2) forms of identification, one of which must include your current name and residence address. Identification shall include, but is not limited to:
* Driver's License
* Social Security Card
* Employee ID Card
* Student ID Card
* Credit Card
* Library Card
* Insurance Card
* Selective Service Card
* Civic Membership Card
* Fraternal Membership Card
* Union Membership Card
* Professional Association Membership Card
* Utility Bill
* Checkbook

Residence may also be verified by the use of telephone books, city directories, school records, and utility records. Utility bills in the name of one spouse may be used as proof of residence for both husband and wife.

Grace Period Registration
People who have missed the October 7th deadline to register to vote still may do so at designated county offices only from Wednesday, October 8, 2008 until Wednesday, October 21, 2008. If you register to vote during the grace period and want to vote in the upcoming election, you must vote at the time of registration!

Barrington Concours d’Elegance

October 3 - 5, 2008

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

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.]

BARRINGTON, IL Residents of the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District (BCFPD) have an opportunity to explore the inner workings of life in the fire service and catch a behind-the-scenes glimpse of department facilities when the District hosts its 2008 Open House, Saturday, October 4, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Open House will take place at Fire Station One, 400 N. Northwest Highway, in Barrington.

Guests of all ages will experience the department’s fleet of engines and ambulances up close, learn more about its proud tradition of serving communities that comprise the BCFPD, interact with fire department officials and District Trustees, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and more.

“The Open House offers residents an opportunity to learn more about how the fire department protects the lives and property of District residents,” Fire Chief James Arie explains. “The event’s relaxed, informal setting also helps us get to know the people we serve on a daily basis.”

For more information on the October 4 Open House, or BCFPD operations and activities, visit http://www.bcfpd.org.

The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District, in coordination with the Barrington Fire Department, protects the lives and property of residents within the District by providing emergency fire and medical service. The 56 square mile district serves portions of Barrington Hills, South Barrington, Lake Barrington and Inverness; and unincorporated Cook, Lake and McHenry Counties.

Barrington Hills’ most anticipated social and sporting event of the year is almost here! The 4th annual Kalaway Landowners Cup Polo Event is coming Saturday, September 6, featuring high speed polo and a host of attractions to appeal to equestrians and non equestrians alike. Tail gate parties may arrive as early as 9:30 a.m. to set up. Matches start at approximately 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m.

Spectators will enjoy two fast-paced polo matches featuring players from across Chicagoland, sponsored by The Riding Club of Barrington Hills and the Barrington Hills Polo Club. Register now and obtain tickets for a Tailgate location! Go to the Community Events Page for more photos and the full story. For Photos go to the Photo Gallery Main Page and click on Horses and Polo.

Despite humid August temperatures, the shortage of rock salt for snow storms is the hot topic among Barrington Public Works Department and the Cuba Township Highway Department officials. Both entities are looking at alternative solutions and exploring salt conservation efforts, but neither is hitting the panic button just yet.

Last week, municipalities in Lake, McHenry and Northern Cook counties found out from the Illinois Department of Central Management Services that no vendors had bid to provide rock salt to communities in those counties. CMS officials have said they will put the contract for communities in need of salt out for bid again, but current market conditions put the cost at $145-$165 per ton.

Barrington Public Works Director Dennis Burmeister said the village paid about $42 per ton for salt in 2007 and Cuba Township Highway Commissioner Tom Gooch said his department paid about the same amount. "There's no question in my mind that somebody somewhere has decided to take advantage of this situation," Gooch said.

Gooch said he expects to use about 3,800 tons of salt this year. The Cuba Township Highway Department is responsible for removing snow from 170 miles of road in unincorporated Cuba Township, Lake Barrington, North Barrington, Tower Lakes, Deer Park and Barrington Hills.

Gooch said he is talking to private brokers and hopes to secure salt for $91-$119 per ton. The department will also use more liquid chemicals and a sand/salt mixture on roads this year. The Highway Department currently has 100 tons of salt and 300 tons of the sand/salt mixture.

Burmeister said Barrington is prepared to exercise salt conservation efforts and an initiative to start spraying an anti-icing liquid solution onto the roads before snowfalls might be implemented this winter. A solution of salt brine, calcium chloride and beet juice is applied to the street and prevents snow from being patted down and sticking to the surface, he said. "We will be looking at any and all ways to increase our efficiency," Burmeister said.

He said Barrington has about 350 tons of salt on hand and budgeted for 1,800 tons this year. Burmeister and Gooch said budget impacts of the increased salt prices would be addressed in the coming months.

Kalaway Cup 2008 and the ZBA Ruling

The Trustees addressed the ZBA recommendation for the Special Permit for the Barrington Hills Polo Club and the Riding Club of Barrington Hills to host the annual Kalaway Cup Polo Event for over 2 hours at their July 28, 2008 meeting. Added conditions were levied and the timeframe was changed, for a total of 12 conditions. There is a requirement for measurable data to be gathered in the ensuing months. The Special Permit was approved as amended at the Trustee Meeting. The Kalaway Landowners Cup in 2008 will proceed.

Principal conditions include:
(1) a significant reduction in noise and advertising promotion of events;
(2) requirements for traffic and crowd control;
(3) use of the easterly-most 720 feet of Deepwood Road for access to the Polo Field will be permitted, however an alternative access must be arranged prior to the start of the 2009 polo season;
(4.) a limit of five weekend events may be held and those must be on Saturdays; and
(5) a maximum of two practices a week will be permitted.

Citizens for Conservation

Sandhill Crane Update

I’ve included news about the sandhill crane twin babies in just about every CFC News e-Update since they were born...by the way, they are doing fine. However, I feel a little guilty about not mentioning a young juvenile sandhill crane that we think is a three-year-old brother or sister of the twins. I’m going to assume it’s a “he” and he has been seen feeding in a local cornfield and just generally hanging around the area, including Flint Creek Savanna, his birthplace. We think he’s looking for a mate. I thought I would help him out. I’ve composed an ad that could be put in the “Personals” section of the Sandhill Crane Sentinel or www.birdmatch.com (if such things existed). Here it is:

Young, male sandhill crane seeks female of the same species to form a permanent bond. Likes children. Occupation is fisherman and forager. Hobbies include flying. Will bring to the relationship many acres of prime wetland and sedge meadow to call home. Potential mate must have the same interests and be willing to settle in the Barrington area. Interested parties may contact Citizens for Conservation at 847-382-SAVE.

Ok, enough silliness. I guess he’s on his own, but it would be nice if he found a mate and settled at Flint Creek Savanna. We have over 100 acres there and it can support two pairs of cranes – his mom & dad who have routinely been coming back each year and he and his mate. Oh, well, time will tell.

This pair of Sandhill Cranes visit Spring Creek Hills each summer. And yes, they are an amazing
four and one half feet tall - photo courtesy of Pamela Cools

Left to Right: Chief Michael Murphy, Administrator Bob Kosin, President Bob Abboud and Senator Barack Obama.
Barack Obama is a candidate for the 2008 Presidential race.

Conservation Related Volunteer Opportunities
– Not CFC Sponsored –

New Invaders Watch Program --- The New Invaders Watch Program is a partnership of government, non-profit, and volunteer organizations dedicated to the early detection and control of new exotic invasive plant and insect species in the Chicago Wilderness region. The spotlight is on leafy spurge and Brazilian elodea. For information about the program, including a complete list of the target species and the volunteer opportunities that are available, visit http://www.newinvaders.org/.

Bee Spotter --- The goal of this program is to shed light on whether or not native bumble bees and honey bees are in decline. Currently, they are restricting their scope to the 11 species of bumble bees found in Illinois plus the honey bee. The volunteer monitor would need to go to places where there are bees, take an informal inventory that mainly involves taking pictures of the bees and posting them to the project leader. For more information, visit http://beespotter.mste.uiuc.edu/

Reconnect Kids with Nature

A Green Hour --- The National Wildlife Federation recommends giving your children a “Green Hour” every day, a time for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world. This can take place in a garden, a backyard, a park down the street, or any place that provides safe and accessible green spaces where children can learn and play.

They have a wonderful website devoted to this initiative filled with fun activities including a parents’ guide with helpful tips on how to draw out and enhance your child’s interest in nature. Donna Bolzman especially liked the one on nature rubbings. Check it out http://www.greenhour.org/

If you should encounter an injured animal and want to know how to find a local rehabilitator, see below. For those that have websites, check them out. They contain helpful information and FAQs like “What should I do if I find a baby bird?” Please note that not all rehabilitators take all kinds of animals or birds. Please check their website or call them for more information.

There is a list of rehabilitators for all of Illinois. These are individuals or organizations that were issued wildlife rehabilitation permits by the IDNR. To find it you need to go the website of the Fox Valley Wildlife Center. http://www.foxvalleywildlife.org/. It’s up near the top of their home page. Look for: Additional Area Rehabilitators.

Safety Town is a two-week educational summer program for children sponsored by the Barrington Junior Women’s Club. At Safety Town, located at the former Health World site, participants learn important safety lessons through hands-on activities and demonstrations. This miniature town gives the children hands-on experience in using safety skills. Movies, songs, poems, art projects and field trips to the Barrington Police Department, Fire Department and the local park are also included in this program to help children enjoy and understand safety rules and lessons. It provides the school aged volunteers with the opportunity to foster the curriculum.

Four (4) Safety Town sessions are offered for 2008

Sessions 1 & 2 are offered June 16-27, 9:00am – 11:30am or 12:30pm – 3:00pm

Sessions 3 & 4 are offered July 14-25, 9:00am – 11:30am or 12:30pm – 3:00pm

Children entering into kindergarten or 1st grade are eligible to attend the two week camp and students who are in 6th and 7th grade are encouraged to sign up to be volunteers. Volunteers will receive 30 hours of credit for their involvement with Safety Town.

Safety Town walk-in registration is Saturday, April 12th at the Barrington Police/Fire Department located on Route 14 from 8:30am to 11:30am. Mail-in or Internet Registration will be available following walk-in registration. All mail-in registrations and internet registrations are processed on a first-come/first served basis after the walk-in registration.

For an application, or If you have any questions regarding this program, please visit the Barrington Junior Women's Club website, or feel free to contact the BJWC at (847) 622-3838.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports over 77,000 injuries are reported each year as a result of lawn mowers. While most are blade related incidents, reports include burns and being struck by propelled objects. Few injuries are caused by mechanical problems while the majority are caused by human error.

Mufflers and cylinder heads are extremely hot and remain so long after the engine has stopped. Whether you mow your own lawn or subscribe to one of the many lawn maintenance services in the area, please exercise caution for your family and pets. As you walk, bicycle or ride horses through the village be aware of the mowing services in the area. The Village will begin mowing along the roads in July. Carry your cell phone as an added precaution. Lets all enjoy the warm weather and the season safely.

On Friday July 18, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., the Barrington Area Library sponsored a Children's Reading Program called "Stories in the Park.", which included interactive reading, color identification, singing, and a craft project for all who attended at the Barrington Hills Village Hall. The following is a photo review of the event.

Set Up Tent
Setting up the tent for "Stories in the Park" - photo courtesy of Barbara Kemp

Library Readers
Librarians at the Village Hall for "Stories in the Park" - photo courtesy of Barbara Kemp

Interaction
Story telling - photo courtesy of Barbara Kemp

Reading
"My shoes are pink" color identification - photo courtesy of Barbara Kemp

Making a Turtle
Mom and daughter make a turtle - photo courtesy of Barbara Kemp

Family Focus on C raft
Family focuses on their craft project - photo courtesy of Barbara Kemp

Barrington Parade Date: Friday, July 4 Parade kicks off at: 10 a.m. CFC will have a float in Barrington’s 4th of July Parade and we need your help in two ways:

The theme of this year’s parade is “Let Freedom Ring!” and in order to illustrate the theme on our float we need large, semi-lifelike stuffed creatures or lawn and garden decorations from Illinois or at minimum U.S. native animals, birds, frogs, butterflies. If you have any you can loan us, please drop them off at the CFC office no later than 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 3. Please attach a tag or label with your name and phone number on it. Thank you!

Please join us by walking with our float. The more walkers we get the better show of support for the organization. Walkers should meet at the high school parking lot anytime between 8:15 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. If you come early, you can help us put the final touches on the float. You won’t be able to park your car in the high school lot because that’s where the parade entrants will be lining up but you can park in a lot which is just north of the high school, the entrance is on Hart Road, or at the business building across the street from that lot and walk from there.

July is a month of special celebrations. July 4 brings to mind our history as a country. The following are reminders of the true meaning of the day and how we celebrate it in our classrooms and at public events.

The Declaration of Independence, full and formal declaration was adopted July 4, 1776, by representatives of the Thirteen Colonies in North America announcing the separation of those colonies from Great Britain and making them into the United States. The Declaration of Independence is the most important of all American historical documents. It is essentially a partisan document, a justification of the American Revolution presented to the world; but its unique combination of general principles and an abstract theory of government with a detailed enumeration of specific grievances and injustices has given it enduring power as one of the great political documents of the West.

Mary Bradford-White, President of the Board of Trustees and Nancy Schumm-Burgess, Executive Director of the Barrington Area Conservation Trust continuously provide vital support for our community. Nancy again provided an article which outlines major activities and benefits stemming from the BACTrust. The information outlines what it means to participate in protecting the Barrington area and in a greater sense the benefits for Illinois and the midwest.

In Nancy's words, "Protecting the beautiful character of the countryside depends upon three key elements working together; private landowners, community planners, and the incorporation of conservation strategies in the development of the local environs. The BACTrust works with private residents and community leaders to bring the tools for land protection into the hands of the planners and landowners. With this strategy they have successfully saved 426 acres of open space and are working hard to protect even more.

The annual Fox River Valley Pony Club eventing Show was held June 20 through 22, 2008 at the Barrington Countryside Park District Riding Center. The event expanded this year to include new divisions of riders. There were more jumps on the course, and along with that came the need for more jump judges. Volunteering to be a jump judge is a great way to spend a couple of hours enjoying our beautiful countryside and watching some great riding at the same time. No experience is required!

All proceeds of the show benefit the non-profit Fox River Valley Pony Club, which uses the money to sponsor equine educational programs for children and to build and maintain all the jumps and courses in the Forest Preserve.

Thanks to Jump Judges who worked at the Fox River Valley Pony Club June
2008 Events! - photo courtesy of Beth Mallen.

8TH ANNUAL BARRINGTON COUNTRY GARDEN & ANTIQUE FAIRE JUNE 20 & 21, 2008
... SPEND A DAY OF INSPIRATION, SHOPPING & LEISURE ...

Barrington, IL (April 28, 2008) - Become inspired by beautifully landscaped private estate gardens, innovative gardening workshops, dazzling garden party settings, award winning Chefs sharing their secrets in the vegetable garden; all of this and more at this year’s Barrington Country Garden & Antique Faire, June 20th and 21st! From delightful country charm to European elegance, enjoy touring gorgeous gardens in beautiful Barrington Hills settings featuring tranquil ponds, stunning pools, potager gardens, and perennial flower beds abundant with color. The eighth annual Garden Faire, touted as one of Chicago suburbs’ most anticipated events, is sure to offer something for everyone. Over 20 specially selected antique and boutique vendors will be set up on the main Faire grounds along with unique decorative garden items and furnishings, an upscale flea market overflowing with one-of-a-kind finds, musical entertainment, gourmet food served open air under the oak trees, and horticultural and culinary presentations. A two-day faire pass costs $40 thru June 15th and $50 June 16th and after. Faire hours are 10:00 AM to 4 PM. For those who love to shop early, a special $75 “Early Buy” ticket will be offered for Friday morning only from 8:30am - 10 a.m., (before the gates open to regular ticket holders). Free Parking & Shuttle will depart every 15 minutes from the following locations: Friday: from Barrington High School, 1616 W. Main St., and 800 Hart Road (across the street). Saturday: from 800 Hart Road only.

Truly a study in texture, color, form and function, this sophisticated five-acre estate is sure to delight on many levels. The sheer variety of foliage, including many specimen trees, will quickly capture your attention. Be on the lookout for several interesting stone pieces, many imported from Ireland, placed throughout the property. Your tour begins as you cross a footbridge near the pond, Apple and locust trees overhang the hand-hewn belvedere, a perfect post to observe the property laid out before you. Note the “weeping” beech tree near the stone bench; it’s one of the older growth trees on the estate. Wander on to the unique sunken garden (formerly the tennis courts), a treasure surrounded by antique Pennsylvania stone. Here the owners plant their heart’s desire, from roses and perennials to herbs and vegetables. Look for plants not normally used in this zone, as heat reflecting off the stone wall allows non-native plants to thrive. A whimsical Weeping Douglas Fir greets you as you near the French Country farmhouse, originally a dairy barn, designed by the office of architect David Adler. Behind the home, two Rohani Beech trees mark the entrance to the beautiful garden pool, which sits in harmony with the woodland setting. Note the consistent use of Pennsylvania stone hardscapes here, and throughout the estate. Still ahead, espaliered Pear trees and linked Crabapple steal the show in the formal gardens. A stone path leads you through a deep shade garden, under a canopy of honeysuckle. The “permaculture” herb and vegetable gardens are all intended to be naturally sustainable and environmentally sound. This spectacular property was designed almost entirely by the current owner with the help of landscape design firm, Celtic Gardens.

Imagine strolling out to get the paper each morning in this beautiful park-like setting. Nestled among 100 year old oak trees and an impeccably groomed lawn, is a stately “old” European style multi-level country manor. The owners wanted to maintain the older more established character of Oak Knoll and built this beautiful house to blend into the natural surroundings by using stone, stucco and wood so that it would appear as if the house has been there a long time. Immediately upon your arrival you’ll notice the attention to detail given every walkway, flowerbed and border. Tree bases are surrounded with plantings of hostas and begonias. Paved walkways are lined with lush beds of annuals and perennials. Raised limestone beds brim with prairie grasses, vivid perennials, and boxwood all to enhance the beautiful manicured surroundings. Masses of bright black-eyed susan and purple coneflower will draw you to the water’s edge. In keeping with the rest of the property, the pond is rimmed with limestone. A terraced seating area offers a peaceful place to rest while enjoying the expansive landscape. Across the lawn is the spacious patio and pool, bedecked with colorful containers and surrounded with extensive perennial beds. Absolutely a study in sophisticated landscape design!

Stately columns of trees, and containers brimming with color set the stage for this estate. Designed by John Staab of the Brickman Group, these 10 acres offer everything from formal, terraced gardens to carefree cottage borders. The gardens surrounding the main house are decidedly formal, as evidenced by the English style boxwood gardens and brick path lined with white begonias and yews. Vignettes in the center of the circular drive and the rear of the home always delight with their extravagance and whimsy. Travel through the garden gate to visit the serene grand terrace and lawn area. A gravel lane will lead you through the pool parterre and into the formal garden. The ornate pavilion covers distinctive perennials, annuals and roses, all in riotous bloom. Notice the use of containers to add more color and dimension throughout the area. The table settings, designed by Lynne Wickham, Wickham Interiors, Crystal Lake, IL is right at home among this glorious setting. A short stroll brings you to the potager garden, a French inspired vegetable, fruit, berry and cutting garden sure to inspire. Nearby, the charming cottage gardens bordering the 19th century farmhouse and guesthouse will have you pointing out your favorite blooms and noting new possibilities for your own garden!

As you tour the 3 private estates you will find charming garden party vignettes tucked into the landscape, dressing up patios, and adorning pool sides. The outdoor party settings range from whimsical to  elegant, offering unique and traditional ideas to faire goers. This year’s garden faire designers include, Lori Lennon - Lori Lennon & Associates, Lynne Wickham - Wickham Interiors, Lynn Wards and Sharon Lewart – Decorative Arts, Linda Peterson – Pasquesi Home and Gardens, Janet Nichols –Haven Interiors, The Thistle Shop, and Smith & Hawken/William Sonoma.

Friday, June 20, 2008 1:00 p.m. Debra Phillips, Master Gardener and owner of Scentimental Gardens in Geneva, IL, will help us “Think Outside the Pot” as she demonstrates new and exciting artistic container ideas.

Saturday, June 21, 2008 11:00 a.m. Chefs Roberto Orozco and Mickey Ogelsby of Prickly Pear, La Grange, IL, will share some outstanding recipes as they demonstrate how to make the most out of what your garden produces.

Saturday, June 21, 2008 1:00 p.m. Mayo Underwood, founder of Underwood Gardens and nationally acclaimed public speaker will explain the ABC’s of organic vegetable gardening and the benefit of eating organic foods for your health and weight management.

Visit an African Marketplace, brimming with colorful fabrics, handmade tablecloths and runners, African handicrafts, hand-painted umbrellas and much more. Take a photographic journey through Africa by award-winning artist Al Buschauer of Buschauer Portraits and Framing. Guests will get a unique look into some of the many projects Hands of Hope has supported to help families in countries such as Uganda, Rwanda and Zambia. Help “build a well” for the people of Zambia. All donations of $100 or more to the Well Project will receive a beautifully hand-painted glass carafe as a special “thank you” from Hands of Hope.

Faire proceeds will benefit Hands of Hope, a Barrington-based non-profit organization, dedicated to the critical needs of women and children around the world. According to Hands of Hope President/Founder Vicky Wauterlek “As a result of the seven previous Barrington Country Garden and Antique Faires, Hands of Hope has raised over $1.3 million dollars, which has gone directly to sustainable programs that help alleviate poverty in Africa”. Having just returned from Africa earlier this year, Wauterlek personally viewed the progress made on specific projects earmarked from past funding. “We have really accomplished a lot” Wauterlek states, “We visited the brand new school building serving 600 orphaned and poverty stricken children in Zambia, we saw farm fields teaming with hope on what would have been considered wastelands, and an expanding network of goats supporting hundreds of poor rural women.” The 2008 Garden Faire proceeds have been slated for the completion of a second school building, equipped with books, meals and uniforms, a self-sustaining economic development program in the Western Province of Zambia built around raising livestock and specialized farming, and the building of fresh water wells in the Western Province of Zambia.

The State of Illinois uses speed cameras in areas designated as 'Work Zones' on major freeways. Anyone caught by these devices will be mailed a $375.00 ticket for the FIRST offense, but the SECOND offense will cost $ 1000.00 and comes with a 90-Day license suspension.

Drivers will also receive demerit points against their license, which allows insurance companies to raise their rates. In addition, drivers who hit a worker are subject for up to a $10,000 fine and 14 years in prison.

This represents the harshest penalty structure yet for a city or state using PHOTO enforcements. The State will begin with TWO camera vans issuing tickets in work zones with speed limits lowered to 45 MPH.

Allison Springer, a native of Barrington Hills competed in the 2008 Rolex and came in 13th with her horse Arthur. Arthur is a maturing horse and Allison and he are working together toward their goals. The Kentucky Rolex Competition was held April 25th through the 27th in Lexington, Kentucky. The Rolex is the only Four Star Event held annually in the USA; it is one of three in a series of similar events in the World.

Allison has been an active participant in the Barrington area horse programs since she was very young. She earned her colors in the Fox River Valley Hunt at an early age and achieved the “A” rating of National Pony Club by the age of 16. She went on to graduate from the highly selective Bowdoin College where she was on the Dean’s list. Allison’s supportive and proud parents are Carolyn and Bill Springer of Barrington Hills.

Known for dedication and consistency, Allison has been recognized as a rider to watch by some of the biggest names in the sport. She's been named to the United States Equestrian Team's Developing Riders squad, a proven training ground for national team riders, four times on four different horses.

A veteran four-star event rider, trainer, and coach, Allison aspires to represent the United States in Olympic and International competition. Allison actively competes across the country, trains and shows horses for clients, and teaches professional and amateur riders.

Allison has a tremendous following among the local equestrians and she serves as a role model for our youth. In honor of her lifetime achievements on a personal and professional level, we are featuring Allison in our inaugural web page, Resident in the Spotlight.

Our Village Police are in the midst of a Safety Campaign. Watch for them and remember to fasten seat belts or incur a $50 fine; more importantly wear seat belts and have children in age appropriate car seats with belts to protect everyone.

Citizens for Conservation Great Blue Heron Award

Our Great Blue Heron honoree has been a volunteer with CFC for 19 years, as a board member, educator, newsletter contributor, master organizer and initiator, tour leader, bird monitor, and long-time restoration worker. She brings energy, focus, enthusiasm, and great skill to whatever she initiates or is asked to do. Among the variety of ways she has served CFC: She has twice served on the Board of Directors. She has organized summertime education programs, co-chaired CFC’s Native Gardening Tour of Homes, researched CFC history, chaired the awards and nominating committees, monitored breeding birds at Grigsby Prairie and submitted data to the Chicago Bird Conservation Network. She reviews books for CFC’s newsletter, and spends hours pulling sweet clover, cutting buckthorn, rescuing and replanting native plants. Even after all these years, she once again volunteered over 50 hours in 2007.

But what may be this special person’s greatest contribution to CFC is her tireless outreach and diplomacy. Ever since she first became involved, she has been an ambassador without peer. She may well qualify as CFC’s #1 recruiter, regularly bringing friends and new acquaintances to work days and field outings and leadership roles. She is ever alert to opportunities for making productive and diplomatic connections for the organization. She has been key in forging relationships and resolving differences with various constituencies. And with her comes family participation. Her husband also volunteers and their daughter serves as the Barrington High School representative on the CFC board. They practice conservation and restoration at home; last year their yard received certification from Conservation @ Home for good conservation practices and habitat. Even the family vehicle is involved: for many years this family has made their vintage green Ford truck available for the annual Fourth of July parade.

This energetic lady epitomizes the can do and will do ethic of CFC volunteers and for that, we are pleased to honor Jo Seagren with the Great Blue Heron Award.”

Village Leaders with Illinois Senator in Barrington Area Town Hall Meeting.
Left to Right: Chief Michael Murphy, Administrator Bob Kosin, President Bob Abboud and Senator Barack Obama.
Barack Obama is a candidate for the 2008 Presidential race.

On April 10th, 2008 the skies were overcast in Paris, and it rained hard at the Wynstone Country Club too, but nothing dampened the enthusiasm of the 130 women who attended the FHOS “April in Paris” Luncheon. This annual event, held by Friends of Home of the Sparrow (FHOS), featured several speeches and a shopping boutique of unusual items, benefiting Home of the Sparrow (HOS). Many from Barrington Hills who were in attendance enjoyed a lovely day while supporting a worthwhile local cause.

HOS, with facilities in McHenry and Crystal Lake, provides services to to women in personal crisis with no place to go. Founded in 1986, this organization had aided over 2,000 individuals to overcome their situations by providing transitional housing, counseling and jobs skills training.

News Archives

2008

Barrington Hills Residents Voters Registration

Barrington Concours d’Elegance

October 3 - 5, 2008

Kalaway Cup 2008 and the ZBA Ruling

Citizens for Conservation

Conservation Related Volunteer Opportunities
– Not CFC Sponsored –

Citizens for Conservation Great Blue Heron Award

News Archives

2008

Barrington Hills Residents Voters Registration

Barrington Concours d’Elegance October 3 - 5, 2008

Kalaway Cup 2008 and the ZBA Ruling

Citizens for Conservation

Conservation Related Volunteer Opportunities – Not CFC Sponsored –

Citizens for Conservation Great Blue Heron Award

Barrington Concours d’Elegance

October 3 - 5, 2008

Conservation Related Volunteer Opportunities
– Not CFC Sponsored –