News Archives

2008

December

Cook County Emergency Telephone System Board

ETSB - meets at Village of Barrington Hills on E911

The Village of Barrington Hills hosted the Cook County Emergency Telephone System Board for Enhanced 9-1-1 Emergency Service for Cook County this year. Photos of the tour are included on a special Photo Gallery Page.

Barrington Hills Village Public Safety Answering Point Hub (PSAP)

In the effort to find the best in the country, the ETSB Executive Director and his team met at the Village of Barrington Hills to see the strides the village has made in technology integration and leading edge display capabilities that assist our local PSAP in rapid answer and response to incidents. Barrington Hills has always been at the forefront of technology adaptation and integration to optimize the response time for residents and those passing through the village.

Bob Kosin cites a recent fire on Goose Lake Road as an example where multiple fire departments came together quickly to extinguish a fire at a home under construction. Each event is important and time to get to the events is measured in minutes and seconds to save property and lives. Technology is critical for rapid response.

Village and NENA

Bob Kosin and Chief Murphy and company participate actively in NENA, the National 911 Emergency Number Association and INENA to ensure we are an active part of the national standards. Never has this been more important than with the advent of wireless and voice over the internet phone products and technology.

Resident Actions

We have featured stories in 2008 on the need for advanced testing 911 when purchasing new phones and services from service providers to be sure the calls and associated location identification come through properly to the Police and Fire Dispatchers when there is a need to call 911 for assistance.

Recognition

The Village spoke at a special E911 Panel at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Conference.

November

BJWC Fall Fashion Show

Save the date – Saturday, November 15th – for the Barrington Junior Women’s Club (BJWC) Fall Fashion Show. Entitled “Simple Elegance”, this annual fundraising event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stonegate Banquet and Conference Center in Hoffman Estates. In addition to the fashion show itself, which will feature top Chicago designers and local celebrity models, attendees will be treated to a gourmet lunch, an expansive shopping boutique, and live and silent auctions.

Ticket purchase information and other more details will be posted at www.bjwc.org. BJWC is a 501(C) 3 not-for-profit organization made up of over 120 women of all ages from the Barrington area. The group is dedicated to making a dynamic impact upon charitable agencies that directly aid women and children, senior citizens, the abused and the underprivileged, primarily in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

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.

Barrington Hills Residents - Tuesday

November 4 Presidential General Election

Please go to the 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.

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!

October

"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 brings family, friends and neighbors together to celebrate the beauty of nature and support the environment. For added Photos from the 2008 and 2007 events go to the Photo Gallery Page for Community Events.

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

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.

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.   

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.

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.

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.

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 Pin

E911 and VoIP Emergency Services

Part of the IIT VoIP Conference and Expo IV

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Registration Information

Mini-Conference
Chair - Barbara Kemp, Kemp Telecom Solutions and Member of Conference Planning Team
See Barrington Hills Panel in Blue Below:

8:30 to 9:30 AM: Panel I: National View and Department of Transportation Telematics Trials
Moderator: Renee Graves, T-Mobile
Rick Jones, NENA
Mark Grady, INdigital
Ken Lowden, State of Indiana

9:30 to 10:30 AM: Panel II: Small PSAPs – Serving the Last Mile
Moderator: David Staub, NESS, Inc.
Bob Kosin, Barrington Hills Village Administrator
James Arie, Fire Chief, Countryside Fire Protection District
Dean Walker, Fire Inspector, Village of Grayslake

LUNCH BREAK
For a fee of $35 you are invited to a delicious lunch buffet as well as continental breakfast and afternoon snacks. Please RSVP to davids@iit.edu . ( Regular Registration is $150.00 for the full two day Conference - this discount is provided to residents and committee members involved with or technically interested in Emergency 911. Call Professor Davids to get the discount rather than using the www.iit.edu website. )

Afternoon Session Chair – Rita Gaskins, Gaskin Group
1:00 to 1:30 PM: Securing IP- based Vehicle Telematics
Speaker: John Kimmins, Telcordia Technologies

Afternoon Panel Chair – Barbara Kemp
1:30 to 2:30 PM: Panel III: Vendors – Network Architectures and Solutions for NG 911
Moderator: Paul Stoffels, AT&T
Robert Sherry, Intrado
Chuck Hunnicutt, Nine-One-One, Inc
Lev Deich, 911 Enable

2:30 to 3:30 PM: Panel IV: Large PSAPs and Network Management and Disaster Recovery
Moderator: Patrick Kenny, AT&T
Clifton Ballard, AT&T 911 Resolution Center
David Beering, Morgan Franklin
Jim Argiropoulos, Deputy Director, City of Chicago – 911 PSAP

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.

COOK COUNTY CLERK (312) 603-0906
http://www.voterinfonet.com/sub/register.asp#wherehow
KANE COUNTY CLERK (630) 232-5950
http://www.kanecountyelections.org/VoterRegistration/registration.asp
LAKE COUNTY CLERK (847) 377-2400
http://www.co.lake.il.us/cntyclK/elections/voterservices/registering.asp#L02
McHENRY COUNTY CLERK (815) 334-4242
http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/common/CountyDpt/countyclerk/ClkElection.asp#Calendar

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 -- MAIN
(312) 603-0906
E-mail: voterreg@cookcountygov.com
Website: http://www.voterinfonet.com/sub/register.asp#wherehow

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

KANE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE
719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. B
P.O. Box 70,
Geneva, IL 60134
(630) 232-5950
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30AM - 4:30PM
E-mail: CountyClerk@co.kane.il.us
Website: http://www.kanecountyelections.org/VoterRegistration/registration.asp

DUNDEE TOWNSHIP CLERK
557 Barrington Ave.
Dundee, IL 60118
(847) 426-9717

LAKE COUNTY CLERK
18 N. County St., Room 101
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-2400
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30AM - 5:00PM
Email: cntyclk@co.lake.il.us
Website: http://www.co.lake.il.us/cntyclK/elections/voterservices/registering.asp#L02

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

MCHENRY COUNTY CLERK
McHenry County Administration Building
667 Ware Road, Room 107
Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 334-4242
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Website: http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/common/CountyDpt/countyclerk/ClkElection.asp#Calendar

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!

Contact your appropriate County Clerk’s Office for full details

Barrington Concours d’Elegance

October 3 - 5, 2008

Patty Dowd Schmitz
Barrington Concours d’Elegance Executive Director

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.

Photos were moved to the Photo Gallery Concours 2007 and 2008 Page.

BCFPD to Host Community Open House, October 4, 2008

September

The Kalaway Landowners Cup Wrap Up
"A Beautiful Day in the Country"

John Rosene
President 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.”

In the Battle of the Sexes, the Women’s team sponsored by JP Morgan defeated the Men’s team sponsored by Quintessential Barrington Magazine for the second year in a row.  JP Morgan’s Kellie Burke was named Most Valuable Player and Trumpetto was chosen as Best Playing Pony.  In the feature match, Tri-Linc Funds defeated the Harrington Family 3 goals to 2 in a hard-fought battle.  John Ryan of Tri-Linc Funds was named MVP and Starbuck, owned and ridden by Robert Soos, was named Best Playing Pony.  This was the first year that Tri-Linc Funds sponsored a team and the third year for The Harrington Family.

The winners received beautiful crystal trophies donated by and created specially for the event by M.J. Miller Jewelers of Barrington.  Best Playing Ponies received monogrammed cooling blankets donated by Barrington Saddlery.

An estimated 700 plus crowd attended the event, and both sides of the field were lined with tailgate parties and sponsor tents.  Among the attractions were the Lake Run Farm Clydesdale team giving rides in the bright red beer wagon (sponsored by Viking Ski & Patio Shop in Barrington), a performance by the Fox River Valley Pony Club (sponsored by Insignia Kitchen & Bath of Barrington) and an antique calliope provided by the Evon Nut Company.

This event, hosted by The Riding Club of Barrington Hills and the Barrington Hills Polo Club, was created as a community-wide celebration of the trail landowners in Barrington Hills who permit riding trails across private property.  These trail landowners were treated to a gourmet lunch under a private field-side tent. See more photos on the Photo Gallery Horse and Polo Page.

Polo - a beautiful day in the Village - 2008 Kalaway Cup

Traditionally held on the first Saturday after Labor Day, next year’s event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2009.

Lawmakers See Challenges for TV Transition

It is not Too Soon to Apply for Vouchers and Check on Elderly Relatives

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 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.

The hearing came a week after Wilmington, N.C., and surrounding counties became the first area to go digital, a test run for what the rest of the country will go through in February. The majority of viewers had no problems switching, but several hundred called the Federal Communications Commission's hotline because they were having trouble setting up converter boxes. Some had difficulty receiving a digital signal, either because their antennas were not pointing in the right direction or because the new signals did not reach them.

Obtaining the government-subsidized $40 coupons to offset the cost of converters could be another challenge for consumers. In a report released yesterday, the Government Accountability Office said the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, an agency within the Commerce Department that runs the coupon program, has no specific plans to address an increase in demand for the coupons as the transition date nears. "Therefore, consumers might incur significant wait time to receive their coupons and might lose television service if their wait time lasts beyond February 17," the report said.

She said the biggest complaint from consumers is that the coupons expire after 90 days, so if viewers wait too long to buy a converter box, they can no longer use the coupon and are not eligible to receive replacements. The NTIA said yesterday that residents of nursing homes and assisted-living facilities will soon be eligible to order coupons. Originally, they were excluded because each household could receive only two coupons.

The GAO report also found that some communities that are most likely to be affected by the transition are less likely to redeem their coupons. Areas with predominantly senior populations, for example, allowed 43 percent of their coupons to expire as of last month, the GAO said. The overall expiration rate was 30 percent. "We're concerned about the expiration rates we've seen so far," said Mark L. Goldstein, who authored the report. "We have a long way to go."

Senate and House Passage of the New and Emerging

Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008 (HR 3403)

This legislation impacts the Barrington Hills Police Department emergency Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and residents and those traversing or visiting our area in a positive way, especially residents who have chosen alternate means of voice telecommunications services using Internet based technology, called VoIP or simple IP Phones. It may take a while to get all aspects of the technology in place. Please, refer to the current Resident Info Page and the 911 references for safety and telephone testing tips.

Wireless Service Provider Offering $10 per Month Flat

Rate Home Phone Service

*****New Emergency 9-1-1 Warning*****

A national wireless telephone service provider is reaching out to landline customers to ask them to switch from traditional phone companies to their new home service. The enticement: $10 per month plus taxes and fees. Ads have started showing in our area. Please read the fine print: “…important limitations on the availability and reliability of 9-1-1 emergency service. When using [brand name withheld] service, 9-1-1 service may not be available and your ability to receive emergency services may be impeded.”

Village Hosted Cook County Emergency 911 ETSB Meeting

Cook County's Emergency Telecommunications Systems Board - ETSB - held a meeting at the village hall. Administrator Bob Kosin and Chief Michael Murphy gave the team a tour of the Village E911 call answering and dispatch center, better known in the industry as the PSAP, to view the technology and learn from the operation. For more on that visit including photos of your PSAP, go to the Village News Page.

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.

Host of Attractions Planned for Barrington Hills Polo Event

John Rosene
President Barrington Hills Polo Club

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.

CFC Summer Restoration Report

One of the things the interns did for us this summer was collect seed from two spring forbs, violet wood sorrel and prairie violet. This was a real boon for us because spring flora are the hardest to restore – for three reasons:

1. They set very small amounts of seeds. The interns collected only about 4 tablespoons from the violet wood sorrel they found, however, this represents thousands of seeds.
2. Their seed ripens quickly and is on the plant just 2 – 3 days before it falls to the ground or is carried away by animals or the wind; they have very tiny seeds.
3. They are short plants ..at most 6 inches high..so when we go to collect the seed they are hard to find among the other taller woodland or prairie plants

In the last few years, with the help of our summer interns, we’ve made a concerted effort to “be there at the right time” to collect seed from spring flora like shooting star, hoary puccoon, and the plants mentioned. It’s paying off! Luckily the seed that we sow comes up really well and establishes itself. From then on, it will spread on its own. The benefit of a good, dense stand of spring flora is that, since it comes up early, it can crowd out the early invasive plants like sweet clover, the nemesis we’re facing right now. That’s a good reason to try to get the spring forbs well-established; it’s less work for us!

Here are links to the plants mentioned above from whom we recently collected seed:

Violet wood sorrel (Oxalis violacea) --- http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/vlt_sorrelx.htm
Prairie violet (Viola pedatifida) --- http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/pr_violetx.htm

August

Local Resident Donates Land to Barrington Area Conservation Trust

Barrington Hills Resident Jenese Busch has donated a beautiful parcel of woodland property to the Barrington Area Conservation Trust to ensure that her favorite natural site will be protected in perpetuity. The Jack David Mondshine Wildlife Conservation Area, named after Mrs. Busch’s father, a man who loved nature, is located in the northwest corner of Barrington Hills. The parcel will remain private property under the protection of the BACTrust.

The importance of this donation to the preservation of the character of the Barrington area cannot be understated. The 5.28 acre site borders Algonquin and Barrington Hills and acts as a buffer between a more densely populated area and the rural edges of Barrington Hills. The site features a ravine and an intermittent stream corridor, which eventually leads to the Fox River. The site is home to fox, deer, coyote and other wildlife. In a recent interview, Mrs. Busch stated that her primary motivation for protecting the land was to protect the wildlife that lives there.

The BACTrust accepted the donation because it supports the mission of the organization and because the land is an important parcel that will aid in the protection of this water recharge area. For further information, please contact BACTrust Executive Director, Nancy Schumm-Burgess. (847)381-4291

Barrington, Cuba Township Working on Ways to Save on Salt Purchases

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/barrington/news/1131150,ba-salt-082808-s1.articl

By TONY A. SOLANO tsolano@pioneerlocal.com

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.

August

More on CTY – Automatic Police Emergency Notification System

When Barrington Hills police learned of an armed robbery in the village August 16, they quickly tried to warn residents about the attack. If you didn’t receive a call or an e-mail, it’s because you still need to sign up for this free notification service. It’s easy to do! Simply log onto the village web site at www.barringtonhills-il.gov. By clicking on the link called CTY in the upper right corner of the front page, residents will be directed to give their address, phone, e-mail and text message information. When a situation arises, the police chief submits messages to the CTY service, which then disseminates the news to the contact information on file. You can name someone else to receive your messages if you are not in town.

Typically, police actions, traffic accidents, road closures are sent via CTY notification. . The contact information you submit is not used for ANY other purpose and, because it is managed by a private company, it is not accessible to village officials or anyone else making a Freedom of Information Act request. Additionally, you only need fill out the data pertinent to your preferred method of contact. Sign up today, so you don’t miss out on the next warning that could be a lifesaver.

Remember:
• If you change your phone, update CTY.
• CTY now can send SMS, i.e., Text Messages, so CTY MVBF 4 NUS

Look for this Icon on the www.barringtonhills-il.gov website. It will lead you to the update process!

 

July

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

Donna Bolzman

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

July

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/

Wildlife Rehabilitation

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.

Barnswallow: A Wild Bird Concern (Wauconda) http://www.barnswallow.net/
Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. http://www.flintcreekwildlife.org
Jennifer Boonstra, 71 North Saddletree Lane, North Barrington, 847-912-6328.

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.

July

The Barrington Junior Women’s Club - Safety Town 2008

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

Enrollment Information: The Safety Town enrollment fee is $100.

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.

• The energy imparted by a standard mower blade is equal to three times the muzzle energy of a 357 Magnum pistol.
• One gallon of gasoline combined with the right amount of air is equal to 83 pounds of dynamite.

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.

CFC July Events

76 Trombones in the Big Parade . . . and a CFC Float!

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 4 Special References

The Road to Independence and the Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag

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.

Declaration of Independence

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.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.—That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,—That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

June

Cable TV and Technology News

Cable Service in McHenry County has a Wire-based Competitor

AT&T
AT&T Inc. has spent the past three months slowly rolling out its U-verse TV service in Illinois – courtesy of the Cable and Video Competition Law, signed by Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich last year. The law encourages new video providers such as AT&T to invest in Illinois to compete against incumbent cable companies such as Comcast.

U-verse, AT&T spokesperson Meghan Roskopf said, is compatible with computer and phone service. A customer can get video, voice and phone services through a single, fiber-optic line. The subscriber can program a digital video recorder to record a favorite TV show by phone. They can record as many as four standard-definition programs, or one HD and three standard-definition programs, at once from any Web-enabled wireless device or computer. "We deliver a lot more content, and the way we're delivering it means we are not limited by the size of the pipe to the home," she said. "We can add channels without having to bump one out."

Note: To find out if U-verse is available to your home, visit http://uverse.att.com or call 800-288-2020

Comcast
However, Comcast's Rich Ruggiero, vice president of communication and public affairs in the Midwest, believes that U-verse is more potential than substance. Comcast, which boasts about 2.2 million customers in Illinois, covers both ends of the viewing spectrum – from a local-channel option starting at $15 a month to digital cable and movie packages for $110. And in many cases, a set-top box is not required.

Note: To find out more about Comcast's offers go to http://www.comcastcableoffers.com.

Source Information: Northwest Herald article June 1, 2008

Learn More About the Barrington Area Conservation Trust

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.

Linda Fox

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.

June

BARRINGTON COUNTRY GARDEN & ANTIQUE FAIR

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.

Featured Garden Estates:

An American Arboretum

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.

Park-like Perfection

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!

An English Masterpiece

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!

Garden Party Vignettes by Leading Designers

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.

Faire Workshop Schedule

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.

Special Faire Highlight – Hope for Africa Tent

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.

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.

May

Technology Committee

Chairman Kevin Colosia

May 2008

The Technology Review Committee was chartered by the Barrington Hills Village Board in May 2006 to evaluate Communications, IT, and various other technology issues. To date, the Committee has been involved in several areas, including a review of the Village’s IT network, and discussions with Comcast regarding availability of cable service.

In October, 2006 the Village Board charged the Committee with finding ways to improve cellular service. Meetings were held with each cell carrier to determine the underserved areas of the Village, followed by a review of potential alternatives and then preparation of recommendations for coverage improvement. Discussions have also been held with interested site property owners. One application for a site to be shared by the carriers was withdrawn prior to a Village Board vote. This project is still ongoing.

In 2007, the Committee assisted the Zoning Board in the preparation of a Communications Tower Ordinance. Go to the Village Government Website for all Ordinances.

May

A Friendly Reminder about Cameras in Work Zones

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.

Photographs of both the Driver's face and License plate are taken. For more information, visit:
http://www.dot.state.il.us/press/r033005.htm.

May

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.

May

Click It or Ticket Campaign

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.”  

May

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.

April

Friends of Home of the Sparrow - Benefit from April 2008 Event

U.S. Regulators Reject Canadian National's
Request for Early Approval of Plan to Buy Railroad

By Richard Wronski
Chicago Tribune reporter
September 08, 2008 10:29 PM
Reprinted with Permission of author. Ed.

Federal regulators on Monday denied the Canadian National Railway Co.'s demand for early approval of its plan to buy a suburban railroad, a decision likely to draw a federal court into the proposal to re-route freight trains out of Chicago.

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board said it rejected the railroad's request because it would violate its environmental review process.

The railroad had no immediate comment on the board's decision, but said last month that it was prepared to ask the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington to order the agency to rule on the sale if its request were denied. The company, based in Montreal, wants to buy the Elgin, Joliet &Eastern Railway for $300 million.

"We did reserve the right to challenge the decision in court," Jim Kvedaras, a CN vice president, said Monday.

Freight traffic through Chicago and scores of nearby suburbs would be reduced if the purchase is approved, but would sharply increase in dozens of other Chicago-area communities, officials say. The EJ&E runs in a 198-mile arc from Waukegan to Joliet to Gary.

Citing a Dec. 31 deadline for closing the deal with the EJ&E's owner, U.S. Steel., CN had asked the board to approve the purchase by Oct. 15 and determine the environmental concerns at a later date.

If it didn't complete the acquisition by December, the railroad said there was substantial risk that U.S. Steel would terminate the deal. But the board said its environmental review would not be finished until as early as Dec. 1 or as late as Jan. 31, 2009. The board's decision on the acquisition would follow as soon as possible after that.

In denying CN's request Monday, the board said that approval of the railroad's bid to buy the local line and the environmental analysis were "two links in the same chain" and needed to be studied together.

"We do not believe that it would be consistent with [federal environmental law] or agency precedent to consider the proposed [acquisition] separately from our environmental review," the board said.

The board's decision came as proponents of CN's plan lined up at a public hearing in Chicago to extol its benefit to residents of the city and to close-in suburbs that have been plagued for years by rail congestion.

At four hearings on the board's draft environmental impact statement two weeks ago, thousands of suburban residents from Barrington to Manhattan voiced opposition. Citing the board's report, critics said the increased freight traffic could hinder emergency responses in some communities and would mean long delays for some motorists stuck at blocked crossings.

Drivers would face long delays at 15 rail crossings in a dozen Chicago-area communities if the deal were approved, according to the environmental impact report. The report also identified 10 suburbs where increased freight traffic could hinder emergency responses.

But at a hearing Monday at Loyola University's downtown campus, two Chicago aldermen, a state representative and two University of Chicago professors joined a coalition of suburbs that back CN's plan.

They accused the board of ignoring parts of the region that would see fewer trains if the sale were approved. State Rep. Karen Yarbrough, whose 7th District represents Chicago's close-in western suburbs, was among those who said she faulted the board's hearing process for favoring opponents of CN's plan.

"Please do not tell my constituents that disruption to their lives from train congestion is less important than disruption to the lives of those along the EJ&E," she said at the hearing. Yarbrough said 59 commuter trains and 40 to 60 freight trains a day pass through Maywood, where she lives. "I have more commuter trains alone passing daily through my village than the total trains the communities on the EJ&E will see in one day," she said.

Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) criticized the "me-first attitude" of some suburbs that think their interests are more important than Chicago's.

rwronski@tribune.com

TRAC co-chairs Karen Darch (Barrington) and Tom Weisner (Aurora)
asked to testify at September 9 hearing of the House Transportation & Infrastructure
Committee on the TRACS Act – H.R. 6707.

This bill would clarify that the STB is required to thoroughly consider the impacts of a transaction on the surrounding communities. The bill clarifies rail law to explicitly tell the Board that it shall not approve a transaction if the adverse impacts on safety and on affected communities outweigh the transportation benefits of the transaction.

H.R. 6707 is legislation that is long overdue. Right now in rail transactions the railroads are in the driver's seat inasmuch Big Rail's interests not only outweigh the interests of impacted communities, but an action by a private company can trump the hard work of policymakers at all levels of government when it comes to defining and addressing the nation's transportation investment needs.

***************************************

"With 50% of the STB Public Hearings completed,the region
roared its disapproval of CN’s proposed acquisition of the EJ&E
by showing up more than 6,000 strong to 'Just Say No!'

1) Additional sponsors for H.R. 6707 – the TRACS Act. Since all our local delegation members are already sponsors of that bill, reach out to family and friends across the country to have them ask their Members of Congress to sponsor a bill that insures communities aren’t second class citizens to Big Rail in deals of this type. There is a summary sheet on the issue you can e-mail to your contacts on the www.fightrailcongestion.com. It is titled "One-Pager on Congressional & STB Action" under the "Documents" tab in the "Coalition Documents & Press Releases" subcategory.

2) Passage of H.R. 6707 before Congress adjourns in late September. Go to www.house.gov and type in your zip code on the upper left-hand corner of the home page to find out who represents you in Congress. You can then click onto the correct congressional website and send on-line comments about H.R. 6707 directly from that office’s contact link. Just say, Please pass the TRACS Act now!"

Through our concerted action, we have the opportunity to defeat a private business deal that is harmful to the region. But, don’t think someone else is going to do the heavy lifting for you. YOU NEED TO GET INVOLVED TO DEFEND YOUR INTERESTS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!

Barrington August 27 Meeting and Call to Action

As one of the ~5000 people in attendance in Barrington on August 27, it is apparent we still need every positive voice we can get! Congressional representatives Melissa Bean and Don Manzullo gave rousing speeches along with elected and appointed officials and representatives from local organizations.

One of most moving talks came when Dr. Tom Leonard, head of District 220 Schools, spoke about the impact on the schools and the risks to our children, stating that 842 times in a single day the school buses go across EJ&E lines and over a thousand students walk across the tracks to school. The EJ&E tracks are 600 feet from the high school.

Good Shepherd Hospital representatives made it strikingly clear they cannot save lives unless people can get to them quickly, and not all hospitals in our area are equally equipped to handle each type of trauma, heart or stroke condition.

The speakers from the STB left many of us with the impression there are no alternatives and the current railway laws are insufficient to guide the STB to make a decision on criteria other than whether the rail lines cause an anti-competitive situation in the area. This is true even if they add over 70 caveats before their decision. Most speakers made it clear that they perceive no real mitigation that makes us safe and protects and preserves our communities and our ground water. Outmoded railway laws need to be updated. CN and the STB are rushing this decision like their trains rushing toward us on the tracks. We have to get legislation passed to help the STB support us and not support foreign corporate interests.

There is still time to be heard. If you do not call ahead to reserve time to speak, it is unlikely you will find yourself on the speakers list due to time constraints. Court reporters are there and will take dictation and let you speak privately "on the record" for a reasonable length of time. Everyone who comes can fill out a comment form and the STB representatives agreed all comments received before September 30 will be evaluated equally. Ed.

STB Posters showing the EJ&E routes and major towns impacted.

***************************************
CN's Planned Acquisition of the EJ&E Railway

Summary
Transcripts of all STB CN public meetings will be available on the Board’s website, http://www.stb.dot.gov, approximately two weeks after the public meetings in mid September. Public comments can be made until September 30 to be included in the consideration.

Canadian National Railway and EJ&E Environment -
Opponents to and Proponents for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)

The following information was compiled and edited from several sources. This initial information provides a a listing of the key meetings being established near term to address the DEIS and provide critical input before the Final EIS Recommendations. The Calendar Page carries key dates that affect Barrington Hills and the greater Barrington area residents.

The STB released its long-awaited DEIS today -interested parties can review this huge document at the STB website: http://www.stbfinancedocket35087.com/html/service@bigstockphoto.com

Because it will take time to review and evaluate the DEIS, the TRAC Group is just releasing this preliminary statement:

TRAC (The Regional Answer to Canadian National) Coalition represents more than 40 suburban communities throughout the suburbs in response to the STB Environmental Impact Study:

Excerpt from Commissioner Buttrey: “The Board must be very sensitive to the environmental issues being raised by local communities, and I am confident that these concerns will be fully explored and considered in the EIS being prepared on the schedule we adopt today. I urge all interested parties to participate actively in this process. At the end of the environmental review process, I will carefully consider the recommended mitigation conditions that are generated, and they will factor importantly in my decision-making process. However, based on what I see now on the record, and what I saw when I recently visited the affected communities, it is hard for me to imagine how even the most far-reaching mitigation measures would be enough to offset or balance the environmental detriments that would flow from this proposal.”

Bean Denounces Draft EIS in CN Rail Deal;
Announces Congressional Field Hearing

”The Environmental Impact Statement must be revised to reflect impact to community”

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Melissa Bean (IL-08) sharply rebuked the Surface Transportation Board for the draft environmental impact statement released today in its consideration of Canadian National’s proposed purchase of the EJ&E rail line.

“This draft from the STB is highly disappointing, as it seems to endorse allowing a private company to destroy local communities’ quality of life, safety and economies, while expecting those communities to pick up the tab,” Bean said. “This is another example of a federal agency failing its responsibility to the American people by serving industry special interests over our nation’s taxpayers.

“My colleagues and I will be communicating to the STB our strong objections to this draft, which does not reflect American values, and will work to ensure that the final EIS better protects the rights of our constituents and communities,” Bean said.

Bean will hold a joint Congressional field hearing with other members of Congress on August 5, to take testimony from experts and the community. Bean will be joined by fellow Reps. Peter Roskam (IL-06), Judy Biggert (IL-13), Bill Foster (IL-14), and Don Manzullo (IL-16). Results from that hearing will be submitted to the STB for consideration in the final version of the EIS. [Ed. Location of meeting not announced at this time, July 25.]

The STB, a three-member panel appointed by the Bush Administration, will have final authority to approve or disapprove CN’s proposal.

More than 40 communities oppose this transaction, which would result in up to a 400 percent increase in rail traffic along the EJ&E line. The increase will have a significant negative impact on traffic congestion along major roads, public safety, quality of life, environmental quality, and local economies.

At Congresswoman Bean’s request, the STB began an environmental review of the transaction last year. During the initial phase to determine scope of the impact, the STB saw an unprecedented turnout at its public meetings, with nearly 3,700 total comments received. Today’s draft EIS contains the recommendations from the STB’s Section of Environmental Analysis.

The release of today’s draft EIS marks the beginning of a comment period, when the community is invited to weigh in about what is missing from the agency’s environmental review. After that comment period closes, the STB staff will make changes to the EIS and issue a final version. The board will then make a final decision on the transaction, and any possible mitigation, based on the recommendations contained in the EIS.

“Federal and local elected officials and thousands of citizens have been working in good faith with the STB,” Bean said. “STB Chairman Chip Nottingham promised diligent and respectful consideration of our concerns. This draft suggests his agency is more concerned with appeasing the rail industry then protecting Americans from an egregious tax burden and gross injustice that destabilizes their communities.”

Below are just some of Bean’s objections to the draft version of the EIS:

(1) Egregious burden on local taxpayers. Local taxpayers will face an overwhelming burden to fund mitigation for a project they do not want and do not benefit from, according to the draft EIS recommendations. The EIS studies only 87 of the 133 grade crossings and determines that only 15 of them will face “substantial effects,” with road traffic delays of 40 hours per day or more or obstruction of major arterial roads. It is likely that far more crossings will face significant impacts, but even for those designated the EIS is vague in its recommendations for mitigation. The draft provides a range of possible options that gives the public no clear view into the eventual final recommendation, but at best the EIS suggests that CN should pay only 5 to 10 percent of mitigation costs. With grade separations costing about $50 million each, this amounts to a major public tax subsidy for CN.

(2) Ignores effects on Metra’s STAR line. Metra, which provides 83 million rides to suburban and city residents each year, says CN has not committed to sharing tracks along the EJ&E. The proposal threatens construction of the long-awaited suburb-to-suburb Metra STAR Line. But the draft EIS seems to ignore this problem, stating that the proposal “would not preclude the implementation of this service.”

(3) No help for public safety. With long trains possibly blocking crossings for long periods at a time, entire sections of some communities may be cut off from police and emergency services. The Draft EIS identifies 11 different communities that will face “substantial” effects to their police, fire and EMS services, but again provides no specific suggestion for mitigation. Suggestions range from increased communication to moving police and fire stations, but no mention is made of CN’s share of funding for these expensive projects.

(4) Insufficient information from CN. CN’s projections on increased traffic along the newly-acquired track only extend for five years. The final EIS should require projections over longer periods of time so the full impact of the proposal can be assessed.

(5) No enforcement. For all suggested mitigation, the draft EIS suggests that the board should only exercise oversight authority for the first three years of the transaction. After that, communities would be on their own.

Congressman Pete Visclosky of Indiana
Released this Statement today in Response to the DEIS

“In the eleventh hour of the Bush Administration, his appointees on the STB have put Canadian National ahead of the interests of millions of Americans.”

“The STB’s double whammy on the CN/EJ&E acquisition today is bad news for Northwest Indiana and I cannot stand for it. By denying CN’s request for the establishment of time limits on the proposed acquisition the STB appears to have ruled in favor of the affected communities. However, it simultaneously denied the people’s request to extend the comment period on the Draft EIS to 120 days, opting instead to limit it to 60, which is only 15 days more than the minimum required by law. Further, today’s release is much earlier than the anticipated late summer release the STB had conveyed to me. This accelerated review process tacitly favors CN over the impacted communities.

“The Draft EIS released today is nine inches thick and thousands of pages long, requiring great time for review and consideration. Restricting the public comment period on it to 60 days denies the people of Northwest Indiana a reasonable opportunity to fully consider its contents and weigh in on it. On top of that, the STB plans to hold only one public meeting on the issue in the [Indiana] region, a grossly inadequate opportunity for discussion.

“Should the acquisition be approved, it would result in a three-fold increase in rail traffic on the existing EJ&E line in Northwest Indiana. With as many as 34 trains per day running on the track, it would bisect our communities, impeding the flow of automobile traffic and creating a considerable public safety concern. The proposed acquisition would also create new obstacles to the expansion of the South Shore Line and would hinder the expansion of Gary/Chicago International Airport. Public opposition has been widespread.

“I remain vehemently opposed to the acquisition and will continue to work with Senators Lugar and Bayh, Governor Daniels, and my like-minded colleagues from Illinois to stop it. In the coming days I will carefully review the entire Draft EIS and determine the best course of action to protect Northwest Indiana’s communities from this threatening transaction.”

More Opponents to the CN – EJ&E Draft Environmental Impact Statement http://www.stbfinancedocket35087.com/html

“The summary alone of a draft report by federal regulators on the Canadian National Railway's proposal to buy the EJ&E railroad is 54 pages of transportation “wonkery.”

"But it didn't take long for politicians opposing the deal to give their opinion - they hate it. The environmental impact statement released Friday by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board is preliminary. Officials point out numerous flaws in the planned purchase.” Staff Writers for the Daily Herald: Rebecca Boykin and Jake Griffin.

“CN plans to move freight from a number of its Chicago-area tracks onto the EJ&E which runs in an arc roughly from Waukegan to Gary, Ind. The proposal would relieve train traffic in the urban center, CN officials say, but their concept has drawn fierce protests from towns along the EJ&E line, such as Barrington and West Chicago that would experience substantial increases in freights. Not surprisingly municipalities that will benefit by less trains support the acquisition.

Already U.S. Reps. Judy Biggert, Melissa Bean, Peter Roskam and Don Manzullo decried the study by the STB, which has ultimate authority over CN's purchase request.

Judy Biggert, a Hinsdale Republican, called it "wholly inadequate," while Melissa Bean, a Barrington Democrat, said, "I think it reflects their track record of prioritizing the railroad industry's concerns over the rights of citizens."

CN leaders took heart from the draft, noting it conformed with the railway's view that environmental proceedings raised by the proposed merger weren't unusual and could be mitigated.

STB staff concluded that the Canadian company's plan would not affect existing Amtrak or Metra service. However, researchers noted the changes could "introduce potential operational complexities" as regards Metra's proposed STAR line, a future commuter rail service linking west, north and south suburbs.

Peter Roskam, a Wheaton Republican, contended that "the STAR line is in jeopardy, and CN so far has not been able to make those concerns go away."

Metra officials deferred comment on the impact statement.

Range of concerns:

• “One concern by towns objecting to the merger is that it would create safety problems at grade crossings and delay emergency vehicles. The draft report notes that at-grade crossing accidents would increase from four and a half a year to six along the EJ&E but drop from 6.26 annually to 3.79 on CN lines. Overall, accidents would decrease by 8 percent, officials projected.”

• “Regulators also noted that 15 at-grade crossings would be substantially affected by more trains including sites in Lake Zurich, Barrington, Aurora, Plainfield and Joliet. The report suggests remedies such as grade separations, and it urges communities, CN and the state to work together to secure funding.”

• “The report multiplied the number of vehicles driving on certain crossings by the time motorists would wait for trains. Estimates per day ranged from 50 minutes to 149 hours, counting all crossings. Fuel use by cars idling while freights rumble by could equal 84,000 gallons a year by 2015, the study predicted.”

• “The STB singled out 11 fire and police departments that could face significant train delays at crossings including first-responders in Lake Zurich, Barrington, Bartlett and Mundelein. Staff suggestions for dealing with that ranged from relocating stations to offering better notice to police and fire about approaching trains.”

Barrington Village President Karen Darch said officials were still reading the statement but took heart from one STB member's comments that even the most far-reaching mitigation efforts might not be enough to offset the detriments.

West Chicago Mayor Michael Kwasman said, "I don't think it's balanced as far as the environmental issues are concerned and they've totally ignored West Chicago and the village of Wayne being able to provide ambulance and fire services."

The final environmental impact statement should be ready between December 1, 2008 and January 31, 2009 and a decision is expected shortly after.”

Proponents of the CN – EJ&E Draft Environmental Impact Statement http://www.stbfinancedocket35087.com/html

“The environmental impact statement released Friday by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board is preliminary. Officials point out numerous flaws in the planned purchase but also note it will ease freight train congestion in the region, and they offer some suggestions to alleviate problems.”

Information quoted from an article July 25 by Daily Herald Staff Writers Rebecca Boykin and Jake Griffin. Ed
.
“Jim LaBelle, a vice president of the civic organization Chicago Metropolis 2020, which supports the merger, said the board didn't "whitewash" any issues. "They pointed out the pluses and minuses," he said.

CN leaders took heart from the draft, noting it conformed with the railway's view that environmental proceedings raised by the proposed merger weren't unusual and could be mitigated.

STB staff concluded that the Canadian company's plan would not affect existing Amtrak or Metra service.

Metra officials deferred comment on the impact statement.

Regulators also determined that the number of trains rumbling along the EJ&E tracks is not likely to exceed projections by CN, a possibility opponents have stressed.

The draft report notes that at-grade crossing accidents would increase from four and a half a year to six along the EJ&E but drop from 6.26 annually to 3.79 on CN lines. Overall, accidents would decrease by 8 percent, officials projected.

Regulators also noted that 15 at-grade crossings would be substantially affected by more trains including sites in Lake Zurich, Barrington, Aurora, Plainfield and Joliet. The report suggests remedies such as grade separations, and it urges communities, CN and the state to work together to secure funding."

Other ways of minimizing impacts, the report says, would be with train curfews during rush hour, increases in train speeds and establishing a traffic impact fund that CN would pay for the changes.

The STB singled out 11 fire and police departments that could face significant train delays at crossings including first-responders in Lake Zurich, Barrington, Bartlett and Mundelein. Staff suggestions for dealing with that ranged from relocating stations to offering better notice to police and fire about approaching trains.

In contrast, Des Plaines Alderman Marty Moylan said the merger will help alleviate traffic caused by trains in the city, which has dozens of grade crossings. "The trains should move out west. It's better for commerce," Moylan said.

A joint congressional hearing on the issue is planned for August 5. Details will follow.” The final environmental impact statement should be ready between December 1, 2008 and January 31, 2009, and a decision is expected shortly thereafter.

Canadian Railway Barrington Rally Update

Fight Rail Congestion

The Regional Answer to CN (TRAC) and the Barrington Coalition are kicking off a series of public opposition rallies, the first of which was held Sunday, June 29 in Barrington. Over 500 people were in attendance per the Barrington Courier-Review. The goal is simple -- to ask that Members of Congress intervene in protecting this region from CN through a legislative solution that blocks the company's plans to send an onslaught of freight trains through our communities. Everyone is invited to show up and make the point to CN that we will not stand by and see our communities destroyed without a fight! Check the www.fightrailcongestion.com website regularly for details.

Newspapers are good sources of current CN related articles. Go to the Links and Resources Page for Newspapers in the area. See April 25, 2008 article below for contact information for your elected officials. We are being asked to continue to write and share our views.

CN Receives Unsatisfactory Performance Rating for
Safety and Environmental Responsibility

Canadian National Railway (CN) received the lowest grade level possible on implementing safety management systems (SMS) that are designed to offset accidents and other safety hazards, according to a report released by the Standing Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities on Rail Safety in Canada.

Sparked by an increase in recent rail accidents in Canada over the last few years that according to the Committee, have caused “serious” repercussions in terms of “human fatalities and environmental damage,” the report cited CN for several safety concerns that include failed communication between senior management and frontline workers on clearly defining management’s commitment to safety; limited training for newly hired employees and creating a “culture of fear” for workers with regard to non-punitive reporting on safety violations.

The Committee stressed it has serious concerns regarding both the delays and the manner in which the SMS has been implemented by the railway. On a scale of one to five, with five being the optimum level, CN was at level 1 or 2. “This is not, in our view, acceptable progress,” the report noted.

The Advisory Panel for the Railway Safety Act Review, which was enacted last February, reported that CN along with other railroads and Transport Canada have not made sufficient progress in attaining this goal and noted that safety has not been a “high enough priority for the railroads.”

“This raises serious concern about CN’s safety record,” said Barrington Village President Karen Darch. “Canadian National wants to quadruple train traffic in U.S. communities at a time when it’s under serious scrutiny in its own backyard.”

These findings come as CN faces increased opposition from community groups and elected officials, including Senator Barack Obama, Senator Dick Durbin and Congressman Melissa Bean who oppose the purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway (EJ&E) by CN. The Barrington Communities Against CN Rail Congestion and The Regional Answer to CN (TRAC) represent the interests of more than three dozen municipalities, counties and other community groups. The coalition maintains that the increase in freight traffic will cause additional safety and environmental risks and points to the report’s findings as evidence to their claim.

“CN must be held accountable and explain how it will make safety a top priority before this acquisition is even considered,” said Mayor Thomas Weisner of Aurora. “It is the STB’s responsibility to seriously evaluate these findings before deciding the fate of this acquisition.”

“CN’s strict adherence to a rules-based approach, focused largely on disciplinary actions when mistakes are made, has instilled a ‘culture of fear and discipline’ and is counter to effective safety management systems,” the Advisory Panel stated. “CN needs to acknowledge this openly and take concrete steps to improve.”

The report, which was released last month, provides recommendations to both government regulatory agencies and railroad companies on how to improve the industry’s safety record.

“Canadian National wants to build a rail superhighway through our communities but in light of this recent report it should be prohibited from expanding any U.S. operations until it can prove it is committed to operating in a safe and responsible manner,” according to DuPage County Board member Jim Healy.

CN was among several rail companies and groups of key stakeholders including employees, environmentalists and the general public that participated in the study. However, CN received the most scrutiny for its failure to adequately address safety issues ever since railroads were required seven years ago to implement SMSs.

In June coalition members called on Congressional leaders to pass legislation to augment current rail law to reflect the needs of communities in the 21st century. Currently the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) is reviewing CN’s proposed acquisition of the EJ&E. The STB has the authority to approve, deny or approve this acquisition with contingencies. For more information or to see of copy of this report visit www.fightrailcongestion.com. See article from June 1 and read more on local background and resources so you can participate

Canadian National Lobbying Springfield - Write to Government Officials and Newspapers

The Fight Rail Congestion group learned that Canadian National has hired a consultant in Springfield to rally the troops in support of an expedited approval process from the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for its proposed transaction of the EJ&E. This consultant is asking legislators and local mayors of the supposed “80+ communities that will benefit” to write letters to the editor in response to stories about the issue.

We need opponents to do the same, so please weigh in by writing your own letters to the editor and contacting your local and state elected officials to do the same. You can go on-line to write a letter to the editor if you read something in your local paper, so it is quite simple and won't take much time. To find the contact information for your State Senator and State Representative, visit: www.ilga.gov.

”CN is trying to paint this issue as one of elitist suburban communities trying to block regional progress, so we need to demonstrate our united opposition along the entire line.”

Go to www.fightrailcongestion.com if you need more background information. The group posted CN's request to the STB for expedited review of the transaction as well as the Barrington Coalition's response. For links to local Newspapers go to the Links and Resources Page.

STB Releases Final Scope of Study for CN acquisition of EJ&E

On April 25, 2008, the Federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) released the Final Scope of Study for the proposed Canadian National Railway (CN) acquisition of the EJ&E Railway Lines. Go to the STB Related Documents section of the www.FightRailCongestion.com website.

The Mayor of Barrington Hills, Robert Abboud and Mayor of Barrington Karen Darch and surrounding community Mayors formed a coalition to create and maintain continuous vigilance and stay in communication with all parties and elected officials in opposition to the acquisition.

The Fight Railway Congestion organization is asking for help:

“.. we are asking YOU to act as a “truth squad responder” in holding CN’s feet to the fire by following stories on-line in your local papers and responding to the CN mythology each and every time you see it. Write from your heart and you will be part of a force that CN can’t match with its manufactured spin.

We’re calling out to you in Barrington, Bartlett, Mundelein, Lake Zurich, Wayne, Griffith, Plainfield, Joliet, Lake Barrington, Aurora, Naperville, Hawthorn Woods, Inverness, Deer Park, Long Grove, South Barrington, Schererville, Hoffman Estates, Richton Park, Crete, New Lenox, Geneva, West Chicago, Cary, Vernon Hills, Elgin, North Barrington, Hawthorn Woods, Wauconda, Lakemoor, Frankfort, Fox River Grove, Barrington Hills, Batavia, Centralia, Woodstock, McCullom Lake, Tower Lakes, Algonquin and beyond. Remember, there is power in the pen!”

Residents are urged to communicate directly with their elected officials:

Representative Melissa Bean
1622 E Algonquin Road, Suite L
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Phone: 847-925-0265
Fax: 847-925-0288

Representative Mark Kirk
707 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 350
Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: 847-940-0202
Fax: 847-940-7143

Senator Dick Durbin
230 S Dearborn St.
Suite 3892
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 312-353-4952
Fax: 312-353-0150

Senator Barack Obama
John C. Kluczynski Federal Office Building
230 South Dearborn St.
Suite 3900 (39th floor)
Chicago, Illinois 60604
Phone: 312-886-3506
Fax: 312-886-3514

Regional Opponents including Barrington Hills
Mayor Tell CN Shareholders: We are Opposed to the Deal

Mayor Karen Darch of Barrington, Mayor Tom Weisner of Aurora, Mayor Bob Abboud of Barrington Hills and Mayor Bruce Sauer of North Barrington shared a regional message of opposition with reporters from CBS, Chicago Tonight, Fox News, The Chicago Tribune, WBBM, WGN Radio, The Daily Herald and Meddill School of Journalism.

They also attempted to respectfully deliver our [Fight Railway Congestion] letter of opposition to shareholders, but were asked by security forces to leave the hotel.

Canadian National Railway Website
Report Excerpts of Information Filed with US Securities
Commission and Canadian Securities Regulators

The Canadian National Railway website lists the following information as a requirement of being a publicly held company. While none of this is new to railroads in general, if the US Federal STB approves CN’s purchase of the EJ&E railroad lines that run through a portion of Barrington Hills and nearby communities, the volume of rail business and increase in rail traffic and rail lines through the community will bring a significantly higher level of risk directly to our community and surrounding communities. It is for this very reason that the leadership in the village are fighting so hard to protect the environment. Our position is to use the rails to haul people not freight through this area.

Photo taken near the EJ&E Tracks in Barrington Hills.

There is a significant amount of press both for and against the CN purchase in the press in Illinois and Indiana especially. The Village officials who oppose having the increased traffic in the community and all associated risks are at times being criticized for having a “Not in My Back Yard” (NIMBY) attitude. The criticism implies the area is against logical progress and for having more trucks and traffic on the roads. It is imperative that every person in this vicinity understand the whole story ask legislators to support us and protect this Village and area and our environment overall. We are thinking globally and acting locally. We are all asked to become “Truth Responders” and reply with our own letters to the editors when we see news articles that favor CN’s plans at the expense of the local environment.

Environmental Matters:

“The Company’s operations are subject to numerous federal, provincial, state, municipal and local environmental laws and regulations in Canada and the United States concerning, among other things, emissions into the air; discharges into waters; the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste, hazardous substances and other materials; decommissioning of underground and aboveground storage tanks; and soil and groundwater contamination.

A risk of environmental liability is inherent in railroad and related transportation operations; real estate ownership, operation or control; and other commercial activities of the Company with respect to both current and past operations…..”

“In railroad and related transportation operations, it is possible that derailments, explosions or other accidents may occur that could cause harm to human health or to the environment. In addition, the Company is also exposed to liability risk, faced by the railroad industry generally, in connection with the transportation of toxic-by-inhalation hazardous materials such as chlorine and anhydrous ammonia, commodities that are essential to the public health and welfare and that, as a common carrier, the Company has a duty to transport. As a result, the Company may incur costs in the future, which may be material, to address any such harm, including costs relating to the performance of clean-ups, natural resource damages and compensatory or punitive damages relating to harm to individuals or property.”

“The ultimate cost of known contaminated sites cannot be definitively established, and the estimated environmental liability for any given site may vary depending on the nature and extent of the contamination, the available clean-up techniques, the Company’s share of the costs and evolving regulatory standards governing environmental liability. Also, additional contaminated sites yet unknown may be discovered or future operations may result in accidental releases. For these reasons, there can be no assurance that material liabilities or costs related to environmental matters will not be incurred in the future, or will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year, or that the Company’s liquidity will not be adversely impacted by such environmental liabilities or costs.”

Personal injury and other claims

“In the normal course of its operations, the Company becomes involved in various legal actions, including claims relating to personal injuries, occupational disease and damage to property. “

Note: Excerpts FROM CN’S MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, REPORTED UNDER U.S. GAAP, FOR THE 2007 ANNUAL REPORT THAT WAS FILED WITH THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND WITH THE CANADIAN SECURITIES REGULATORS.