News Archives :: The Village of Barrington Hills

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January 2009

2009 Dates for IYA Star Parties and Events

You are welcome to choose any date to hold your IYA event! These suggested dates are simply a starting point to help you begin planning. The four main dates for local IYA2009 star party events in the U.S. will be: January 10, April 4, August 1 and December 31.

Tie-ins to the theme of looking at the same objects as Galileo are in italics. Visit the U.S. IYA website at www.astronomy2009.us/howtohost/ for event planning materials such as advertising brochures and press release templates for you to customize for your event, and find monthly IYA Discovery Guides at www.astrosociety.org/iya/guides.html.

Hold the Phone: Landlines Superior To Cell Phones When Calling 911

Despite the convenience and widespread use of today’s cellular phones, these technological marvels are no match for traditional “landline” telephones when calling for emergency fire or medical service, Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District officials report.

“An increasing number of residential phone customers across the country are turning to cell phones as their traditional ‘home’ telephone, but the reality is that landlines enable a much quicker response from emergency crews,” Fire Chief Jim Arie says.

Spotty coverage and poor reception in certain geographical locations, and call volumes that may, at times, overwhelm transmitter stations are just a few potential problems that illustrate the drawbacks District residents may encounter when using a cell phone to request emergency services.

Perhaps most importantly, 911 calls placed by cell phone are typically directed to the closest transmitter tower, then relayed to the emergency dispatch center nearest to where the call is placed – not necessarily to one’s community fire or police departments. This may create an added delay in transferring the call to the appropriate destination.

For example, Deputy Fire Chief John Feit once dialed 911 from his cell phone while out in the field in an effort to see where the call would be received. "I was surprised to learn that I had been connected to a dispatch center in Mundelein,” he recalls.

In contrast, emergency calls placed by traditional landline telephones directly connect District residents to Barrington’s enhanced 911 system. The system gives dispatchers the exact street address where a call originated and allows them to immediately send fire and medical crews there.

“Even if the person who dialed 911 is incapacitated or unable to speak, the enhanced 911 system tells us where we need to go,” Chief Arie adds.

Chief Arie urges residents who prefer the mobility and convenience of a cell phone to at least maintain a local service landline at home.

“The technology is improving but, compared to a landline, cell phone users remain at a clear disadvantage when dialing 911,” he adds.

District residents interested in learning more may contact the Fire Department at 847-304-3600. For more information on BCFPD operations and activities, visit www.bcfpd.org.

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

Plan Commission

Outdoor Lighting - Note : Dark Sky activities are posted on the same page as IYA 2009.

The Village Plan Commission has a major initiative planned for 2009 related to IYA 2009 and the topic of Outdoor Lighting.

Over the past year I have expressed my concern about excessive landscape decorative lighting in the Village, and how it is ruining our night sky and Village character. Increasing development in the Village over the recent past has led to a corresponding growth in the use and levels of outdoor lighting not commensurate with the semi-rural community character which we all love and want to protect. Similarly, technological advances have led to the production of brighter light sources that often result in excessive lighting, energy waste and nuisance vanity light trespass pollution, all of which affect our quality of life. Vanity lighting in trees and is out of character with the Village and contrary to the very reason why many of us enjoy our large lots – to do as we please without trespassing on our neighbor. Vanity lighting is light trespassing.

Scientific studies have demonstrated the negative and destructive effects of altered nocturnal environments on species and ecosystems. For instance, light pollution has been shown to affect both flora and fauna. Prolonged exposure to artificial light prevents many trees from adjusting to seasonal variations i.e. it is a proven tree killer! Bright lights can also disrupt the behavior of migratory birds, where longer artificial days and shorter artificial nights confuse their migration patterns, thus upsetting a host of precisely timed biological behavior. Bats, birds and other insect eating species are harmed as well as the food source gravitates to these unnecessary vanity lights placed in trees.

Responsible outdoor lighting in the Village benefits everyone as it promotes good health of our environment and citizenry, and preserves the ability to view the stars against a dark night sky and promotes energy conservation. Thus, if the Village’s Comprehensive Plan, character and heritage of dark skies is to be protected, we must take a proactive role. The Planning Commission has actively been researching lighting ordinances from around the country and will be recommending to the ZBA changes in the Village code (which will impact existing and future lighting) to preserve the Village’s valued natural, historic, and scenic resources, all of which combine to provide a unique sense of place and community and protect the health, safety, and welfare of its residents. I am also delighted to report that the Village’s recently passed Proclamation on this issue has led to other BACOG community and civic organizations applauding our efforts and eager to educate and retard excessive lighting.

Of all the pollution we face, light pollution is perhaps the most easily remedied. Simple changes in the placement of lighting and design yield immediate changes in the amount of light trespass and that spilled into the atmosphere on top of the immediate energy savings and preservation of our character.

Therefore, as we explore possible ordinance changes and education to reduce excessive outdoor lighting, specifically those vanity lights put in tress and excessive wash lighting on homes, I would like to invite you to e-mail or contact the Village with your thoughts on this subject. Let’s all cherish our night sky and enjoy and celebrate the International Year of Astronomy with Galileo’s 400th anniversary of the discovery of the Milky Way - done then with a telescope inferior to the binoculars we have today!

Plan Commission Reference Material for Village Comprehensive Plan:
"Lighting Choices in a Modern World"

The advantages to living in a semi-rural community are enhanced by our partnership with the natural world. Privacy, the sense of being in the country, and the quiet nature of our neighborhoods as the birds whistle to each other and the wind rushes through the trees are just some of the sensory ways that we appreciate our community. Recent studies have shown that that partnership can be threatened by the over use of inappropriate landscape lighting.

Do lights in our landscaping really have an impact on nature? Actually, they do. Purdue University Forestry and Natural Resources recently published a study of the new lighting trends for landscaping have found that light pollution can have a negative effect on birds, tree growth, and our carbon footprint.

For birds, the lighting affects, not only migratory patterns, but also affects the nesting habits of the birds and animals that rely upon trees for their homes. The nesting habits are affected because trees themselves are highly affected by unusual light patterns. Lighting signifies to trees the time of day, and the season of the year. When the trees receive the wrong signals, they respond by producing odd leaf sizes, entering dormancy when it is too late in the season, and flowering at the wrong time to be pollinated. All these problems can reduce the lifespan of the trees and make them vulnerable to disease and pollution.

In a community that is defined by its beautiful trees and natural features, following the dark sky recommendations in the comprehensive plan can ensure that those features remain for future generations. More information can be found at http://www.darksky.org/.

Roads and Bridges Committee - 2009

Spring is a time of high activity for the Roads and Bridges Committee. We are planning the work for this spring and fall, and also making preparations for our major 2010 projects. For your information, here are some of the details of our plans.

The projects begun last year which need to be completed this year have been scheduled to resume early in June. These include: patching the shoulders of Oak Knoll Road, culvert repairs on Three Lakes Road, culvert repairs on Helm Road. and Cuba Road bridge maintenance. Currently, NICOR is relocating a gas main on Merri-Oaks Road so that the drainage improvement project begun last year along that road can be completed. We anticipate that the remainder of the drainage improvements along River Road will be completed in July.

The bidding process is underway for the resurfacing of Rock Ridge Road, Surrey Court, Surrey Lane and Wagon Wheel Lane. We anticipate that the work will start in early July at latest.

Other miscellaneous drainage projects are to be bid out in late July, for work to begin in September. We have a short list of projects, but how many of them we can address will be dependent upon the amount of funds available after the other projects for this year have been completed. Precedence must be given to the most serious situations, i.e. wherein water overtops the road.

Our major drainage project for 2010 will be improvements along Three Lakes Road. Planning for this project is already well underway.

On a personal note, as of May, I will be ending my work as the Chair of the Roads and Bridges Committee and turning this responsibility over to new Trustee Peter Wessel. Please join me in welcoming him and please direct future Roads and Bridges-related inquiries to his attention.

Local IYA Opening Events: January 10 (Saturday)

Featured IYA: Venus and its Phases

Notes: Local IYA Events will be coordinated with Cincinnati Observatory, which will be
observing the Pleiades star cluster that is roughly 400 light years away (meaning the light
that we see now from the Pleiades was emitted by those stars around the time of Galileo).

Barrington Hills Looking Up in 2009

Barrington Hills will spend the new year celebrating the International Year of Astronomy 2009 with sky viewing events and programs throughout the year.

Village Administrator Bob Kosin said the village decided to celebrate the year because it believes the ability to view the night sky is a resource that is important to protect.

"One of the village's missions is to preserve the environment and the sky is part of that," said Sarah Kenney, planning and zoning coordinator.

Kosin said the village will look into legislation to preserve the "celestial landscape" by limiting artificial light and using lights in more affective and energy efficient ways.

"It's not like the Milky Way is going away or the moon is going away, they're just becoming more obscured," he said.

The International Year of Astronomy is a global campaign which was created by the International Astronomical Union and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The celebration coincides with the 400-year anniversary of Galileo Galilei first viewing the moon through a telescope in 1609.

"The technology that Galileo used 400 years ago is far less elaborate than the field binoculars we use today," Kosin said.

The village will use educational and program materials provided by the Web site www.astronomy2009.org.

Kenney said the village is still working on scheduling specific events, but observation locations will include the Village Hall, the Barrington Countryside Park District Riding Center, Countryside Elementary School and Helm Nature Preserve.

BACOG Legislative Action in 2008

End of the Year Report

BACOG plays an important role in promoting the area’s needs to other levels of government. BACOG’s Legislative Committee develops a “Legislative Platform” each year, which utilizes a two-part structure of “Guiding Principles” and “Priorities”. Guiding principles are broad statements in support of protecting local land use planning and zoning, the environment, revenues, public safety, and the right to self-determination. BACOG’s priorities address specific local needs, concerns or anticipated bills, and the priorities change each year. Many of BACOG's actions directly provide support for ongoing Village initiatives such as the Modification to Disconnection Legislation, Development Impact Fees, and Canadian National Railroad Opposition.

Canadian National Rail Road Purchase of the EJ&E. BACOG made three major submissions to the Surface Transportation Board (STB). Letters and maps are viewable at www.bacog.org.

BACOG developed new data on groundwater and the potential for hazardous materials spills, and also commented on land use and regional planning; traffic congestion and emissions pollution; safety for medical, police and fire; and impacts on native vegetation and wildlife.

Agnoletti attended stakeholder meetings with Victoria Rutson, the STB chief. Groundwater data contributed significantly to our environmental “case” against the transaction, and regional awareness, local opposition and federal legislator opposition to CN transaction grew because of the local coalition efforts. Though the STB voted in favor of allowing the transaction on 12/24/08, the Village of Barrington and other governments have filed appeals to stop the transaction from moving forward.

Pension Reform. BACOG was active in support of the pension reform bill. In addition to letters and calls of support, BACOG village presidents went to Springfield in March to attend committee meetings and a press conference. The unrelenting local government message was critical to passage, and the governor signed HB5088 into law in August 2008.

Disconnection. BACOG continued to work closely with Senator Althoff on the issue of property disconnection. The Illinois Municipal League’s legislative committee considered the proposal, and Sen. Althoff introduced Senate Bill 2578 in 2008. The bill would require consideration of the comprehensive plan and future land uses in a disconnection, give due process to residents, and extend the subdivision “cooling off” period from 1 year to 3 years. BACOG staff helped draft the bill, facilitated meetings with attorneys and legislators, and wrote fact sheets used in lobbying. The progress made in 2008 was not passage, but instead a greater understanding of the issue by legislators and municipal officials -- the basis from which the next legislative proposal on disconnection will proceed.

BACOG monitored and took action on a large number of bills. For a summary of bills tracked and acted upon, please visit the BACOG webpage at www.bacog.org or contact the BACOG office at 847-381-7871.

Springfield Lobby Days. BACOG hosted two Lobby Days in Springfield in 2008 spring session. At the March 5-6th lobby day, members promoted the BACOG Legislative Platform and local needs on rail roads, pension, disconnection of property and groundwater. BACOG village presidents including Robert Abboud attended committee meetings, spoke at a press conference in support of Representative Beaubien’s pension reform bill, and presented the Platform at BACOG’s reception for area legislators and other key officials. The Lobby Day on April 8-9th brought BACOG together with COGs from across the state. Presidents Abboud and Darch lobbied for stronger opposition to the Canadian National Rail transaction and support of the pension reform bill.

Local Legislative Events. BACOG hosted a Legislative Breakfast last February, co-sponsored with the Lake County Municipal League. Our local officials met with state legislators from Lake, Cook, Kane and McHenry Counties and presented the BACOG 2008 Legislative Platform. The next Legislative Breakfast with LCML is planned for February 7th, 2009.

The President of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Barrington Hills, Bob Abboud, is a member of BACOG. The member communities of the Barrington Area Council of Governments collaborate to promote the unique needs of the area. Executive Director, Janet Agnoletti, works on technology, legislative, land use, groundwater and other issues with all BACOG members.

2008 Police Survey Results:

January and February Posted

Detailed Comments for the Category: Police Manpower

If one phrase could sum up the comments in this category : Police presence is welcome across the Village 24 by 7 by 365; in a single word: Security.

Home Invasion Update

Man indicted in Barrington Hills Home Robbery
By Sheila Ahern | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 1/10/2009

A Cook County grand jury has indicted a Wilmette man on 22 counts of various felony charges related to a Barrington Hills home invasion where a 60-year-old female was struck with a handgun. Kuhn Kim, 24, was charged with home invasion, armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping, possession of a stolen vehicle, battery, burglary and other charges Thursday.

On December 8, Kim posted a $100,000 cash bond to get out of jail and is to return to court on January 29. Authorities say Kim took various items during a December 5 robbery, then stole a Jaguar from the residence and ditched it in the parking lot of a nearby Presbyterian church where he'd previously left his own car. The victim who was struck during the robbery was later treated at a hospital and released, authorities said.

Barrington Hills police apprehended Kim about 90 minutes after the incident, said Sgt. Ron Riedel.

At the bond hearing, Kim's defense attorney indicated that his client "has some psychiatric issues." Judge Joseph Urso also imposed special bond conditions on Kim, who lives on the 1600 block of Sheridan Road. The conditions include a curfew and a no-contact order.

January 8, 2009

Barrington School District 220 reported sixteen (16) confirmed cases of pertussis, better known as whooping cough, in the district this school year. Many children who are vaccinated only experience mild symptoms, but can still transmit the disease to other people. Young children and infants can experience severe complications from pertussis, which can be life threatening in some cases.

Continued from Home Page article:

PLEASE WATCH FOR THESE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OVER THE NEXT THREE WEEKS:

1. Symptoms appear five to 21 days after infection. Typically, only those in close contact or someone with pertussis become infected.
2. Pertussis may begin with cold-like symptoms (e.g., sneezing or runny nose) with a cough that gradually becomes worse. Others may develop the cough without any cold-like symptoms. 3. Patients are most contagious during the initial cold-like stage and the first two weeks after the onset of coughing. After one to two weeks, the coughing becomes more severe. In very young children, this is often followed by a whooping noise as they try to catch their breath (this symptom is rare in older children). Coughing fits may produce gagging or vomiting. Between coughing fits the person appears well. There is generally no fever and coughing can last six weeks or longer.
4. Adults, teens and vaccinated children often have milder symptoms that may be confused with bronchitis or asthma.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD EXHIBIT COLDLIKE SYMPTOMS AND A COUGH:

1. If a doctor suspects pertussis, the person should stay home for the first five days of antibiotics or until test results are available. The most accurate test is the nose/throat swab. Antibiotics given early may minimize severe symptoms and prevent the spread of the disease.
2. If a medical provider examined your child, please bring a physician’s note back to school.

February 2009

BCFPD Donates Surplus Cabinetry To Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

BARRINGTON, IL. Three homes in New Orleans ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 will receive new cabinetry and countertops through a donation of surplus materials by the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District (BCFPD).

BCFPD Trustees voted unanimously at their December 15 meeting to approve the donation. A group of 67 community volunteers, organized by St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Barrington and eight other churches in the northwest suburbs, will deliver the materials to New Orleans the week of January 12.

“It is our privilege to be able to help the people of New Orleans continue to rebuild their city – and their lives – after the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina,” Deputy Fire Chief John Feit says. “Our hope is that these cabinets will make a difference in the lives of several families. We thank the volunteers from St. Matthew for lending their time and talents to this effort.”

The District has been a strong supporter of relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina for the past three years. Since 2006, it has donated three emergency vehicles (one fire engine and two ambulances) that had been scheduled for deactivation, and delivered several truckloads of items collected through food drives to the region.

“The District has been an excellent partner in our efforts over the past three years to bring hope to New Orleans residents,” says David Moll, Director of St. Matthew’s Youth and Mission Ministries. “Skilled volunteers will install the cabinets and countertops in the homes to which they have been assigned. We will also be doing a lot of drywall, painting, and other reconstruction activities at nearly 20 worksites across the area. More than three years after Katrina, a lot of work remains to be done,” he adds.

For more information, contact the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District at 847-304-3600. Additional information on BCFPD operations and activities may be found at www.bcfpd.org. The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District, in coordination with the Barrington Fire Department, protects the lives and property of residents within the District by providing emergency fire and medical service. The BCFPD serves portions of Barrington Hills, South Barrington, Lake Barrington and Inverness; and unincorporated Cook, Lake and McHenry Counties.

Climate Change Impacts Local Birds

Local Citizens Track Numbers and Restore Habitat

Contact:
Judy Pollock, Director of Bird Conservation
Phone: 847-965-1150
Email: jpollock@audubon.org

Barrington area birders have been seeing a lot of powder-blue eastern bluebirds in recent winters. It’s a good-news/bad-news situation. Data from hundreds of Chicago region bird monitors (and thousands more around the country) have recently demonstrated that global warming is more advanced than most people think. The National Audubon Society’s new report tracks shifting ranges of birds to demonstrate that global warming is already disrupting our environment – not just in the arctic – but right here in Illinois, and has been doing so for the past forty years. The short-term impacts on specific birds will vary, but scientists warn of a serious long term toll on birds, other wildlife and the health of the environment that sustains human prosperity and well-being. The report also states that diverse and healthy habitats will be most resilient to our changing climate.

It’s not just bluebirds. The turkey vulture, the gadwall (a duck), the American robin and the hermit thrush are all moving their winter ranges north into the Chicago region. At the same time, the rough-legged hawk, northern goshawk and pine siskin are shifting their ranges northward from our region and are being seen less frequently here.

This national report also shines a light on this region’s grassland birds whose precipitous rangewide population declines have been well documented. “Their numbers are down in some cases more than 90%,” said Audubon Deputy Director Justin Pepper. “And now we see another imminent threat. They’re the one group that isn’t moving north. To me, this reinforces the need to protect and restore healthy habitat for them where they are now and they are here.” The Barrington area’s many horse farms, hay meadows, and grassland forest preserves make this area a hotspot for rare grassland birds including the bobolink, meadowlark, and sandhill crane.

“For sustainability, the rare birds that nest in Grigsby Prairie are very much dependent on larger habitats,” said Tom Vanderpoel of Citizens for Conservation, which owns the 42-acre Grigsby preserve and other prairie patches in the region.

“We have an incredible opportunity to restore large diverse habitats better suited to adapt to whatever climatic changes are in store for us, nature needs a ‘diversified portfolio’ too. Thanks to the support of local residents, the showcase quality restorations from Citizens for Conservation and large tracts of forest preserve, we have a real shot at keeping this area ecologically healthy,” said Pepper. “These rare populations of prairie birds, butterflies, turtles, orchids and grasses are all interdependent.” In other words, the bird populations are “mine canaries” that provide early warning of deeper problems.

Local nature lovers are also tracking some animals that are not as mobile as birds and may adapt even less well to changing climates. The Calling Frog Survey, the Illinois Butterfly Monitors’ Network and the Dragonfly Monitoring Network are all collecting data about vulnerable wildlife.

“The Chicago region is home to some of our nations’ most threatened birds. Their grasslands, shrublands, woodlands and wetlands are degrading or being converted to other uses. They face threats on their migratory paths. Now it appears that global warming will create new and unpredictable challenges. These birds will need healthy, diverse habitats to survive the coming decades,” said Judy Pollock, Audubon Chicago Region’s Director of Bird Conservation.

Citizen action throughout the Chicago region is combating these threats. At scores of local projects, volunteers fight back a torrent of invasive species and spread diverse native seeds, bringing back the complex ecosystems that our wildlife will come to rely on more and more as the climate changes.

Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting wildlife and habitat. Our national network of scientists and community-based chapters programs engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation. www.audubon.org.

National Network of Volunteer

Weather Observers Snowballs

Residents are encouraged to volunteer to become Weather Observers.The observers are part of a fast-growing national network of about 12,500 volunteers in 37 states who measure rain, snow and hail each day, then record the amounts in an online database. The project, called the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS), which began in Colorado, is in its 14th year. Go to the Community Event Page for full details on how to join this rapidly growing group. Volunteers will be formally trained.

Assessment Challenges Stun County: McHenry

The sheer number of McHenry County landowners appealing their property assessments could end up delaying property tax bills and disbursements to county taxing bodies. McHenry County Supervisor of Assessments received more than 2,300 challenges last year for 2008 taxes payable this year. Go to the Village News Home Page for how it affects Barrington Hills McHenry County Residents.

Village Resident Police Survey Results

Our first 2009 Village Newsletter refers to the results of the 2008 Annual Police Survey. Residents are always encouraged to provide written comments. Go to the Village News Page for details. The focus this month of April is on the CTY Notification System.

Great Backyard Bird Count February 13 - 16 2009

Bird lovers take note: the Great Backyard Bird Count needs you to help count birds February 13 through 16. Participating in the count is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Just follow the instructions below from the organizers.

Hello,
"This is Chief Michael Murphy of the Barrington Hills Police Department. Yesterday evening a resident came into the Police Station to report her 13 year old son got off his school bus at Lake Cook & Country Oaks Road at about 3:30 PM. While walking on Country Oaks Road he saw a dark blue “transportation type” van with dark tinted windows parked on Country Oaks Road. The boy walked past the van heading towards his home. After getting 20 feet past the van, the van started to slowly follow him. The van stayed behind the boy and did not pass him. The boy ran to the home of a neighbor he knew was home and lost sight of the van.

There is no additional information on the van or the occupants due to the tinted windows. Barrington Hills Police Officers will be saturating the area this afternoon attempting to locate the vehicle. Due to recent events in the Barrington area it’s important that families remind their children to be alert to activities happening around them and walk in groups whenever possible. If ever approached by a stranger call 911 immediately and if possible, get a license plate number of a vehicle if involved. If anyone has any information in regards to this vehicle they are asked to contact the Barrington Hills Police Department at 847-551-3006."

Living Green in Barrington Hills

CFL - Safety Challenged - Facts and EPA Caution
Where to Take CFLs for Disposal

"Although CFLs do contain mercury, it is present in trace amounts -- five milligrams -- an amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen," said Gallo. "It would take 100 CFLs to equal the amount of mercury contained in older thermometers, which is about 500 milligrams."

The good news is that old CFL bulbs can be taken to Home Depot, IKEA and Ace Hardware for recycling. And Wal-mart is piloting a CFL recycling program at its stores in the Richmond, Va. area.

Since CFLs use 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs, if every American switched one incandescent bulb to a CFL, it would save more than $600 million in annual energy costs and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from 800,000 cars.

"Using CFLs is a quick and easy way for Americans to save energy and money everyday, while they also protect the environment," Gallo said.

But if a bulb accidentally breaks, proper clean-up is necessary. Go to the Community Conservation Page for the EPA recommendations for CFL clean up and disposal.

Village Neighborhood Block Captains

High Importance

Ed. Note: The Neighborhood Block Captain meeting on February 2, 2009 was well attended. News and actions will be printed with an introduction here and a link to the Police Page when Officer Parada provides information. Update: February 3.

The Village is recruiting new Block Captains to assist the Police Department. A recruitment meeting is being held on February 2, 2009 at 7:00pm at the Village Hall. Officer Sabas Parada has sent the following request:

“The Barrington Hills police department is looking for volunteers to be block captains in the Neighborhood Watch program. Block captains provide a valuable service to the community by serving as a liaison between their neighborhood and the Barrington Hills police department. Block captains are a sounding board for issues facing their neighborhood. Quarterly Neighborhood Watch meetings are held at the village hall at which time valuable crime prevention information is discussed. Anybody who is interested in becoming a block captain is encouraged to contact Officer Sabas Parada at the Barrington Hills Police Department. Officer Parada can be reached at (847) 551-3006 or by email at sparada@vbhpd.net. “

Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society

HARPS

February 6, 2009 - Make Reservations NOW !

Roads and Bridges for Residents

The Village is facing an unprecedented winter of snow and ice. Residents are asked to stay tuned to local weather forecasts and avoid traveling when possible in hazardous conditions. Road closings are not permitted in Illinois based on weather forecasts alone. If a road is closed, it is due to an accident or blockage that needs to be cleared. The road may reopen but that does not signify all hazardous conditions are removed.

As you look over the various Village Pages, you will note that salt is in short supply. The Village has planned to ensure additional sources of salt are available to promote safety on the local roads.

Snow, ice, sleet -- Barrington Hills can’t seem to escape them in the winter of 2008-2009! The severe winter weather conditions mean new challenges and dangers for motorists, including slippery road surfaces, limited visibility, and freezing temperatures. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind, especially for the newer teen drivers in your household who might never have driven in these conditions before. Become familiar with driving in hazardous conditions.

Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society

(HARPS) Event

February 6, 2009 - Make Reservations NOW

On Friday, February 6, 2009, the Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society (HARPS) will present a special evening event: An educational seminar on the Wild horses of the Pryor Mountain range. This event will feature Ginger Kathrens, the author of the award-winning books: Cloud: Wild Stallion of the Rockies and Cloud's Legacy: The Wild Stallion Returns

Kathrens, an Emmy award-winning director, has traveled the world filming wild animals and wild places for the Discovery Channel, BBC, National Geographic and PBS. She has created two Cloud documentaries for PBS; a third is currently in production.

Kathrens is returning to the Chicago area with an update on America's mustangs, including the Pryor Mountain herd. She will show some of her documentary footage of the Pryor Mountain Herd and describe the latest efforts to preserve the wild horses in the west and the prospects for BLM action in 2009. We will then discuss what we can do to help save the mustangs.

This special evening will be held at the spectacular Seahorse Palace at Woodland in Barrington Hills. Cocktails and hors 'doeuvres will be served from 6:30 p.m.

Barrington Township/Cuba Township Food Drive

Barrington area communities have been very generous with donations to local food pantries. Unfortunately, the need goes on all year and demand is increasing. We have seen many new families seeking assistance: 26 new families in Cuba Township alone. Barrington and Cuba Townships distributed over a ton of food in December 2008.

To address the need, the two townships have joined together for their 8th annual February “Have a Heart” Food Drive on Saturday, February 14, 2009 from 9 a.m. to Noon. Donations of non-perishable food items may be dropped off at: Barrington Countryside Fire Station #1, 400 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL. Use rear entrance and drive through! Helpers will unload your donation. Stop for coffee and cookies and tour the fire station. Early or late drop-offs can be made inside the front door. Checks can be accepted for The Angel Fund (Barrington Township) or Cuba Township Food Pantry. All donations stay in the Barrington area. Officials of Barrington and Cuba Townships would like to thank residents for their continued support. A special thanks to the Barrington Countryside Fire Department for their assistance.

Village Resident Police Survey Results 2008

Our initial 2009 Village Newsletter refers to the results of the 2008 Annual Police Survey. Residents are always encouraged to provide written comments. The Village Neighborhood Block Captain program is one opportunity to maintain the partnership between the community and the police department to keep us safe and secure. There is a Block Captain Meeting meeting February 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall.

Each month we will list the detailed comments from each major section of the Survey. on this Web Page. Care has been given to maintain privacy of comments if the specifics may identify an individual or location that should remain private. Major areas and “representative” comments for January are included here and each month added comments will be provided on the website through June, 2009.

If one phrase could sum up the comments in this category : Police presence is welcome across the Village 24 by 7 by 365; most singular focus: Security. For the actual resident comments go to the Archives 2009 Page. The chart is a best effort to show the primary concerns of residents. The chart reflects the hand written comments only.

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County

Order Your Rainbarrels and Composter

Water conservation is a growing concern for municipalities and residents alike, and residential irrigation can account for 40% of domestic water consumption in a given municipality.

In McHenry County, all of our water comes to us from wells that tap into groundwater aquifers. All the water in our aquifers comes from rainwater that infiltrates through the soil. If we keep treating our rainwater as "run-off," moving it into a stormwater management system, the aquifers will eventually run dry.

For a limited time, The Land Conservancy is offering rainbarrels at a wholesale price. Residents can place their orders through this link:
https://www.conservemc.org/htdocs/rainbarrelorders.htm.

Yard trimmings and food residuals together constitute 24% of the U.S. municipal solid waste stream. That's a lot of waste to send to landfills when it could become useful and environmentally beneficial compost instead! Composting offers the obvious benefits of resource efficiency and creating a useful product from organic waste that would otherwise have been landfilled.

Rainbarrel and Composter Orders due by May 1st
Pick up at The Land Conservancy in Woodstock May 15 or 16
4506 Dean Street, Woodstock, Illinois

Barrington Township/Cuba Township Food Drive

Village Resident Police Survey Results

Our initial 2009 Village Newsletter refers to the results of the 2008 Annual Police Survey. Residents are always encouraged to provide written comments.

Each month we will list the detailed comments from each major section of the Survey on this Web Page. Care has been given to maintain privacy of comments if the specifics may identify an individual or location that should remain private. Major areas and “representative” comments for April are included here and each month added comments will be provided on the website through July, 2009.

Note that praise breaks down into many categories: Attitude, Quality, Officers, Safety, Speed and Traffic Enforcement, Maintaining Status Quo and the residual Thanks and Great Job! The most detailed comments relate to safety.

Attitude (5)
Quality (10)
Officers (5)
Safety (11)
Speed and Traffic Management (6)
Maintain (9)
Thanks and Great Job (14)

Meet Sarah Kenney

1. What are your primary responsibilities as Planning and Zoning Coordinator?
My primary responsibility is to maintain the recording process between the Building and Zoning Departments, respectively. I also assist various village committees by doing what is needed in order for members to make informed decisions.

2. Will you be interacting much with residents, or primarily supporting the village staff?
I will be interacting with residents as the initial point of contact for all planning and zoning related questions. I also support village staff by preparing mailings, researching issues applicable to the Village, drafting agendas, taking minutes and working with the Village Engineer’s office for obtaining records of information.

3. What do you hope to accomplish in your job with the village?
My first goal in my new position with the Village is to familiarize myself and continue to learn as much as I can about Barrington Hills. I also aspire to enhance the electronic recording process held at the Building Department. Moreover, through my work with the Communications Committee, I hope to help educate citizens about issues that matter to the Village.

4. What will you be tackling first in your new position?
My first task will be promoting the Village’s “Dark Sky” by initiating events that are involved with the International Year of Astronomy 2009. I have been working with the Plan Commission on this effort, as well as looking into what outdoor lighting means throughout the Village. In addition, I will be reviewing the zoning permit process and the enforcement practice.

Celebrate Earth Hour with the World

Turn Off Your Lights for an Hour

Watch The Night Sky!

March 28, 2009 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. C.S.T.

On the Community IYA 2009 Page, read articles on activities you and your family can do on your own in March. Also learn more about planting a Moon Garden.

Sarah Kenney is planning activities at the Village Hall. Come back to this page and/or link to the IYA Page mentioned above to participate in activities at the Village Hall in 2009!

Can a “Femtocell” Improve Your Home Cellular Coverage

Recent product announcements from several cellular service providers may help improve cellular coverage within the home for some of our residents. Complementing the existing nationwide network of cell towers in use today, new products called “Femtocells“ can provide a cellular signal in areas that suffer from poor cellular service such as your home or perhaps a basement. For the rest of the news and explanation of what a Femtocell is and how you can make an informed choice on this new capability and see twelve (12) directly related Questions and Responses: go the the Village News Committee Sub Page. High quality cellular service in the Village is another tool in the arsenal to keep us safe and help us in emergencies.

AT&T U-verse Availability Update

Technology Committee Meeting

On February 25, the Technology Review Committee met with AT&T External Affairs Director Dave Strahl to better understand their U-Verse offering and availability within the Village. AT&T U-verse provides integrated Broadband Internet access, TV/Video Programming and digital Telephone services to the home, similar to services available from Comcast and various satellite service providers. To check on your address for AT&T U-verse availability, go to the Village News Page Committee Sub Page.

Roads and Bridges

From the Front Lines of Snow Fighting

Elaine Ramesh
Trustee Roads and Bridges

February 23, your Roads and Bridges Chairman got up at 4:00 a.m. in order to see first hand how Cuba Township services our roads during snow storms. I drove very gingerly over the still as-yet unplowed roads to meet Cuba Township Roads Commissioner Tom Gooch over at the township office on Cuba Road by 4:45 a.m., and then spent the next few hours riding around in the plow as the roads were cleared.

The first thing that struck me was that Tom mans a plow himself. He is out on our roads monitoring the work that is done, instructing the crew on how much salt or what type of mix to use, and making sure that the roads are cleared by the crews in an efficient manner.

Secondly, I noted that it is not an easy task to plow our streets due to the hills, curves and overhanging trees. In fact, Tom told me that new crew members are not started in Barrington Hills, but first build up experience plowing in other towns with straighter roads.

I now have a heightened appreciation for how difficult a task it is to get the roads cleared, and for those who are up working while I am still sleeping! Please don’t forget that Tom Gooch can be reached via his website www.cubaroads.com, if you’d like to make any comments about his service.

Candidates for President of the Village of Barrington Hills Debate

President Robert Abboud & Trustee George Schueppert
Tuesday, March 10th 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Countryside Elementary School
205 W. County Line Road, Barrington Hills, IL.

Topics will focus on:
Open space,
5 acre zoning and
the future of rural life in Barrington Hills

Sponsors: Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Barrington Area Conservation Trust, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Citizens for Conservation, Friends of Spring Creek Forest Preserve, Fox River Valley Hunt, HARPS, Fox River Valley Pony Club, & the Spring Creek Basset Hunt

International Year of Astronomy 2009

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) is a global effort initiated by the International Astronomical Union and UNESCO to help the citizens of the world rediscover their place in the Universe through the day and night-time sky, and thereby engage a personal sense of wonder and discovery. Everyone should realize the impact of astronomy and other fundamental sciences in our daily lives, and understand how scientific knowledge can contribute to a more equitable and peaceful society.

IYA2009 activities will take place locally, nationally, regionally and internationally. National Nodes have been formed in each country to prepare activities for 2009. These nodes will establish collaborations between professional and amateur astronomers, science centers and science communicators to prepare activities for 2009. Already now, 132 countries are involved and well over 140 are expected to participate eventually. To help coordinate this huge global program and to provide an important resource for the participating countries, the IAU has established a central Secretariat and an IYA2009 website www.astronomy2009.org as the principal IYA2009 resource for public, professionals and media alike.

The International Year of Astronomy will be a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, highlighted by the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei. The aim of the Year is to stimulate worldwide interest, especially among young people, in astronomy and science under the central theme "The Universe, Yours to Discover". IYA2009 events and activities will promote a greater appreciation of the inspirational aspects of astronomy that embody an invaluable shared resource for all nations.

2009 Dates for IYA Star Parties and Events

You are welcome to choose any date to hold your IYA event! These suggested dates are simply a starting point to help you begin planning. The four main dates for local IYA2009 Star Party events in the U.S. will be: January 10, April 4, August 1 and December 31.

Tie-ins to the theme of looking at the same objects as Galileo are in italics. Visit the U.S. IYA website at astronomy2009.us/howtohost/ for event planning materials such as advertising brochures and press release templates for you to customize for your event, and find monthly IYA Discovery Guides at www.astrosociety.org/iya/guides.html.

March 2009
Suggested IYA Star Party: any March date supporting one of the programs below
Featured IYA object for March: Saturn and its Rings

Notes: Earth Hour will be on the final evening of star counting for GLOBE at Night. We encourage all Cassini Saturn Observing campaign members to hold Saturn Viewing events from March 8th to the 28th. Wednesday; March 18th is the suggested night for best observing since it will be enough past full moon, but still as close to opposition as possible.

Barrington Hills Proclamation and Press Release:
Go to the http://www.barringtonhills-il.gov/IYA2009/index_IYA.html location to find direct links:

VBH Proclamation IYA 2009 - December 15, 2008, The Village of Barrington Hills formally proclaimed the Village is committed to the Dark Sky Concept.
VBH Press Release IYA 2009 - December 16, 2008, The Village issued a general press release announcing the Dark Sky Proclamation.
Lieutenant Governor Commendation - December 23, 2008, Lt. Governor Quinn sent a Commendation Letter to the Village for the Dark Sky Proclamation.

The sky in 2009 is much like the sky 400 years ago when Gallileo made his first observations. Stay tuned for how you as Residents can ensure our Village continues to be worthy of the accolades.

March's Topic

Observing at Night… and in the Day

The telescope that Galileo first used to look out into the universe was very small by today's standards. But he did have one advantage when he started stargazing – dark skies. For most of human history and up until about 50 years ago, most people could step outside and see countless stars at night. But these days how many we see depends a lot on where we're standing. What can you find when you look up at night? In a bright city many people only see a few of the brightest objects.

The difference between a dark and bright sky is the amount of light pollution. This means the extra light that escapes skyward from our streetlights, and porch lights, and other bright places. This light pollution makes stargazing harder, but it also disrupts the breeding and migration cycles of many wild things. And all of the light that escapes upward is just energy being wasted.

Luckily, there is something we can do about it. By making smart lighting choices we can reduce our impact on the night sky and the environment and save energy while we're at it. A great place to start this month is to become part of the GLOBE at Night citizen science project, from March 16 - 28, 2009. Join a worldwide campaign to record the light pollution where you are by observing the stars in the night sky. Then be sure to follow up with recommendations in the attached handout and ideas from the International Dark-Sky Association.

Speaking of stars, what is the brightest star in the sky? Be careful, it's a trick question. It's our Sun, the closest and most important star to Earth. NASA has many missions dedicated to studying the Sun such as SOHO, Hinode, and STEREO that are giving us great 3D images of the surface activity. Sun-Earth Day is an annual celebration of the Sun and its effects on Earth. Register to receive updates and Sun-Earth Packets.

Celebrations include podcasts and vodcasts, educational materials, museum programs, and Solar Week. The activity included in this Discovery Guide will demonstrate what a difference good lighting can make for your safety and to reduce light pollution. With a few simple materials, you can show friends and family how they can make a difference too. Learn more about Observing at Night…and in the Day from NASA. Find more activities featured during IYA 2009. See what else is planned for the International Year of Astronomy.

Celebrate Earth Hour with the World

Turn Off Your Lights - See the Sky!

March 28, 2009 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. C.S.T.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations. VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour, Saturday, March 28, 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Moon Gardens for Luminous Landscapes

For some people, gardening is a diurnal affair: watch them as they toil, sweat, plan, and plant with peppy bright colors resplendent in the sun. Yet for romantic souls, twilight stirs enchantment and a pure quiet beauty which only awakens with the fall of night. For the nocturnal gardener, a moon garden is a phosphorescent paradise, filled with shimmering silver foliage, the subtle glow of white blossoms, and the sultry, intoxicating fragrance of night-blooming jasmines, stocks, and fantastic twining moonflowers. Before the celestial magic begins, however, there are some earthbound considerations.

For starters, you probably don't want to transform your entire landscape into a moon garden, although there are noteworthy precedents, such as Vita Sackville-West's famous white gardens at Sissinghurst Castle in Britain. Chances are you'll prefer something smaller — perhaps just a border (or planter box!) beneath an open window. Many of the finest moon garden plants are both night-blooming and fragrant, so you'll want to keep both plants and aroma near at hand, where you can easily observe them opening. Why not even design your garden as an accompaniment to a patio or outdoor seating area?

With smaller specialty gardens, it often helps to create a single focal point. Consider using an old-fashioned gazing ball to reflect both the moonlight and moonlit blossoms. There are also newfangled solar powered gazing balls, walkway luminaries, and hose guides, among other accessories, which can add a soft glow to your garden.

How about a lunar pool? Your centerpiece could be a small pond bordered with wooly thyme, lamb's ears, aromatic santolina, and the fragrant creamy white flowers of petunias, along with white impatiens and vinca, and pure white salvia. The water itself, mirroring the night sky, might also host a fragrant, night-blooming water lily, such as Nymphaea 'Trudy Slocum.' And as sound becomes more audible in the relative quiet of night, you might enhance your sensory water flute or some similar dripping, bubbling, or gurgling feature.

Family Activity Packet: Observation Guide

www.globe.gov/globeatnight

March 16 - March 28, 2009

Students and families are encouraged to participate in a global campaign to observe and record the magnitude of visible stars as a means of measuring light pollution in a given location. Your contributions to the online database will document the visible nighttime sky. By locating and observing the constellation Orion in the night sky, students from around the world will learn how the lights in their community contribute to light pollution.

Materials Needed:
• GLOBE at Night Teacher or Family Activity Packet
• Something to write on (clipboard or cardboard)
• Something to write with (pencil or pen)
• Red light to preserve night vision (A red light can be made by covering a flashlight with a brown paper bag or red cellophane and securing the covering with a rubber band to be sure it doesn't slip while making the observation.)
• Optional: GPS unit, Maporama Web site (www.maporama.com) or topographic map to determine your latitude and longitude.

Remember Safety First!
• Please use your judgment as to whether your student should be supervised outside after dark in your location. We encourage you to do this activity with your student.
• Be sure your student is wearing suitable clothing for the weather and for being outside at night (light colored and/or with reflective colors).
• When choosing the darkest area in your location, make sure your student is not close to traffic, the edge of a balcony, or near danger in any other way.

Five Easy Star-Hunting Steps:
(www.globe.gov/globeatnight/observe.html)
1) Find your latitude and longitude by using any of the following methods:
a. Use a GPS unit where you take a measurement. Report as many decimal places as the unit provides.
b. Visit http://eo.ucar.edu/geocode/ on-line. Input your location. Or input your city; zoom in/out and
pan around until you find your location. Double-click and the latitude and longitude will be displayed.
c. Use topographic map of your area.
d. Determine your latitude and longitude with the interactive tool when reporting observations on the GLOBE at Night Web site.
2) Find Orion by going outside an hour after sunset (approximately between 7-10 pm local time)
a. Determine the darkest area by moving to where the most stars are visible in the sky toward Orion. If you have outside lights, be sure they are all off.
b. Wait outside for at least 10 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the darkness. This is called becoming “dark-adapted.”
c. Locate Orion in the sky. For help use the appropriate Orion Finder Chart (www.globe.gov/globeatnight/observe_finder.html) for your latitude.
3) Match your nighttime sky to one of our magnitude charts (pages 2-3)
a. Select the chart that most closely resembles what you are seeing.
b. Estimate the cloud cover in the sky.
c. Fill out the Observation Sheet (page 4).
4) Report your observation online at: www.globe.gov/globeatnight/report.html
a. Your observation can be recorded any time between March 16 - April 7, 2009.
b. From March 16-28, do it again from a different location!
5) Compare your observation to thousands around the world at: www.globe.gov/globeatnight/analyze.html

GLOBE at Night Family Activity Packet - Page 1 Multiple Observations:
You can enter more than one observation by moving to a new location at least 1 km away from your original location. Don’t forget to get new latitude and longitude coordinates. This can be done on the same night or on another night any time during March 16 - March 28, 2009.

Note: for higher latitudes (>45 N or S): You need to do your observation closer to 9:00 pm rather than 8:00 pm or 10:00 pm.

March 2009 Featured Observing Object: Saturn

April 2009

Cook County offers Free Tree Seedlings

Part of Earth and Arbor Day - April 18 and 19

While Earth Day is on April 22, a weekday, and Arbor Day is April 24, a Friday, the forest preserve is holding its activities on a weekend, April 18 and 19, in hopes families can attend. The Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington Hills can be reached at (847)381-6592. Go to the Community Conservation Page for the story.

"Under the Tuscan Sun" Luncheon - April 22

FRIENDS of HOME of THE SPARROW annual luncheon meeting “Under the Tuscan Sun” will be held this year on Wednesday April 22nd at Wynstone Country Club, 1 South Wynstone Drive, North Barrington. Unique boutique shopping begins at 9:30 AM followed by luncheon at 11:30. Tickets are $50. Please contact Sue 847-526-3981 by April 17th.

Barrington Hills P&Z Coordinator Sarah Kenney

Featured on WGN Radio During Earth Hour!

Barrington Hills' own Planning and Zoning Coordinator, Sarah Kenney, was a featured guest on WGN'S Nick Digilio's radio show during Earth Hour March 28 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Click the following link to hear Sarah discuss Barrington Hills' initiative. She's right after Governor Quinn! WGN's Nick Digilio: http://www.barringtonhills-il.gov/IYA2009/index_IYA.html

Barrington Hills filed an application to become a Dark Sky designated community. A condition of the application process required our submission to be audited by members of the International Dark Sky Association. Part of Nick Digilio's radio coverage of Earth Hour included speaking with an active community; they picked Barrington Hills! For all the IYA Activities go to the IYA2009 Page.

Citizens for Conservation’s Earth Day

Saturday, April 25

CFC volunteers should meet at CFC headquarters, 459 West Hwy 22, Lake Barrington at the white farmhouse with a silo across from Good Shepherd Hospital to travel to the Spring Creek Forest Preserve in Barrington Hills. Work hours will be from 9-11:00 a.m.; volunteers are invited to join other volunteers at the near-by Headwaters site for lunch, guest speakers, music, and educational tours lead by local naturalists. Check the Calendar for CFC all work day details.

Citizens For Conservation Mighty Oak Awards - 2009

The Mighty Oak awards are given to CFC non-board members who have volunteered 50 hours or more in the last year. Among those recently honored was Jo Seagren of Barrington Hills. For the complete story, go to the Conservation Page. The CFC also honored Edith Auchter, Barrington Hills resident, for her past three (3) years as President of the CFC

Friends of the Home of The Sparrow

"Under the Tuscan Sun" Luncheon

FRIENDS of HOME of THE SPARROW annual luncheon meeting “Under the Tuscan Sun” will be held this year on Wednesday April 22nd at Wynstone Country Club, 1 S. Wynstone Drive, North Barrington.

Always an informative day in support of the local charity HOME of THE SPARROW, which provides transitional housing, counseling and job-skills training to those women of the NW suburbs finding themselves in personal crisis due to unfortunate circumstances such as loss of a job, death of a spouse, abusive situations, and more.

Unique boutique shopping begins at 9:30 AM followed by luncheon at 11:30. Tickets are $50. Please contact Sue 847-526-3981 by April 17th. All are welcome to attend this fun day and find out more about the work of the organization as well as current volunteer opportunities!

National Network of Volunteer

Weather Observers Snowballs

Calling: Residents, Students, Scouts ... anyone interested
in the Environment and Weather

The observers are part of a fast-growing national network of about 12,500 volunteers in 37 states who measure rain, snow and hail each day, then record the amounts in an online database. The project, called the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS), which began in Colorado, is in its 14th year.

"It's a great program that I'm passionate and excited about," says Melissa Griffin, co-state coordinator for the project in Florida. She says that even though the program was introduced in Florida just last year, 400 observers have already signed up across the state. "By having a dense network of dedicated observers, Florida CoCoRaHS was able to provide invaluable information during Tropical Storm Fay," Griffin wrote in an online report about the storm.

"Folks in Florida did a great job of measuring and reporting" a week of heavy rains, says project founder Nolan Doesken of Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Fay crossed Florida a record four times, killing 14 people and causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.

Henry Reges, the project's national coordinator, also of Colorado State University, says volunteers include "anyone who can devote five minutes a day to take a rain-gauge measurement and post the info online." Volunteers also must purchase a rain gauge, which costs about $25.

Reges says the volunteers act as a "farm team" for the more established National Weather Service cooperative observer program, which has 11,000 volunteers who take a variety of measurements. That program started in 1890. The weather service also sponsors the CoCoRaHS program.

Volunteers not only measure excessive rainfall but "provide vital information in monitoring drought conditions," says Texas assistant state coordinator Bill Runyon of Martindale, Texas. "We provide a lot of useful information about precipitation for the scientific community."

Reges says the information is used by hydrologists, emergency managers, city utility agencies, insurance adjusters, mosquito-control officers, ranchers, farmers, recreation agencies and teachers. "We're not just about data; 50% of the network is geared towards education," he says.

Says volunteer Dana Brackney of Boone, N.C., a self-described weather geek: "It's addictive. It's become a regular part of my day, and I love it."

The program hopes to expand into Idaho, Ohio, Massachusetts, Vermont, Arkansas and West Virginia this year, with a nationwide goal of 20,000 observers by 2010. Volunteers continue to be needed "everywhere and anywhere," Doesken says.

Help make dreams happen for Countryside Elementary by supporting its annual fundraising event. The PTO is hosting a dinner and auction on April 3 at The Stonegate in Hoffman Estates to celebrate the families, individuals and businesses that make dreams a reality for the school.

This event promises comedy and camaraderie to parents, teachers, Barrington Hills residents, Countryside alumni and others who attend. Stand-up comic Tom Dreesen will entertain the crowd. A frequent guest of the Tonight Show and Late Night with David Letterman, this television veteran and Chicago resident is guaranteed to make you laugh. There will also be an amazing selection of items for auction, including golf trips, sporting event tickets, spa days, diamond jewelry.

Proceeds of this event provide opportunities for Countryside students and staff to excel in a competitive educational environment. This year, for example, the PTO is working to get Smart Boards for each class. Smart Board technology unites the simplicity of a whiteboard with the power of a computer.

For information on buying tickets ($85 per person), making a donation or volunteering to help, please e-mail wefindit4u@aol.com or phone Diana or Frank Feraco (847) 687-8220.

PLEASE WATCH FOR THESE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OVER THE NEXT THREE WEEKS:

1. Symptoms appear five to 21 days after infection. Typically, only those in close contact or someone with pertussis become infected.
2. Pertussis may begin with cold-like symptoms (e.g., sneezing or runny nose) with a cough that gradually becomes worse. Others may develop the cough without any cold-like symptoms. 3. Patients are most contagious during the initial cold-like stage and the first two weeks after the onset of coughing. After one to two weeks, the coughing becomes more severe. In very young children, this is often followed by a whooping noise as they try to catch their breath (this symptom is rare in older children). Coughing fits may produce gagging or vomiting. Between coughing fits the person appears well. There is generally no fever and coughing can last six weeks or longer.
4. Adults, teens and vaccinated children often have milder symptoms that may be confused with bronchitis or asthma.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD EXHIBIT COLDLIKE SYMPTOMS AND A COUGH:

1. If a doctor suspects pertussis, the person should stay home for the first five days of antibiotics or until test results are available. The most accurate test is the nose/throat swab. Antibiotics given early may minimize severe symptoms and prevent the spread of the disease.
2. If a medical provider examined your child, please bring a physician’s note back to school.

Apples, Almonds, and All of Us Need Pollinators

When we think of butterflies, we often think of vibrant colors and graceful fluttering. We don’t always think about the important role that butterflies have as pollinators. Bees, birds, bats, and insects (including butterflies) help pollinate the plants that produce more than 75% of the world’s food crops. Without pollinators, most plants cannot produce fruits and seeds. Apples and almonds are examples of pollinated crops.

Cyndi Duda, Environmental Education Specialist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will present a talk called, “Bees, Beetles, and Birds…Why Should We Care about Pollinators?” on Saturday, March 21, at the Barrington Area Library. Citizens for Conservation is sponsoring the program without charge and will include handouts to help local residents get started protecting pollinators in the Barrington area.

This is the third in a series of community education programs for 2009. The last program on April 11 will be about deer.

The pollinator talk will begin at 9:30 a.m., but guests are invited to come for coffee at 9:00 a.m. Donations to cover expenses will be accepted at the door. Please RSVP to the CFC office: (847) 382-SAVE.

Roads and Bridges Commission

Winter Driving Tips

Snow, ice, sleet -- Barrington Hills can’t seem to escape them in 2009! The severe winter weather conditions mean new challenges and dangers for motorists, including slippery road surfaces, limited visibility, and freezing temperatures. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind, especially for the newer teen drivers in your household who might never have driven in these conditions before.

The key is to drive as smoothly as possible, avoiding sudden actions or rapid movements of any kind. Drive as if you have a full cup of coffee on the dashboard and don't want to spill any.

2008 - 2009 Fall and Winter Road Program

Fall is the time to do various chores around the house such as checking and clearing gutters. It would also be a good time to 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.

Our Village does not have any formalized procedure
for the maintenance of drainage ditches.

The Roads and Bridges Committee is currently considering
if a more comprehensive plan for addressing
water run-off issues can be developed.

Solutions to the problem may include amendments to the Village code and a schedule for routine maintenance. However, to run a maintenance program, funds will be needed. Since the Roads and Bridges budget is going to be strongly affected by the higher costs for gasoline and salt in 2009, a solution in the short term may not be possible unless a new source of funds for drainage issues is found.

As more and more of the Village land is developed, it is to be
expected that water run-off problems could increase.

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.

Our local townships and counties are currently filing protests with the state regarding this matter, but are also at the same time working together to try to secure salt supplies. The salt which they secure on their own will be attained at a much higher cost due to these circumstances. Cuba Township (Barrington Hills’ service provider) believes that it will be able to obtain an adequate amount of salt. However, towns such as Barrington and Barrington Hills will have to pay a much higher price for the salt than the amount paid in the previous year when salt was obtained through the CMS process.

Barrington Hills will be paying more than surrounding communities such as West Dundee who were included in the bidding process.

Cuba Township is equipped to deliver either of these alternatives, and maintains a supply of the alternatives on hand. However, the specific weather conditions dictate whether or not it is appropriate to use salt, liquid application or a sand/salt mixture. To summarize, the Village has received assurances from Cuba Township that it will have an adequate supply of salt to meet the Village’s needs, though the salt will be much more expensive.

Cuba Township is coordinating with the Village Hall
regarding snow removal services.

Highway Commissioner Tom Gooch invites residents to visit the Cuba Township website at www.cubaroads.com. On the website, under “winter service” residents can click on “Barrington Hills” to reach a form for submission of their comments and questions regarding snow removal. He can also be reached by phone at 847-381-7793. Cuba Township has three trucks which are dedicated to servicing Barrington Hills.

Village Snow Command Team : Cuba Township will inform the Barrington Hills
Police Department when the plows are sent out.

Residents can call the Police Department to find out if the plows are on their way. The Village has the ability to specifically request service when weather parameters and conditions would not normally trigger Cuba Township’s winter service operations, but the additional service calls will be at an additional cost to the Village based upon Cuba Township’s charges for labor and materials.

The Police Chief will determine whether or not an additional call-out is necessary, and communicate the request to Cuba Township. Residents should be aware that additional calls will impact the Roads and Bridges budget and may limit the Village’s ability to carry out other road maintenance and repair operations in 2009, especially in light of the elevated prices for salt and fuel.

In summary, the Village’s “Snow Command” consists of the Village Engineer, myself, Trustee Ramesh assigned to the Roads and Bridges Committee and Police Chief Murphy. All three of us will work to maintain the safest roads possible during the upcoming winter. On behalf of the Snow Command Team, I hope this article has been informative as to Barrington Hills’ operations. Trustee Elaine Ramesh.

To see all of the bridges within the Village requiring maintenance on a routine basis, go to the History Pull Down Tab or click on: the "Bridges of Barrington Hills" Page.

If you have a question or concern about the Road program, or would like to report road conditions which you believe should be addressed, kindly contact the Village Hall at 847-551-3000. Refer to the Resident Information part of this website for information on which roads are controlled by the Village and which ones are the responsibility of the State and Counties and Private Residents.

Beautification Committee

Small Electronics Recycling Available at the Village Hall

The Village is working with Recycling Avenue to collect used cell phones, all cameras, cordless house phones, wireless DVD modems, DVD's, game consoles, ink cartridges, and laptop computers for recycling through an accredited recycling company.

Many of these items contain compounds or materials that can be harmful to the environment if they are not properly disposed.

February 16, 2009 is the start date to bring your used small electronics to Village Hall (lower level) during normal business hours, 8:30am to 5:00pm M-F, 8:30am to Noon Saturday, to place in the clear collection bin provided. Donations are tax deductible; the forms and brochures are attached to the bin.

Large items such as printers, monitors, toner cartridges, desktop computers, TV's, VCR's or stereos will not be accepted. Recycling Avenue is run by and for persons who are physically and developmentally challenged. Learn more about Avenues to Independence recycling activities by clicking the following link:http://www.avenuesonline.org/recycling.html.

ZBA Commission

Equestrian Commission Horse Boarding
Recommendations to the Zoning Board of Appeals - Version II

The ZBA continued dialog related to Commercial Horse Boarding within the Village.

Early this year, the Village's Equestrian Commission recommended that the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) engage in a process which could lead to amending our code on the extent and specifics of horse boarding in the village. Over the past months a group of eleven people involved in one way or another in equestrian matters in the village have been creating a draft document containing suggestions for consideration by the Zoning Board of Appeals as the next step in its process.

The draft document, which describes the conditions under which boarding could be permitted beyond that contemplated in our Home Occupation Ordinance, was officially received by the ZBA at its regular meeting on September 15, 2008. Version II replaces the initial document as of October 20, 2008.

The document will be subjected over the next several months to the ZBA’s deliberations, editing and preparation for a public hearing on any proposed amendments to the village’s Zoning Code. If you have trouble opening the PDF document go to the following website to http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html?promoid=BUIGO to download the free software.

Residents who are interested in the subject are encouraged to attend the ZBA meetings on the subject, especially the public hearing. Please check the village’s website http://www.barringtonhills-il.gov/ for information on the matter, such as dates, time and locations of the ZBA regular and special meetings. The agendas are posted 72 hours in advance of any ZBA meeting.

As residents are likely aware, the residential real estate market is in a bit of a somnolent phase. Building permits for single family residents in the village have declined substantially over the pace of several years ago. We issued eleven such permits in 2007 (one was withdrawn before construction began) and only three thru the first six months of 2008. The average home size for these 14 permits was 9,138 square feet, with four of the homes being between 10,200 and 12,400 square feet and one for a 20,900 square foot home.

Communications Committee Meeting Update

On February 9, Rose Faber, Barrington Area Library, gave a presentation about the Community Calendar feature on the www.barringtonarealibrary.org website, which aims to help coordinate planning of area events and to avoid conflicts in scheduling. It is possible to sign up for e-mail reminders of these events as well.

Administrator Bob Kosin and Communications Committee Chairperson Nikki Panos
present Barrington Hills area map circa 1940-1950 to Rose Faber (center) for the Barrington Area Library
Photo courtesy of Sarah Kenney

The Library is interested in documenting the history of the Barrington area – the goal is to preserve this information and make it accessible to the community. The library is seeking more photographs and other historic documents. Ms. Faber asked the Communications Committee for further assistance with gathering historic data from residents. Oral history is equally valuable and the library will assist residents in the process. Rose can be contacted at rfaber@barringtonarealibrary.org.

Mr. Robert Kosin presented Ms. Faber and the BA Library with a Village of Barrington Hills Plat Atlas Map, which super-imposes current lot parcels on a 1940-1950 map of area farm land.

Note: Barrington Area Library District covers 72 square miles and is the largest library district in the state. The local history section of the library website currently includes digitized issues of the Barrington Courier Review, Cuba Township Collector’s records, and cemetery records, as well as historic village photos.

Citizens For Conservation

Community Education Nature Programs

We are pleased to announce the programs during the winter of 2009. CFC has been able to procure wonderful speakers for all four programs and encourage the public to attend. All programs will be given in the big downstairs meeting room at the Barrington Area Library and will run from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Join us for coffee at 9:00 a.m. and stay for questions afterwards. All programs are free of charge, but donations will be accepted at the door. Please call CFC at 847-382-SAVE to RSVP. For more information, visit www.citizensforconservation.org.

CFC Workdays

CFC workdays are from 9 to 11 a.m. every Thursday and Saturday. Meet at the CFC office at 459 West Highway 22 in Lake Barrington. Look for the white farmhouse across from Good Shepherd Hospital. Dress for the weather.

Cook County offers Free Tree Seedlings

on April 18 and 19 as part of Earth Day

Northwest suburban residents can get a free tree seedling native to the area next week at Cook County Forest Preserve Earth Day and Arbor Day celebrations.

The Crabtree Nature Preserve at 3 Stover Road in Barrington [Hills] will also have craft activities and allow visitors to plant seeds in addition to the ones they take home with them. It's all scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 18 and 19.

While Earth Day is on April 22, a weekday, and Arbor Day is April 24, a Friday, the forest preserve is holding its activities on a weekend in hopes families can attend. The Crabtree Nature Center can be reached at (847)381-6592.

Those interested in being a bit more giving than receiving on Earth Day can volunteer for forest preserve preservation work or a cleanup by calling the Volunteer Resource Center at (773) 631-1790 for details or by visiting www.fpdccvolunteers.org.

Citizens for Conservation’s Earth Day

Saturday April 25

Citizens for Conservation is one of a group of ten organizations and three corporations who are co-sponsoring the fifth annual Earth Day Celebration at Spring Creek Forest Preserve in Barrington Hills on Saturday, April 25.

CFC volunteers will meet at CFC headquarters, 459 West Hwy 22, Lake Barrington at the white farmhouse with a silo across from Good Shepherd Hospital. Volunteers will carpool to a long-term CFC restoration site in the Spring Creek Preserve. Work hours will be from 9-11:00 a.m., after which all interested are invited to join scores of other volunteers at the near-by Headwaters site for lunch, guest speakers, music, and educational tours lead by local naturalists. Bring work gloves and dress for the weather.

Spring Creek is an ecologically diverse, large forest preserve that offers native plants and animals a protected oasis of 3,900 acres of land where they can nest, reproduce and live. If questions, call CFC at (847) 382-SAVE (7283)

Order Your Rainbarrels and Composters

Water conservation is a growing concern for municipalities and residents alike, and residential irrigation can account for 40% of domestic water consumption in a given municipality.

Rainbarrel and Composter Orders due by May 1st
Pick up at The Land Conservancy in Woodstock May 15 or 16
4506 Dean Street, Woodstock, Illinois

Don't be alarmed: Kane to start controlled burns

Fire has long been a friend to forested areas, and the Kane County Forest Preserve District is expected to soon begin a series of "prescribed" burns.

District officials do not want residents to be alarmed when they see fire in certain forest preserves. More than 1,450 acres in seven woodlands and nine prairie areas have been chosen for this spring's controlled burn program, officials said. Not all of those areas will get the treatment this spring.

The planned burns help preserves rejuvenate themselves by controlling invasive brush.

The fires help release nutrients from burned plants as well as encourage seed growth, he said. The controlled burns also help open woodland floors to sunlight so native wildflowers and plants can flourish.

The burns are planned months in advance, with teams of experts monitoring each site.

Residents near the selected burn areas should receive postcards notifying them of burn dates. More information is available at (630) 232-5980.

Oh, Deer! Can We All Just Get Along?

If you live in the Barrington area, you probably have a love/hate relationship with deer. It’s a thrill to see the graceful creatures, but what will be left of the garden when they move on?

As Senior Biologist for the Cook County Forest Preserve District, Chris Anchor is familiar with the controversy surrounding deer management in the forest preserves. He will answer questions about deer populations in the Barrington area in a program on Saturday, April 11 sponsored by Citizens for Conservation. This is the final talk in the 2009 series of community education programs from CFC. In 2008, Chris wowed the audience with his presentation on coyotes.

The “Living with Deer” program will be held at the Barrington Area Library at 9:30 a.m. Coffee and conversation begin at 9:00 a.m. There is no charge, but donations to cover expenses will be accepted at the door. Please RSVP with the CFC office at (847) 382-SAVE.

Police Survey 2008 - CTY Results

Before reading the resident scores on CTY it is important once again to stress CTY's value to the residents.

CTY is a relatively new service to the Village. The "take rate" has been surprisingly low considering the value the residents who do receive from reverse 911 emergency notifications is very high. What can we do that will help increase the voluntary process to get everyone on board with CTY?

Saturday, April 4, there was a fatal accident along Algonquin Road (Route 62) which necessitated shutting down portions of the road between Bateman and Route 25/Haegers Bend for several hours. CTY provides statistics for each notification.

"During the IYA Saturday events at the Village Hall, there was a CTY alert April 4, 2009 about State RT. 62 being closed for five hours; again the contact statistics have not improved per Robert Kosin.

Out of Attempted Deliveries 1,471

Unsuccessful Deliveries 321
Bad Phone Number 161
Busy 9
Fax/Modem 29
No Answer 101
Phone Network Busy 9

Village population est. 3950 in 1400 households. CTY is free. Individual notification is available and even notification for a "house sitter" can be established for on and/or off site notification."
Registration for CTY is via Internet sign up by going to the www.barringtonhills-il.gov site and clicking on the CTY buttons on the Home Page to make selections or by calling the Village Clerk or Police Department via (847) 551-3000, main village number.

May 2009

Beautification Committee May 2, 2009 Event

Please join your fellow Barrington Hills residents on Saturday, May 2nd for our 2009 KICK OFF EVENT.

We ask that Village citizens (twelve years and older) take an interest in trash removal along our major thoroughfares. To assist in this endeavor, participants should meet us at 8:45 a.m. at the Barrington Hills Presbyterian Church parking lot. Come by yourself or build a "team" of at least four persons to make the most of the EARTH DAY concept in our community.

The aim of this day is to pick up all roadside trash along Lake Cook Road within short assigned quadrants in under two hours. You should plan to wear weather appropriate clothing, boots and rubber work gloves; garbage bags, police assistance and orange safety vests will be provided.

We encourage everyone to be mindful of the trash along their own property as it touches the public thoroughfares and ask that you reach out to your neighbors who might need help on their property too.

Please share this information with all your clubs, church affiliation, family members and neighbors. Help make this satisfying event FUN and Make a Difference for your Village and property.

Students who wish to get Community Service credit for participation need to bring forms to be signed for the service hours.

For comments or more details, contact Beautification Chair: P Denise Israel @ pdenisei@hotmail.com or call (847) 381-9487.

Barrington Country Gardens and Antique Faire

Event: June 19 - 20, 2009

Ninth Annual Event to Raise Funds for “Hands of Hope”

Early Tickets on Sale in May

Your unwanted "treasures" can change the quality of life for women and children in Africa who are suffering from poverty. Hands of Hope's annual fundraiser, The Barrington Country Garden & Antique Faire will be held on June 19 and 20. All proceeds will go to help women and children in Africa who are struggling to survive. Avant Garden, the upscale flea market at the Faire, is in need of the following donations:

ANTIQUE FURNITURE	China
Patio/Garden Furniture (wood, metal or iron)	Frames
Patio/Garden Furniture (wood, metal or iron)	Mirrors
Dressers/Chests	Pottery
Chairs	Art
Linens in good condition	Jewelry of all kinds
Tables	Decorative Pillows
Glassware/Crystal	Garden Collectibles
Lamps/Chandeliers/Lampshades/Sconces	Decorator Accessories
Real Furs (hats, collars, scarves, coats)	Designer Handbags

Will you please join hands with us to make a difference? You will be part of a truly remarkable work of women helping women eradicate poverty and suffering a world away. For donation pick up or more information, please call Laurette Grove at (630) 802 1974 (c), (630) 232 6313 (h), Bernie Kaspar (847) 997 3334 (c), or Kathy Loftus (847) 347 0748 (c). All donations are tax deductible.

Village Election Results 2009

The Barrington Hills Board Members were sworn in at a ceremony to be scheduled at the Village May 11: Robert Abboud, Fritz Gohl, Elaine Ramesh, Steve Knoop, and Peter Wessel join/rejoin Beth Mallen and Walter E. Smithe on the Board of Trustees.

Seasonal Reduced Road Limits no longer in Effect

The Barrington Hills Engineers have recommended that the seasonal road weight limits end May 11 on the local Barrington Hills Roadways. For details go to the Village News Main Page.

BACOA launches online Resource Directory

BARRINGTON, IL—May 1, 2009—Are you searching for information on healthy aging? Housing options for seniors? Support for family caregivers?

The Barrington Area Council on Aging has launched a new online resource guide on its Web site, www.bacoa.org. The Online Resource Center provides an extensive array of resources, services and information for older adults, family caregivers and the Barrington community.

May 13 CTY Notification: Police used CTY to advise residents of a burglary near Bateman Road and Bateman Circle. Robbers entered through an unlocked garage door. See email text below. Sign up if you are not getting called or notified.

"On behalf of Chief Michael Murphy of the Barrington Hills Police Department, we would like to notify you that this department is actively investigating a Residential Burglary which took place on May 12, 2009, between 11:00am and 5:00pm, in the area of Bateman Road and Bateman Circle, in which jewelry was taken.

Entry to the home is believed to have been gained through an unlocked garage door. Anyone with any information that may aid in this investigation is asked to contact the Investigations Division of the Barrington Hills Police Department.

We would like to remind you to lock all doors and windows when leaving your home and if available, utilize your alarm system.

May 14, 2009 Update: Contact President Obama's office and ask that his team move rapidly to appoint a community-oriented Board member at the STB! You can contact President Obama’s office by e-mail at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/. We need to get the wheels of government grinding in the favor of communities that are left with the onerous burden of living with freight traffic without anyone making the needed investment to mitigate the harms! Go to the News Hot Topics Page for all CN related stories and information impacting Barrington Hills.

Darker skies mean lighter energy bills -

and a clear view of stars

Go to the IYA 2009 Page and scroll down to this Darker Skies article. Read more including quotes from David R. Toeppen of Mount Prospect and Trustee Steve Knoop on the value of Dark Skies including the Barrington Hills position.

"You can reduce the wattage. They can save more money because the lights don't have to be so bright," Toeppen says, citing International Dark-Sky Association research that says poor and unnecessary lighting costs our nation $10.4 billion a year. "It isn't just some sort of theoretical thing. It involves good vision and saving money."

The Will County suburb of Homer Glen adopted a much-acclaimed lighting ordinance last year that controls lighting on homes and businesses. Now the tony, residential Barrington Hills, where large homes on five-acre estates sometimes sport expensive lighting displays, is a leader in the movement.

"In our comprehensive plan, we come out and state that we are a dark-sky community," says Barrington Hills Trustee Steve Knoop. The community even celebrates the International Year of Astronomy on its village stickers.

Village Recycling

Small Electronics Recycling Available at the Village Hall

P. Denise Israel

The Village is working with Recycling Avenue to collect used cell phones, all cameras, cordless house phones, wireless DVD modems, DVD's, game consoles, ink cartridges, and laptop computers for recycling through an accredited recycling company.

Many of these items contain compounds or materials that can be harmful to the environment if they are not properly disposed.

February 16, 2009 is the start date to bring your used small electronics to Village Hall (lower level) during normal business hours, 8:30am to 5:00pm M-F, 8:30am to Noon Saturday, to place in the clear collection bin provided. Donations are tax deductible; the forms and brochures are attached to the bin.

Large items such as printers, monitors, toner cartridges, desktop computers, TV's, VCR's or stereos will not be accepted. Recycling Avenue is run by and for persons who are physically and developmentally challenged. Learn more about Avenues to Independence recycling activities by clicking the following link:http://www.avenuesonline.org/recycling.html

Assessment Challenges Stun County: McHenry

NORTHWEST HERALD
Full Story: http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2009/01/29/68371012/index.xml

The sheer number of McHenry County landowners appealing their property assessments could end up delaying property tax bills and disbursements to county taxing bodies.

McHenry County Supervisor of Assessments Donna Mayberry received more than 2,300 challenges last year for 2008 taxes payable this year. That’s more than double the 1,100 challenges filed in 2007.

The county clerk cannot calculate tax extensions, or how much taxing bodies receive based on their districts’ assessed values, until all challenges are resolved.

To learn more: Visit the County Assessor’s Web site at www.co.mchenry.il.us and click on “Departments,” and then “Assessments.”

Roads and Bridges: Deer Awareness

Deer - Beautiful and a Danger to Motorists - 2009 photo courtesy of Laura Ekstrom

Depending on the community -- built out or near a forest preserve -- the number of deer crashes vary significantly and there are plenty in the northwest suburbs.

"I was involved in one myself several years ago about 10 a.m. on east bound (Route) 62, west of Sutton (Road)," said Lt. Rich Semelsberger of the Barrington Hills Police Department. "A deer ran into the squad (car)."

Barrington Hills reported 72 deer crashes in 2007 and 69 in 2008, but the police department doesn't budget for them, Semelsberger said. He attributed the high number to the village's vast size of 30-square miles with Spring Creek Valley Forest Preserve in Cook County on Route 62 and not to the village's population of 3,915.

Seasonal Reduced Road Limit Posting

Starting March 16 - Ended May 11

The Village Engineers have recommended that March 16 become the official date to limit weight (as posted - 10 tons) on the local Barrington Hills Roadways. Based on the extended view of the forecast, anticipation of overnight temperatures and near freezing in the next few weeks, the date has been set. This is a conservative date and any changes will be posted should a need arise. Any questions about the specific implications of the limitations can be directed to the Assistant Village Engineer, Daniel J. Strahan, P.E., CFM. Note: May 11, road conditions indicated the ban on heavy loads can be lifted.

March 29, 2009 Snow Storm Costs -

Posted in May when Received

All invoices have been received for the 3/29/09 storm. The breakdown is as follows for tree/branch cleanup:

Cuba Township: $ 680.00
R&J Tree Service: $9,100.00

Total: $9,780.00

Rosemary Ryba, Treasurer
Village of Barrington Hills

The above costs include Village maintained roads only, not private lanes or lanes maintained by the state or other entities. The damaged trees and limbs were pushed or dragged to the roadside, where they are being slowly removed by landowners.

The Village apportions money and pays for fallen tree limbs and fallen trees which obstruct our roads to be chopped up and moved off the road after a storm. However, the Village does not remove damaged trees and limbs cleared from the road. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to have the wood disposed of in a manner most convenient for them.

Residents should note that downed limbs cleared from the road often seem to make their way into the drainage ditches. If the resident fails to clear his ditch, it could result in the back up of excess water on his property and/or his neighbors' property. Since we are now entering the spring rainy season, please check and clear your drainage ditches so that the excess water which we can expect to collect in the next month or so can be dispersed according to plan. Thank You.

BACOG News - Spring 2009

BACOG’s legislative proposal, HB967, that would require notice to municipalities and townships of foreclosures is progressing in the General Assembly. The bill was re-assigned to the Cities and Villages Committee at our request, and it passed out of committee on March 12th. It is on second reading in the House. The bill will help local governments learn of properties vacated and abandoned through foreclosures through the notification process. Local governments can then provide extra protections in the form of assistance to owners, police patrols to prevent vandalism, or mowing of weeds and placement of liens, for example -- all of which protect the property’s value and the neighborhood’s stability and property values as well.

Officials traveled to Springfield for three days of advocacy for BACOG area needs: Gene Dawson-Barrington Township; Kathleen Leitner-Tower Lakes, Bruce Sauer-North Barrington; Robert Abboud-Barrington Hills; Kevin Richardson-Lake Barrington; Karen Darch-Barrington; Scott Gifford-Deer Park; and Janet Agnoletti, BACOG Executive Director.

Our officials met with Speaker Michael Madigan, talked with members of the House and Senate about HB967 and other bills, participated in a press conference on the CN Rail Road, hosted a reception for legislators to discuss the BACOG 2009 Legislative Platform, and met with IDOT for a stimulus bill update.

WORKSHOP

BACOG will hold a workshop on Thursday, April 30th, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., for newly-elected and “old” officials and staff on the topics of: ethics, codes and ordinances, the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act, contracts and bidding, and more. RSVP to the BACOG office at (847) 381-7871 or j.losinski@bacog.org.

ENVIRONMENT

The BACOG office is exploring issues relating to phosphorus in lawn fertilizers and the connection to the poor health of numerous surface water bodies in the region, as part of our work with the Flint Creek Watershed Partnership. BACOG and FCWP are working with Lake County Lakes Division on this project.

Barrington Parade Essay Contest

The Barrington area 4th of July Parade is excited to feature a new essay contest for children ages 8 to 18. With the parade theme, “In the Footsteps of Lincoln”, we invite Barrington area children to write and share essays about continuing Abraham Lincoln’s legacy today. The spirit that guided Lincoln was evident in his second Inaugural Address. This speech is inscribed on one wall of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. “…With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right…”

Essays will be judged on creativity, content and communications. Judges will consider the following:
Creativity and Content

Eligibility
The essay contest is open to all Barrington area children ages 8 to 18. Essays must be 300 words or less.

Winners
3 winners will be selected from each of the following categories:
-Entries from ages 8 to 11.
-Entries from ages 12 to 14.
-Entries from ages 15 to 18.
Winners in each category will be featured in our parade! The winners will be float leaders for the Food Donations float. These floats are part of the food donation drive the parade is hosting.

Submissions
Entry Deadline is May 31, 2009. Entries must include a completed entry form with the essay. Entries may be submitted via fax (847) 7704916 or via postal mail to:

Barrington 4th of July Essay Contest
P.O. Box 3335
Barrington, Illinois 60011
Essay Entry Form PDF http://www.barringtonparade.com/public/downloads/BarringtonParade_EssayEntryForm.pdf

Entries may be submitted via fax:
847-770-4916

June 2009

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHICAGO HAS ISSUED A TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHERN KANE COUNTY AND SOUTHERN MCHENRY COUNTY UNTIL 930 AM CDT.
AT 852 AM NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RADAR INDICATED STRONG ROTATION IN A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM 8 MILES WEST OF HUNTLEY...MOVING EAST AT 25 MPH.
THE TORNADO WILL BE NEAR HUNTLEY BY 910 AM, ALGONQUIN/ LAKE IN THE HILLS BY 925 AM
AND WEST DUNDEE BY 930 AM.

IN ADDITION TO THE TORNADO THIS STORM IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING GOLF BALL SIZED HAIL AND DESTRUCTIVE WINDS.

PLEASE TAKE SHELTER. IF NO BASEMENT IS AVAILABLE MOVE TO AN INTERIOR
ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR AND AVOID WINDOWS.

Congratulations to Barrington High School!

AMA and Dark Sky Related Resolution

Village Administration team members, Robert Kosin and Sarah Kenney were invited to the American Medical Association (AMA) Conference held in Chicago June 13 through 17. Bob Kosin was spontaneously was asked to speak before the AMA about the Barrington Hills Dark Sky Resolution. The AMA resolution is called, "Advocating and Support for Light Pollution Control Efforts and Glare Reduction for Both Public Safety and Energy Savings" Their resolution passed unanimously. Read more about it on the Community IYA2009 Page.

Vehicle Stickers - 2009

Vehicle stickers can be purchased through the mail, in person at the police department, or new this year, online. A vehicle sticker is required by June 1 for all vehicles registered within the Village of Barrington Hills. Police Page for Vehicle Stickers.

Beautification Committee

May Public Service Event

Volunteers Pick Up Over 10 Tons of Trash!

The sun shined gently and a cool breeze provided further inspiration to the volunteers who participated in our May 2nd Roadside trash pick up. The volunteers came from inside and outside our Village. The Teams represented members of The Riding Club of Barrington Hills, [McHenry County] Boy Scout Troop 152, employees from the Bellamine Jesuit Retreat, BHS, the Presbyterian Church of Barrington, Barrington Area Conservation Trust, several Block Captains, newly elected Trustee Elaine Ramesh and husband Mani, Harper Business Honor Sorority and residents who just wanted to make the difference on Lake Cook Road. Our Committee and this Village are grateful for your actions. Thank you all so very much!

VBH Beautification Day, May 2, 2009 - Volunteers Talkin' Trash

Go to the Village News Committee Page for more special thanks and the remainder of the story. More photos are posted to the Photo Gallery Beautification Committee Page.

Friends of the Barrington Area Library Book Sale

Saturday, June 27, 9 – 5 p. m. and Sunday, Jun 28, 1 - 5 p.m. Browse aisles of used books including a special Civil War collection. Purchases benefit the Barrington Area Library.

Citizens for Conservation

Mighty Oak Awards - 2009

The Mighty Oak awards are given to CFC non-board members who have volunteered 50 hours or more in the last year. As you know, Citizens for Conservation is almost totally a volunteer organization, and these volunteers are the backbone of our efforts. Their contributions include everything from restoration work, to writing, to help in the office, to bird monitoring! Most of these individuals have received this award for a number of years, contributing over 50 hours year after year. We thank them with a subscription to Chicago Wilderness Magazine, and more importantly, our heartfelt gratitude for all that they do.

Among those recently honored was Jo Seagren of Barrington Hills. Jo has been a steadfast and loyal volunteer for 19 years, contributing many talents. She is always willing to make presentations to school classes, writes the book reviews for the CFC News, is a bird monitor and teaches a bird monitoring workshop. She is an ambassador to the communities, heading various outreach projects, and serves on the nominating committee since she knows so many people in the area. She also continues as a restoration volunteer. Jo received CFC’s Great Blue Heron Award last year, and she hasn’t slowed down a bit this year. Jo, thank you for all you do!

Fox River Valley Pony Club Horse Trials in June

The horse show season is gearing up in Barrington Hills, with the successful completion of the Fox River Valley Pony Club Mini Event in May and preparations underway for the pony club’s Horse Trials in June. Riders from around the region and beyond will be coming to the Fox River Pony Club Trials held at the Countryside Park District the weekend of June 26 - 28 for the show.

Barrington Hills’ residents are encouraged to join us for this wonderful event, either by competing with your horse, volunteering to help or coming out to enjoy the fantastic riding and beautiful countryside with friends and neighbors. Check out the horse trials web site at www.frvpchorsetrials.org for information on how to get involved. There are so many ways to help – we are looking for cross country jump judges, dressage scribes, a warm up ring steward, show jump crew members and of course sponsors!

Proceeds from the event benefit the educational program of the pony club, as well as the purchase and maintenance of the show jumping and cross country jumps and courses at the riding center.

The cross country course, which has been described as a "jewel in the crown of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County", has been entirely upgraded and maintained through the efforts of the pony club and its members. Although the Horse Trials occur over one weekend a year, the rest of the year trail riders, hikers and conservationists enjoy the natural paths the horses gallop across on cross country day. Help us make this great tradition an ongoing success.

The two shows are already a Barrington Hills community affair. The mini event was organized by resident and pony club mom Jane Clement, with Linda Fox and Vicki Kelly serving as secretaries. Lauren Foos and Judy Freeman organized the cross country course, and resident Jeryl Olson and Pony Club mom Dawn Stavropoulos created a great stadium course. Countless other residents also helped out as jump judges and in other volunteer positions. Many local riders also participated, including Melanie Rousseau, Colton Wiseman, Madeline Vines, Ethan Meister, Jennifer Dougherty, Anneka Jansson, Theo Gagen, Gigi Iocavelli, Caitlyn Thornton, Tess Kelly, Jessica Underwood, Katie and Pat Finn, Sinead and Fiona Cotter, Lorelei Benkendorf, Barb McMorris, Elsa Olson, Lizzie Foos, Samantha Lidbury, Morgan Maison, Alexis Freeman, Allison Ahern, Lucas Gully, and Susan Schacht.

The Horse Trials event is organized by a committee of residents also involved in Pony Club: Monica Gully, Barb and Fred McMorris, Jim Meister and Jennifer Rousseau. Barrington Saddlery, owned by resident Dick Stephenson, is a Platinum Sponsor and the Wiseman Family and Morton Builders are Gold Sponsors of the show. Oliver Cotter and Cotter Construction provide much of the services needed to clear and develop the trails for both shows, and Jim Meister’s Prairie Equine Veterinary Hospital provides veterinary services to the shows.

Many other residents help put on the Horse Trials, including Lauren Foos, Vicki Kelly, Judy Freeman, Stew Gully, Tina and Troy Wiseman, Nancy Mesic and Rick Vines, Barrington Hills Trustee Peter Wessel, and Barrington Hills Equestrian Committee Chairman Dan Lundmark.

July

Barrington Hills and Barrington Area Library

Sponsor "Stories in the Park"

Hometown Celebrity Pug Ike to Stop By at the Event

Thursday, July 16, 10:30 a.m. Meet at the Village Hall, 112 Algonquin Road; parking in back. Under tent - bring a blanket. Stories, Songs, Crafts led by Barrington Area Librarian. Village celebrity, award winning Pug Ike will stop by to visit. No fees or advanced registration is required. All ages welcome. Plenty of space and parking. Indoor or outdoors depending on weather.

"Stories in the Park " 2008 Photo of Craft Project - photo courtesy of Barbara Kemp

"Stories in the Park " in 2009, guest IKE - photo courtesy of the Holsteen Family of Barrington Hills

2009 Barrington Concours d’Elegance

set for July 12th at Makray

Event to support Barrington Area Conservation Trust and Hospice of Northeastern Illinois

Tickets are now on sale for the 2009 Barrington Concours d’Elegance charity benefit, Legends & Legacies: Celebrating a Century on Wheels, which will be held Sunday, July 12.

This year’s scaled-back event is a one-day Road Rally through the Barrington countryside, followed by an elegant cocktail buffet benefit on the lawn at Makray Memorial Golf Club. At Makray, 20 to 25 of the area’s most stunning Concours vehicles will be on display, along with antique bicycles and Victorian-era carriages.

No tickets will be sold at the door for this year’s charity benefit; all tickets must be purchased in advance at www.barringtonconcours.org.

There are three ticket options:

The Road Rally and Dinner Charity Benefit Package is $175 per person and includes one vehicle entry in the Road Rally and one admittance to the dinner, where the Concours vehicles will be shown (also includes silent auction, elegant buffet, and open bar at Makray).

Tickets for the dinner only are $150 per person (no access to Road Rally).

Tickets for the Road Rally only are $50 per vehicle (no access to view Concours vehicles; this ticket admits as many people to the Rally as your vehicle will hold).

"We have some really incredible things going on this year in spite of scaling back. Bugatti is bringing two Varon Sports cars for the rally and then for test drives at the dinner. Tesla (electric sports car) will be in the rally and on show at Makray. We also have a Spyker sports car, which is brand new and absolutely beautiful - to my mind it’s the Armani of the sport car set - along with Bentleys, Porsches, Mercedes, and more.

For our raffle Bugatti donated a full day at the factory in France and driving the Varon with a professional driver; lodging and transportation is included.

For our silent auction Cirus airplanes have donated a flying tour of Chicago – and we have a chauffeur with Hugh Heffner’s limo to transport the winners from home to the airport of choice and then on to the Ritz for the night. Tesla has donated a day of driving here in Chicago.

Space is limited for the dinner and car viewing combination - 300 guests total - so people will need to buy their tickets early."

BACOA Events

Summer Solstice Dance set for seniors

The Barrington Area Council on Aging, The Garlands of Barrington, the Barrington Park District and other local park districts will sponsor an evening of dancing, live music and dinner at The Garlands on Friday, June 19 at 5 p.m. Singles and couples are welcome; music will be provided by Vito Buffalo.

Cost for the evening is $48, which includes a buffet supper. Beer and wine may also be purchased for an additional fee. Registration deadline is June 1; to register, call Linda Avellon at BACOA at (847) 852-3892.

Because of parking limitations at The Garlands, shuttle service will be provided from Citizens Park. For more information on the shuttle service, call Kent Hengels at the Barrington Park District at (847) 381-0687.

BACOA Events

Barrington Area Council on Aging Senior Activity and Lunch

Programs for June

The Barrington Area Council on Aging’s Monday Senior Lunch and Activity Program is held at the Barrington Park District, 235 Lions Drive, Barrington. Bingo begins at 10:30 a.m.; lunch is served at noon.

Suggested donation for the Monday lunch program is $5. However, if underwriting is unavailable for special programs, there may be an increase in the suggested donation. Pre registration is required; please call BACOA at (847) 381-5030.

Monday, June 8 - Bingo and lunch.

Monday, June 15 - Annual Flag Day Celebration

Bingo, lunch and the celebration of Flag Day. Members of American Legion Post #158 will provide and serve lunch. Music will be performed by Doug Saylor and Joyce Palmquist of “Second Wind.” For reservations, contact Linda Avellon at BACOA at (847) 852-3892 by Monday, June 8. Wear red, white and blue.

BACOA, Park District to provide Senior Day transportation

BARRINGTON, IL – The Barrington Area Council on Aging and the Barrington Park District will provide area seniors free transportation to the Lake County Forest Preserves’ annual Seniors Day Celebration.

The celebration, on Wednesday, June 24, will feature free pontoon boat rides, sponsor exhibits, health screenings, bingo, horseshoes, swimming, and native garden tours, at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. Attendees should bring their own lunch. A bus will leave Langendorf Park at 9 a.m. and return around 2:30 p.m.

For more information or to register, call Linda Avellon at BACOA at (847) 852-389

BACOA Support Groups

BARRINGTON, IL ––The Alzheimer’s Association Support Group, sponsored by the Barrington Area Council on Aging, will meet at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 401 E. Main St., Barrington. The meeting will be held Thursday, June 11 from 1:30-3 p.m.

The group provides education, speakers and support for people with early stage memory loss and their family members. It meets the second Thursday of every month from 1:30-3 p.m. There is no charge for this program, but registration is requested for first-time participants. Call BACOA Bonnie Scherkenbach at (847) 381-5030 to register.

BACOA Trips

BARRINGTON, IL – Area seniors are invited to join the Barrington Area Council on Aging and the Barrington Park District for a cruise on the Rock River on Wednesday July 15.

The 15-mile cruise will leave from Oregon, Ill., aboard The Pride of Oregon, a 102-foot paddlewheel. Sightseeing highlights will include the famous Loredo Taft Blackhawk sculpture, as well as state parks and riverbank scenery. Lunch will be served on the boat as well.

Cost for the trip is $35, which includes transportation by Park District van, lunch and cruise. The bus will leave the Barrington Park District at 8:45 a.m. and return to Barrington around 4 p.m.

Registration deadline is July 1; for reservations, call Kent Hengels at the Park District at (847) 304-5273.

BACOA Support Groups

BARRINGTON, IL –Om Johari will speak at the Barrington Area Council on Aging’s Parkinson’s Disease Education Group June meeting. Johari will discuss meditation and its use with chronic disease.

The group will meet Saturday, June 27, from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center at The Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington.

The group is open to Parkinson’s disease patients and their family members who wish to learn more about the disease. New members are welcome. For more information, or to register, call Penny LeNeveu at BACOA at (847) 381-5030.

BACOA Travel

BACOA and the Barrington Park District have partnered with Mayflower Tours to offer a selection of U.S. tours. They include:

New York City. Departure date: June 14, 2009. Kick off summer in the Big Apple. The six-day motorcoach tour will include tours of Manhattan; a New York harbor/Statue of Liberty cruise; and dinner at Rockefeller Center. Stops along the way will include a show at the Carousel Dinner Theatre in Akron, Ohio. Cost is $2,378 (double) and includes 10 meals, motorcoach transportation and $30 in “Mayflower Money.”

BACOA Support Groups

BARRINGTON, IL – Polly Abbott, from Chicago’s Guild for the Blind, will discuss “Independence Without Driving,” at the June meeting of the Barrington Area Council on Aging’s Low Vision Education and Support Group.

The group will meet Thursday, June 11, from 1-2:30 p.m. at Lake Barrington Woods, 22320 Classic Court, Lake Barrington. The group is open to persons of all ages and offers monthly informational meetings as well as resources and local educational trips to persons with low vision.

The group regularly meets on the second Thursday of each month. For more information, call BACOA Diane Vos Hansen at (847) 381-5030.

BACOA Support Groups

BARRINGTON, IL – The Barrington Area Council on Aging’s Caregiver Support Group will discuss effective communication technique at its June meeting. The group will meet Wednesday, June 3, from 7-9 p.m. at the BACOA office, 6000 Garlands Lane, Suite 100, Barrington. For more information or to register, call Penny LeNeveu at BACOA (847) 381-5030.

BACOA’s Caregiver Support Group provides ongoing education and support for caregivers. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month from 7-9 p.m.

BACOA Support Groups

“Powerful Tools” class helps caregivers help themselves

BARRINGTON, IL— The Barrington Area Council on Aging will begin its next six-week “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” class on Thursday, June 11, from 6-8:30 p.m. The class will be held at the BACOA office in the Prairieview Building at The Garlands of Barrington, 6000 Garlands Lane, Suite 100, Barrington.

The course is designed for the nonprofessional caregiver who is helping to care for a parent, spouse, or friend who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country. This program helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate their feelings, balance their life, and enhance their ability to make tough decisions and to locate helpful resources.

The course, which will run through July 16, consists of six weekly sessions and is conducted on an ongoing basis throughout the year. Suggested donation is $30 per person to cover the cost of materials and instruction, but no one is turned away due to inability to pay.

House, Senate offer dueling income tax hikes.....

but neither a cinch for approval

Chicago Tribune Originally posted: May 30, 2009
Posted by Ray Long at 12:34 p.m.; last updated at 8:30 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD---Unable to agree on an income tax hike, Senate and House Democrats today advanced dueling tax increase plans, but final approval of any version remains up in the air as the General Assembly nears its Sunday night adjournment deadline.

In the Senate, a committee approved a Democratic plan to raise the income tax rate on individuals from 3 percent to 5 percent---a 67 percent increase---as well as broaden the sales tax to cover dry cleaning, video rentals and dozens of other services.
............

Rep. Mark Beaubien (R-Barrington Hills) warned the income tax hike may be temporary now but that Illinoisans "know where that's going to go in the future." A two-year temporary income tax was passed in 1989 but was eventually made permanent.

The House Democratic legislation under consideration today also would double the earned income tax credit. The increase would be phased in over two years and remain in place permanently

Capital Infrastructure Package on Hold for Now

Representative Lou Lang (D-Skokie) is employing a parliamentary tactic to prevent the capital infrastructure package from being sent to the Governor. .......

The Illinois General Assembly approved several components for a $29 billion capital infrastructure program late last week. To fund the projects, the General Assembly legalized video gaming, authorized the private management of the Illinois State Lottery, increased taxes on liquor, candy, and beauty products, and increased vehicle fees. The capital program was approved in three parts: (1) the revenue portion; (2) the spending portion; and (3) the borrowing portion.

Forwarded by: R. Kosin
Ed Note: See related articles below for more information

Quinn holds off signing plan

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Pat Quinn is using a monstrous state construction bill, desperately wanted by lawmakers to fix roads and schools back home, as leverage as he tries to push through a state budget proposal that includes a sizable income tax increase.

Quinn told reporters outside his office Friday he wouldn’t sign the bricks-and-concrete bill until he saw a state operating budget and ethics reforms......

Longmeadow Parkway Toll Bridge and the Illinois Capital Plan

The Longmeadow Parkway Toll Bridge Task Force is charged with coordinating the required activities needed for the consideration of a toll bridge in order to fund the remaining engineering, land acquisition and construction costs for the Longmeadow Parkway Bridge Corridor. A public hearing was recently held regarding the toll bridge concept, the results of which were provided to the Federal Highway Administration for their review and consideration.

Should additional funding become available towards the Longmeadow Parkway Bridge Corridor through the Illinois Capital Plan and/or the next Federal Transportation Bill, these funds could be used to offset a portion of the cost associated with the construction of the corridor and may allow for the reduction of the toll rate necessary to fund the remainder of the corridor.

It remains to be seen what the final version of the Capital Bill will be that the Governor approves. One website you can use to access the General Assembly, the Governor's office, and to follow the progress of a proposed bill is: http://www.illinois.gov/government/gov_legislature.cfm.

Ed Note: The Longmeadow Parkway Toll Bridge Plan terminates traffic to Algonquin Road into Barrington Hills on it's Eastern terminus. This information is posted to alert residents to the potential for local impact. Public meetings will be held; stay in touch and voice your opinions at the Kane County Meetings for this Project.

U.S. Postal Service Starts Recycling Service Trial

in 1,500 Post Offices

Contact: Joanne Veto
(O) 202-268-3118
(C) 202-285-2168
joanne.m.veto@usps.gov
usps.com/news
Release No. 08-028Free Recycling Through the Mail

WASHINGTON, DC —Free and green. Those are the goals of a pilot program launched by the U.S. Postal Service that allows customers to recycle small electronics and inkjet cartridges by mailing them free of charge.

The “Mail Back” program helps consumers make more environmentally friendly choices, making it easier for customers to discard used or obsolete small electronics in an environmentally responsible way. Customers use free envelopes found in 1,500 Post Offices to mail back inkjet cartridges, PDAs, Blackberries, digital cameras, iPods and MP3 players – without having to pay for postage.

Postage is paid for by Clover Technologies Group, a nationally recognized company that recycles, remanufactures and remarkets inkjet cartridges, laser cartridges and small electronics. If the electronic item or cartridges cannot be refurbished and resold, its component parts are reused to refurbish other items, or the parts are broken down further and the materials are recycled. Clover Technologies Group has a “zero waste to landfill” policy: it does everything it can to avoid contributing any materials to the nation’s landfills.

It was this philosophy that won Clover the contract with the Postal Service, besting 19 other companies, said Anita Bizzotto, chief marketing officer and executive vice president for the Postal Service.

“As one of the nation’s leading corporate citizens, the Postal Service is committed to environmental stewardship,” Bizzotto said. “This program is one more way the Postal Service is empowering consumers to go green.”

The free, postage-paid Mail Back envelopes can be found on displays in Post Office lobbies. There is no limit to the number of envelopes customers may take.

The pilot is set for 10 areas across the country, including Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles and San Diego, but could become a national program this fall if the pilot program proves successful.

The Postal Service recycles 1 million tons of paper, plastic and other materials annually. Last year, USPS generated more than $7.5 million in savings through recycling and waste prevention programs. The nation’s environmental watchdog, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Postal Service eight WasteWise Partner of the Year awards, the agency’s top honor.

The Mail Back program is another example of the Postal Service’s commitment to sustainability. USPS is the only shipping or mailing company in the nation to receive Cradle to CradleSM Certification from MBDC (McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry) for human and environmental health. More than half a billion packages and envelopes provided by the Postal Service annually are nearly 100 percent recyclable and are produced with the least harmful materials. Based on the recycled content of these envelopes and packages, more than 15,000 metric tons of carbon equivalent emissions (climate change gases) now are prevented annually.

Village Resident Police Survey Results

Our initial 2009 Village Newsletter refers to the results of the 2008 Annual Police Survey. Residents are always encouraged to provide written comments.

Each month we will list the detailed comments from each major section of the Survey on this Web Page. Care has been given to maintain privacy of comments if the specifics may identify an individual or location that should remain private. Major areas and “representative” comments for May and June are included here and each month added comments will be provided on the website through July, 2009

Major Overall Survey Emphasis from Respondents:

June - Red Light Cameras - 35 Total Added Resident Comments

Comments are in several Categories. 1. ROI (6), Education Needed (10), Feasibility Questions (2), Want Cameras (7), Do Not Want Cameras (8)

May - Bicycles - (13) added comments below, plus the survey questions answered in favor of better regulation of rules of the road that exist and single file for riders since there is little room for cars and bicycles to pass, especially dangerous for safety of riders on hills. Ed. Posted in June when Signs were Posted per new ordinances.

Note that CTY breaks down into three main categories: CTY Excellence, Security Enhanced with CTY, and Maintain CTY Service and Thanks. The most detailed comments relate to Security.

CTY Excellence (4 )
• Thank you though for the very helpful phone alert system. Excellent program.
• Phone / e-mail alert system is simply excellent.
• Communication System a winner!
• High marks on the telephone messaging system – an outstanding idea.

Security Enhanced with CTY (13)
• The recorded phone calls regarding the home invasion were helpful.
• I really appreciate the phone notification regarding village problems.
• I do like the pre-recorded messages about happenings in Barrington Hills. [weather or robbery alerts]
• Thanks for informing us by phone of the armed robbery.
• We appreciate Chief Murphy’s calls alerting us of any dangerous situation.
• We like the occasional phone message regarding a robbery update or suspicious people, etc. Gives us a small town feeling of security.
• I appreciate the automatic call system that informs the citizens of issues which could put us in danger.
• The phone calls that alert us to possible danger are great.
• I really like the phone calls regarding threatening weather/floods and area burglaries, etc.
• Thank you for the phone notification of problems & solutions.
• I think it is a great service that you leave us telephone messages for serious crimes that have occurred.
• I really appreciate your phone calls of home invasions and the catching of the very scary home robbers that occurred near Bateman.
• We greatly appreciate being informed of intruders in area and home invasions which you report immediately to all BH residents. It keeps us on the alert and helps us to properly keep our property protected. You also follow up with your report to homes, which is excellent.

Maintain CTY Service and Thanks! (11)
• Keep up with the phone message updates.
• Keep up with the e-mail notification on critical matters.
• Keep the automated calls for emergencies etc. very helpful. Have not had much opportunity to interact with the police.
• We appreciate the telephone alerts.
• I like when I get a call when there’s a problem; and another when it’s solved.
• We like the telephone notices.
• Really appreciate the automatic phone/voice message alerts. Keep up the good work!
• I appreciate the alerts on my voicemail alerting me to problems in my area. As much contact I have had with the police, I’m very pleased.
• Appreciate the call system.
• I am very pleased with the emergency contact program.
• Telephone alerts and notices are a great addition to service. Thanks

March Month Results: Praise

Attitude (5)
Quality (10)
Officers (5)
Safety (11)
Speed and Traffic Management (6)
Maintain (9)
Thanks and Great Job (14)

Inter-Department Agreement to Reduce Risk

Of Service Delays Caused by Freight Trains

BARRINGTON, IL. The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District (BCFPD) has strengthened its automatic aid agreement with the Lake Zurich Fire and Rescue Department to reduce the risk of emergency response delays caused by freight trains running through the heart of the District, Deputy Fire Chief John Feit reports.

The agreement, which required the simultaneous dispatch of personnel from both departments in response to fire-related emergencies, has been expanded to include all critical care calls for emergency medical service.

District officials took action in the wake of Canadian National Railway Corporation’s purchase of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern (EJ&E) Railway. Canadian National has rerouted six freight trains up to 10,000 feet long onto the EJ&E rail line, which runs across key District intersections. The number of trains will increase over the next few years, increasing the odds of District personnel experiencing delays in their efforts to respond to emergency calls.

“The modified agreement is essential to maintaining delivery of rapid emergency medical service to residents throughout the District. If our vehicles are delayed at a crossing by a freight train, units dispatched from Lake Zurich automatically become the primary response team,” Feit explains. “For the services we provide, a delay of minutes can mean the difference between life and death.”

The District is currently tracking the frequency and duration of the increased freight train crossings. Officials will use this information, along with data compiled by the Village of Barrington, to develop operational practices that maintain the integrity of District services.

“Monitoring and tracking data will help the District plan for specific needs,” Feit says. “We’re looking for patterns that offer a clear picture of how to best utilize fire department resources as the frequency of freight trains we encounter continues to grow.”

Information on BCFPD operations and activities may be found at www.bcfpd.org, or by calling 847/304-3600.

Roads and Bridges - See the

Committee Page - Roads and Bridges for more information.

Miscellaneous Written Comments from 2008 Police Survey

Last Summary Data from 2008

Want More Crossing Signs - Lights - Speed Bumps
• Please install a 4-way stop at Haegers Bend and River Road. This is a very dangerous intersection!
• With horses on Otis Road – I believe we should have a horse crossing sign on Otis and a Stop Sign at Sutton and Otis.
• Consider stoplights at Route 62 / Bateman Road; reduce 55 mph speed limit, at Route 62 – a two lane road.
• Stop light at Bateman and Route 62 – very dangerous!
• We need a light and/or turn lane at Ridge and Lake Cook Road
• Speed bumps on Old Hart Road.
• A red light at Algonquin and Bateman is needed.
• Stop lights at corner of Dundee Lane and Route 59.

Raise Speed Limits
• Raise speed limit to 35 mph.
• There is no reason for 25mph speed limit on Haegers Bend. It should go back to 35mph.
• Raise the speed limit on Ridge Road to at least 30mph.
• The 25mph speed limit is awful and unnecessary. Is it a revenue issue?

Traffic Enforcement - Too Much - Too Little
• Enforce 25 mph speed limit on Spring Creek Road – especially between Haegers Bend and Braeburn
• Saturday and Sunday we’re having very loud speeding motorcycles on Bateman Road
• I live on Hawthorne Road. The speed limit is never enforced. Route 68, north to Hough needs to be 45mph; that would at least achieve 55 mph. I have been in too many close calls trying to get in/out of my home. I have been hit 4 times!!! Never have I seen anyone stopped and cited for speeding. The road has many blind curves and a large number of driveways, including Hawthorne Lane. Screeching of brakes is common place.
• Cops should police more than check speed limit.
• Too much ticky tack speed enforcement on Ridge Road relax!
• 7 a.m. Sundays [west to east] – high speed vehicles 60 – 65 mph and passing over double line.
• Don’t like speed traps.
• Speeding on Braeburn is rampant. We rarely see police patrol private roads.
• Control the noise by Penny Road Pub and motorcycles going 80 to 100 mph.
• Stop Sign enforcement – more patrolling. Help with traffic at Countryside School. Address ATV’s driving on roads.
• We have lived on the SW corner of Old Sutton and Donlea for over 40 years. The number of drivers [and bicyclists] who fail to stop at the stop sign is increasing rapidly. A serious accident is just waiting to happen. Thank you.
• We rarely see any police patrols – private road. Speeding on Braeburn is rampant.
• More speed control. Too many speeders and not enough police check.
• I feel the BH police are always trying to hide and catch residents at “10” over the limit on Spring Creek and on Ridge. I get passed going the speed limit on Lake Cook, but I never see anyone get caught
.• People flashing their headlights are thwarting your attempts to catch speeders. You need a new system.

Roads and Visibility Issues for Drivers
• When pulling vehicles over on Ridge or Plum Tree – be sure they are not on hills blocking other traffic or causing them to pass without being able to see ahead.
• Intersections should be more visible from all 4 ways. Also, possibly more “no passing” signs on hills in the area
.• Patch Road ASAP to avoid major repairs. Repaint white lines and Lake Cook and Meadow Hill. Correctly painted, it is a good guide at night.
• Removing brush at intersections would be helpful.
• Street lights are needed in poorly lit areas for safety and security.
• Some street lights on side streets would be great – It’s very dark at night.
• Lake Cook Road is in poor condition.

Want Follow-up from Robberies and Home Invasions
• Overall, we have no complaints with the police force in Barrington Hills. I would have liked to have read some follow-up on the arrest of the home invaders from last August. I read they were still looking for one person and 3 were in custody on other charges, but not charged with the home invasion in Barrington Hills. It would be comforting to know if all were in custody and charged and not back on the streets.
• We generally feel safe, but due to surrounding areas becoming increasingly dangerous, we are becoming more at risk.

Alarm Systems and Police
• In the last year, if I accidentally set my (home) alarm – if I immediately turn it off you (Police Department) do not get an alarm indication. I don’t know how long the alarm needs to be set off for your board to let you know. It was never that way in the past. I am a little uncomfortable with this new system.
• A security link-up directly from homes to police station. Response time if I needed to quickly contact the police via my alarm system
.• While we do not know how patrols are assigned expected to cover various areas of our Village, on occasion response times seem excessive [15 minutes responding to burglar or fire alarms]
• Response time too slow. I’m on a friends alarm system call list and I beat the officers there by 15 minutes! In a true emergency, I hate to think what might have happened. This was approx. 11 a.m.

Neighborhood Watch and Patrols and Home Inspections
• Security has become an important issue recently, perhaps put on a meeting/seminar to discuss security measures and what to do in case of emergency, i.e. alarm systems, canine, etc.
• I would like to be notified of any criminal activities in the area.
• Please do not automatically remove homes from house watch – keep patrolling.
• Home inspection to advise home owner on how to make their homes more secure.
• In order to assist BH Police in being aware of the “goings-on” in a large geographical area such as ours, consider a program of encouraging BH Citizens to serve as added “eyes and ears” in reporting problems, violations and/or suspicious activities to your non-emergency number. It would be interesting to know to the extent what use is being made of this service now.
• Be more in evidence on private roads.

Officers
• Although we hear and see in the paper about all the “bad guys” getting caught, I would like to hear more about the good things they do and what makes our officers better than other departments.
• Some of the officers talk much too rapidly.
• 7-14-08, I got a speeding ticket going from Lake Cook Road into Ridge Road. Officer [name withheld] was not nice to me and my daughter. He was parked too close to Lake Cook Road and did not give me a chance to slow down. I told him I was going to Poland the next day, he did not care. Then my license got lost, I had to re-do it.
• We were appalled by the lack of concern exhibited by a BH police officer as he took our report regarding a personal property theft we reported. It was most disappointing. [Officer no longer with the Department. There is also previous history of traffic citations issued to subjects.]
• Be a little friendlier, we are not all suspects
• More observation of unknown trespassers!
• Don’t park in the weeds, stay in view!
• Why do you always ticket BH residents and let the gravel truck fly?

Cats and Dogs
• Our neighbor who lives at the corner of Haegers Bend and Spring Creek Road has between 25 and 30 dogs. The noise and stench is terrible.
• Keep dogs / cats at [Police] station at least three days and stop the fines.

Garbage - Solicitors - Smoke - Tree Removal - Contractors Dirt
• There is so much dumping of garbage on Healy, we need cameras there!!
• We are concerned about solicitors – do you have any no soliciting signs?
• Be aware if large trees are being taken down
.• Instruct police officers that sec 7-1-1(a) of the nuisance ordinance (08-10) is violated when smoke from open burning results in the “Annoyance” to a property owner.
• Is there a way to encourage contractors to clean up the roadways after they leave the roads with dirt?

Cell Phone Service
• For our protection, see what can be done to improve cell phone reception in the village. Thank you.
• We need a cell tower

Thanks
• Thanks for asking.

July

Barrington Junior Women’s Club

Safety Town 2009!

Safety Town will be offered July 13 - 24. During the two-week sessions, children attend classes Monday through Friday for 2 1/2 hours each day at Health World in Barrington. Two class times are offered during the month: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Registration Required.

Safety Town is an educational summer program sponsored by Barrington Junior Women’s Club. Go to the Community Events Page for more details.

Barrington Hills Equestrian Community Hosts

Competition Fundraiser at Uulke Farm

Allison told the gathered Equestrians that she is grateful she grew up in Barrington Hills. "The Barrington Hills Riding Club, Fox River Valley Pony Club and Fox River Valley Hunt Club made me the rider I am today."

On July 8th, the equestrian community in Barrington Hills gathered together in support of the competitive dreams of international eventer Allison Springer.

Barrington Junior Women’s Club

Safety Town 2009!

Safety Town will be offered July 13 - 24. During the two-week session, children attend classes Monday through Friday for 2 1/2 hours each day at Health World in Barrington. Two class times are offered during the month: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Registration begins April 18, 2009.

Safety Town is an educational summer program sponsored by Barrington Junior Women’s Club. During each session, a variety of important safety lessons are taught through participation and demonstrations. Safety topics include pedestrian, motorist, fire, bicycle, water, poison, electrical, animal and playground safety as well as stranger danger. Children also review their address and phone number and how to properly use 911 for an emergency.

For more information on the program and registration opportunities, visit www.bjwc.org or call
(847) 809-1960.

Barrington Hills Riding Club Sponsors Clinic!

Part of "Our Equestrian Village Celebrates Summer" includes a Riding Clinic on Saturday, July 25, covering basic, mounted and unmounted instruction. The full day includes Horses, continental breakfast and lunch followed by a cocktail reception. Contact Jessica Underwood, (224) 627-3730 to register.Our calendar carries the event.

Ed. Note: Anyone who can share great Hunt photos, past or present, please do so. And after the events, we welcome photos for the Village Photo Gallery! Fun hunt stories are welcome subject to the usual editing policies!

"After much anticipation, on July 13 Gov. Quinn finally signed the statewide capital construction plan to rebuild Illinois’ aging infrastructure. Many of McHenry’s top transportation-related priorities are were included in the final bill, including resurfacing and reconstruction of Route 14, full funding for the Algonquin bypass, widening of Route 47 and an interchange at Route 47 and Interstate 90.

I feel this capital plan will be an enormous boost to our struggling economy. Not only will it create thousands of construction jobs, but improving our transportation infrastructure will also enhance economic development and attract new businesses to our area." Pamela Althoff

2009 Barrington Concours d’Elegance

held July 12th at Makray

Event supports Barrington Area Conservation Trust
and Hospice of Northeastern Illinois

This year’s scaled-back event was a one-day Road Rally through the Barrington countryside, followed by an elegant cocktail buffet benefit on the lawn at Makray Memorial Golf Club. At Makray, 20 to 25 of the area’s most stunning Concours vehicles were on display, along with antique bicycles and Victorian-era carriages.

Comcast Announcement to its Chicago Customer Base

” IT IS HERE! June 12th, THIS FRIDAY, the broadcast DTV transition takes place. The federal government, broadcast and cable industries, and public interest groups have made a significant effort to alert viewers to the change over the past several years, but the Village might still might get calls.

Comcast has a $10 offer for Basic cable for anyone who hasn’t listened and chooses Comcast as their solution. To that end, Comcast has put additional staff on call for the entire weekend and the week to follow. To reach Comcast, call the 866-594-1234 service number, or www.comcast.com, should you wish to order service.

It looks like WBBM, channel 2 CBS; WMAQ, channel 5 NBC; and WLS, channel 7, ABC are turning off analog around 12 noon tomorrow. WGN, channel 9 CW; WFLD, channel 32 FOX and others are waiting until later in the evening to do so. So get ready. If residents who have the government converter boxes, but need help connecting them, please call or reach to www.dtv.gov, or 888-CALL-FCC (888-225-5322), as there are contractors who will go to homes to do this free-of-charge.

Please note that Comcast cannot connect the government–provided converter boxes.

Beautification Committee Spring Clean Up Event

This group picked up 150 bags of trash plus assorted piles of tires, tail pipes, carcasses, hubcaps and an unopened beer can. A $10 bill was found and donated to the Police Department. All this debris weighed approximately 10 tons. These outstanding numbers are an impressive volunteer effort!

The participants gathered back at the Presbyterian Church to share tales of the treasures found. Shmear, mini bagels, donut holes, juice and water were provided by the Beautification Committee. An unexpected donation was an impromptu delivery of sandwiches from the Barrington Jimmy Johns restaurant!

The Beautification Committee is pleased to see residents from all over the Village ‘being the change they want to see!’ A special thank you goes to all residents who took the time to remove any debris from their own property, or those who helped a neighbor in need. This action so encourages our Committee!

If you meant to come but forgot, don't fret! Our Committee will again gather inspired residents to assist in an October trash pick up on other roadsides. Further information will be posted on the Village Communication Photo Gallery Beautification Committee website page.

Our Committee and this Village are grateful for your actions. Thank you all so very much!

Riding Club Members foreground Chuck Prettyman, Dave Rykman, Dale Gilleland and Bill Springer gather early
for Beautification Committee Clean-Up! Photo courtesy of Barbara Kemp

Smart Home Tour and Event – presented by Com Ed

June 25, 2009
By: Sean and Julie Joyce with Colin and Camryn Joyce

We enjoyed the Smart Home Tour and Event at the Museum of Science and Industry personally and professionally. Everything in and around the home was based in sustainability and much of it used recycled or reclaimed materials.

Being in the green industry I enjoyed looking at the native perennials that were in use along with the different composting materials. Many gardeners are downsizing, so while we live in the suburbs and have an abundance of space it was interesting to see how landscaping was used for conservation in confined spaces. The green roof and sustainable gardens were well done and lovely. I loved the vertical gardens – great for small patios and rooftops.

The Earthboxes used for container gardening maximize space and use 60% less water. This is great for the space confined or “lazy” gardeners. They used native perennials and edibles (veggies and herbs) as decorative landscape materials. Being a lover of the outdoors we enjoyed the amount of exterior living space from decks, patios and porches.

My son’s favorite thing was the worm bin, a composting bin that is useful and fun for the younger generation. Seeing young children adapt so easily to these eco-principles allows you to see how many of these advances will just be part of day to day life in the years to come.

We thought the technological advancements were impressive. With two small kids we appreciated that the home was wired so that you could watch and view your children wherever they are – no more baby monitors required! The improvements on tools such as the i-shovel, a snow shoveling robot and the battery powered lawn mower were fun. We were impressed that given the very small size of the house in terms of square footage, it was surprisingly spacious and there was plenty of living space. The design of the house encouraged air flow and helps keep the home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Extra small vents prevent waste.

Here are the 5 Eco-Principles incorporated into the home:

1. Smart Design – a full-home automated smart technology system enables homeowners to control heat, window coverings, lighting, security, and cameras. It also tracks electricity, gas and water consumption in real time.
2. Material Efficiency – Essentially a pre-fab home, built in modules offsite. This allows a shorter construction time, less energy and fewer resources. Renewable or Recycled materials include: Bamboo flooring and recycled glass tiles.
3. Energy Efficiency – Solar rooftop panels generate much of the homes electricity. Energy Star appliances were used throughout. Green Roof helps with Cooling and insulating
4. Water Efficiency – Gray water (rinse water from sinks, laundry and showers) are used for toilets. All appliances are water efficient.
5. Healthy Environment – Non-toxic materials: Organics for landscaping, Air filtration systems and spray in foam insulation.

Ed Note: Sean and Julie Joyce both serve on Barrington Hills Village Committees as Volunteers. They were given the event tickets in appreciation for

Communications Committee Meeting Update

Cellular Phone Battery Swap for Free

U.S. cellular has a new program where their customers can stop by one of their retail outlets and swap a dead battery for free.

AMA and Dark Sky Related Resolution

Sybaquay Council Girl Scouts in Barrington Hills

The Barrington Area Girl Scouts held their annual Twilight Camp in Barrington Hills. This event is took place June 16 through 20, where approximately 170 girls are gathering to participate in games, activities and nightly campfires. Go to the Community Events Page.

August

16th Annual Hospice Duck Race

Support Hospice of Northeastern Illinois and join in the fun at the annual duck race. Proceeds to benefit patient care programs and develop new services. www.hospiceanswers.org. (847) 382-5599. Lots of fun activities for children.

Deer Park Shopping Mall - IYA 2009 Activities - August 1 through 16

IYA2009 - Barrington Hills -- Perseid Meteor Shower

Summer's Perseid meteor shower promises to put on a dazzling show when it peaks over the next few days.

Astronomical information received by the Village of Barrington Hills pronounces that this year’s Perseid meteor shower will enable viewers to see, unaided, 100 meteorites per minute in the skies overhead. If counts greater than 100 occur, persons are advised to contact Village Hall with their results.

Perseid Meteor Shower 2009: Cosmic Show Tonight

Shooting Stars Created Tonight by Comet Debris Burning Up in Atmosphere

By RACHEL COURTLAND
ABC News
Aug. 11, 2009

Sky watchers could catch a dazzling treat on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower.

Meteors are bits of dust or rock that collide with Earth's atmosphere and heat up gas particles to produce a glowing trail. A handful of meteors can be seen each hour on any clear night, but during a meteor shower dozens may be visible.

The Perseid shower occurs each year when the Earth passes through a stream of debris shed by the comet Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the sun once every 130 years or so and last passed through the inner solar system in 1992.

A Perseid meteor streaked across the sky early August 12, 2008 near Rogers Spring in the Lake Mead.
.......................................
The Perseid shower is expected to reach its peak at 1:30 p.m. on August 12, but dozens of meteors per hour should be visible on the nights preceding and following the peak. The best time to catch the shower may be around 4:00 a.m. on August 12, when meteor numbers may get a slight boost as the Earth passes by an additional stream of debris left by the comet in 1610.

Related

On a clear night, an average of 60 meteors can be seen per hour close to the Perseids' peak. This year, the number may be lower because the moon, which is approaching its last quarter, will rise at about the same time as the shower is expected to begin.

Perseus Rising

Moonshine could obscure the fainter meteors, cutting the total number of meteors that might be seen in half, says Tony Cook of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. "That actually might bother meteor experts more than it does people who want to enjoy the shower, because the ones you want to see are the really bright ones anyway," Cook says.

The Perseid meteor shower gets its name because the meteor trails all lead back to a point in the northern constellation Perseus.

Every evening this week, the shower should start around 11:00 p.m. local time as the Perseus constellation rises, and the number of visible meteors should increase as the evening progresses to peak before dawn.

Flint Creek Fall Festival - FREE for one and all!

Celebrating “It’s Our River Day” September 19, 2009
9am – Noon
Along Flint Creek at Barrington Park District’s Langendorf Park

Clean water – dry basements – big bluestem and bobolinks!

Flint Creek Watershed Partnership is a four-year-old partnership working to create a healthy watershed. We have a plan to improve water quality, reduce flooding and protect the natural resources in the Flint Creek watershed, but we need your help. Join us as we
Celebrate our successes, explore the watershed, and learn how you can make the watershed a better place to live.

Barrington Area Conservation Trust, Barrington Park District, Citizens for Conservation, Leave No Child Inside Consortium/Vehe Farm Foundation/Girl Scouts Sybaquay Council, PFG Best and PFG Green Energy (graphics and printing), Wildlife Discovery Center (Lake Forest).

Spring Creek Stewards

Spring Creek Forest Preserves covers 3,910 acres in the heart of Barrington Hills. Join the Spring Creek Stewards as we make a difference for the land and wildlife of these beautiful preserves while having fun and meeting new people. Work Day Activities may include:

Save Water by using Less on your Landscape

15 ways to be more water-efficient in your garden

After a spring rain, Lake Michigan gleams blue under the sparkling sky. In our gardens, the first daffodils glow. Meanwhile, much of the rest of the world is thirsty. Experts say climate change is likely to bring more drought to many regions, so those of us with fresh water in abundance are on the spot to use it wisely.

"When you look out over Lake Michigan, you may think to yourself, 'My God, this goes on forever.' But that's deceptive," says Cameron Davis, executive director of the Chicago-based Alliance for the Great Lakes (greatlakes.org). "Even a lake the size of ours is exhaustible and finite." We and our gardens can help. Though much of the modern world is paved, our yards and gardens still can soak up rain. That means less water flows into the sewer system to aggravate flooding and pollute Lake Michigan. It also means, Davis says, that we pay less to treat rainwater as sewage. [Note: Barrington Hills does not get our water from Lake Michigan.]

And we can make gardens even better reservoirs. "Let's keep as much water on the site as it can hold," says Karla Lynch, education director at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle (mortonarb.org). With Earth Day nearly upon us, here are 15 ways to be a good steward of water in your garden.

Work the soil.
Rich soil with plenty of organic matter, from regular additions of compost, soaks up rainwater better than barren, compacted dirt that shrugs it off.

Mulch.
No garden should ever flash bare dirt because a layer of mulch over the soil does so much: It insulates the soil from temperature swings, reduces weeds and feeds the soil ecosystem as it breaks down. But one of its greatest powers is to prevent water in the soil from evaporating under the hot sun.

Use a rain barrel.
Many attractive designs are available—in shapes to fit tight spots (and a range of prices).

Consider a cistern.
A century ago, many houses had cisterns—big tanks to collect rainwater. The idea is coming back. A 2,500-gallon model has now been installed as part of the sustainable landscape surrounding the Smart Home at the Museum of Science and Industry (msichicago.org). And Lake Street Landscape Supply in Chicago (www.lakestreetlandscapesupply.com) is trying out a new product: A collapsible bladder that can tuck under a porch or crawl space and can hold 1,000 gallons. Cost: about $3,000 installed.

Plant a rain garden.
Any low spot that stays wet for a while after rain is a good candidate for a rain garden—a bowl-like depression where water from gutters can collect and soak in slowly. Rain gardens usually are planted with native plants with long, deep roots that can absorb a lot of water from the soil and rarely need watering beyond rain. Read up before you start digging a rain garden (find many links at www.raingardennetwork.com).

Create a bioswale.
Basically, it's a wide drainage ditch designed to slow water down. A bioswale is planted with deep-rooted, wet feet-loving native plants. The ones Jaime Zaplatosch of Chicago-based Openlands (www.openlands.org) chose for the Smart Home bioswale included prairie ironweed, swamp milkweed and sweet black-eyed Susan.

Opt for permeable paving.
A greener option for walks, patios and driveways is permeable paving, with spaces for rain to drain through into a deep layer of crushed rock where water can collect until it soaks into the soil. Belgard Hardscapes (www.belgard.biz) is among companies with an expanding line of permeable pavers. And Ozinga Concrete of Mokena has FilterCrete, a ready-mix concrete that cures full of little holes to let water percolate down to be filtered by microorganisms (www.ozingagreen building.com).

Use soaker hoses.
Wind these porous rubber hoses between your plants to dribble water slowly right to the soil without wasting as much to evaporation. Cover the hoses with mulch and you'll never know they're there. Another option: drip irrigation systems, which are even more efficient than soaker hoses. Many companies offer kits for beginners (www.provenwinners.com, www.leevalley.com).

Zone your garden.
Gather the thirstiest plants near the faucet, so you can run a soaker hose among them (maybe from the rain barrel) or water them by hand. Farther out, plant durable, drought-tolerant perennials, shrubs and grasses.

Do a leak check.
Scout for drips, leaks and cracks. Replace rubber-hose washers to keep connections tight.

Use containers wisely.
Containers near the house are a good choice for your thirstiest plants. But you can reduce containers' water needs in several ways. First, buy big pots. Use potting mix that holds moisture but drains well. Because porous materials such as terra cotta let water evaporate through their sides, slip a plastic pot (with drainage holes) inside. And always mulch the surface of a container. Bill Doeckel, manager of innovations for Ball Horticultural Co. in West Chicago, recommends MagniMoist liners for pot bottoms that hold moisture but allow drainage (www.thinkmint.net). Water-absorbing crystals that allegedly reduce watering? Mostly useless, scientists say.

Think less lawn.
"I'm not saying get rid of the whole lawn," says Shirlee Hoffman of Openlands. "Reduce it by a quarter." That not only saves water, it reduces fertilizer use and emissions from mowers. Don't overwater the lawn you have.

Pay attention.
The simplest way to water less is to make sure it's really necessary before you reach for the watering can or sprinkler. Don't water on a set schedule. Get a rain gauge so you know how much rain has fallen. And check, with trowel or fingertip, that the soil is dry 3 inches down (2 inches in pots) before you water. .

Water deeply.
When you do need to water, let the soaker hose run long enough so that the water goes deep, to invite roots of plants such as lawn grass and perennials to grow far down into the soil. In the vegetable garden, plants such as tomatoes don't like to seesaw between wet and dry. So mulch and check frequently to maintain even soil moisture in the root zone.

Barrington Hills Residents: Become a Bee Spotter

"The value of pollination by bees is estimated around $16 billion in the US alone."

The recent mysterious disappearance of honey bees from their hives, termed Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) by honey bee researchers, has prompted alarm from bee keepers and the public alike. What can we do to help?

Scientists have responded with BeeSpotter, a citizen scientist driven bee monitoring website at the University of Illinois in Urbana. Residents are asked to collect data from sightings of bees, and to send information to the University of Illinois website where it will be merged with data from scientists and bee keepers to determine what is happening. Population statistics and patters can be developed to determine the cause of this phenomena.

Barrington Hills residents who have digital cameras can easily participate. Go to Bee Spotter online at http://beespotter.mste.uicu.edu. Do not worry about correct identification of the bee species. The University taxonomist will provide the correct identification. Just snap and send the photo along with location and date and time information and be a part of this important activity.

Citizens for Conservation Hosts National Public Lands Day

Host of Attractions Planned

for Barrington Hills Polo Event

The opening game pits an all-female team against an all-male team in the “Battle of the Sexes,” a confrontation rarely seen in this country.

The feature match is the Kalaway Landowners Cup, named for the late Ben Kalaway, a well-known and beloved horseman in Barrington Hills. Three teams may be competing in this prestigious match using a “round-robin” format developed by the United States Polo Association.

The event promises fun for the entire family! The popular Lake Run Clydesdales will give rides in the bright red “beer wagon,” the young riders of the Fox River Valley Pony Club will demonstrate their skills, and the Fox River Valley Hunt will parade their hounds at half-time..

The Riding Club of Barrington Hills and the Polo Club conceived the event as a “thank you” for Barrington Hills trail landowners who allow riding trails across their properties. In addition to free admission, trail landowners will be served a complimentary gourmet feast under a private field side tent.

The entire community is invited. The event will take place at the Oakwood Farms Polo Field, 250 Deepwood Road, just west of Bateman Road in Barrington Hills.

General admission is $15. Children under 12 are free. Field side tailgate parking spots are available for $75 (call 847-854-1415 to reserve yours). Prizes will be awarded for the best tail gate parties.

For more information, call Karen Selman (847-382-2691) or Karen Rosene (847-854-1415).

The Lake Run Farm Clydesdale Team will appear at the September 12th Kalaway Landowners Cup Polo Matches in Barrington Hills. Owned and driven by George Alexander of Batavia, the Clydesdales have appeared at high-goal polo matches across the country, treating kids and adults to rides in the bright red “beer wagon.”

Fast-paced polo action will be the main attraction at the 5th annual Kalaway Landowners Cup Polo Matches, Saturday, September 12, in Barrington Hills. Two matches are planned with the first match scheduled for noon.

Fox River Valley Hunt

The Village Summer Newsletter includes the story called, "Our Equestrian Village Celebrates Summer." The article was devoted to the return of the Fox River Valley Hunt. Our calendar carries events from July through September.

The contact for the Hunt is Patty Meroni. Details of start and end times are not included on the calendar as of this time. Patty can be reached at meronilaw@ameritech.net. The events are located in Barrington Hills. Thanks to the residents who are opening their places.

Citizens for Conservation

ADVENTURES IN NATURE

Class Schedule Summer, 2009

Saturday, August 1- BIRDS. Meet at CFC office 10:00-11:30. Children will hike to discover the birds that call Flint Creek Savanna home during summer, seeing the variety of birds that live on the prairie.

Saturday, August 15 - OUR ISLANDS. Meet at CFC office 10:00-11:30. Children will explore the environment around our ponds. We will also see how the islands are good for the water and good for living things.

Our classes are geared for children K & older; adults are welcome and encouraged to come.

The cost for each class is $3 for CFC members and $5 for non-members. No fees for adults.

Art in the Barn
est.1974

Juried Art Exhibition & Sale

Saturday, September 26th and Sunday the 27th.

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Hospital Grounds
450 West Highway 22
Barrington, IL 60010

All Net Proceeds to Benefit Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital

The Auxiliary of
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital

Proudly Presents:
Over 175 Artists In All Media
Entertainment & Food Concessions
Children’s Art & Pony Rides

Admission: $5.00
Children 12 & Under Free

35th
Anniversary

No Pets Please

Equestrian Community hosts Allison Springer International

Competition Fundraiser

On July 8th, the equestrian community in Barrington Hills gathered together in support of the competitive dreams of international eventer Allison Springer. Over 150 people gathered at Laura Pedian’s beautiful Uulke Farm to watch Allison and superstar Arthur perform the Rolex 2009 Dressage test followed by a jumping demonstration. Allison’s friends and family hosted the party to raise funds for Allison and Arthur to travel to Burghley, England to compete in the most challenging four star event in the world.

Local pony clubbers, dressed in “Riding For A Cure” shirts and hats, helped with Arthur’s grooming and tacking up prior to the demonstration. Allison spoke to the audience between the dressage and jumping, announcing that the United States Equestrian Federation notified her earlier in the day that she would receive a travel grant to Burghley, England and be representing the U.S. at the competition the first week in September. She will also be traveling to Pau, France in late October with Destination Known to compete in the four star competition there.

Both Arthur and Destination Known are on the United States Equestrian Federation’s High Performance list. This list names the top horse and rider combinations in the country that the team decision makers feel will most likely represent our country in future international team championships and are receiving training from the USET to that purpose. This means that both Arthur and Destination Known are strong candidates for the 2010 World Equestrian Games and the 2012 Olympic team.

Allison spoke about her goals to represent the U.S. in international competitions and thanked everyone for their support. She was joined by Christine Gabriel, the founder of “Riding For A Cure”. Allison is a spokeswoman for Riding For A Cure, and relayed to the crowd that the "mission to raise money for cancer research is near and dear to her heart." Christine, a four time cancer survivor, spoke about the upcoming 8th Annual Riding For a Cure Trail Ride on Saturday, August 18th and Champagne & Saddle Pads on August 1st. Both will be held at Lamplight in Wayne.Go to www.ridingforacure.org to register on-line for these two events.

The support of the community for Allison and Arthur was tremendous. All of the expenses incurred, including food, drinks, flowers, and silent auction items were donated to the event by Allison’s supporters. Patty Meroni was the inspiration for the party and her tutelage was crucial to its success. Laura Pedian provided the perfect setting at her beautiful Uulke Farm. Overall, and a family and friends put the fundraiser together. Family included Allison’s mom and dad, Aunt Doris, Cousin Cathy and Cathy’s three children. Very special thanks to the hard working “biker girls”, Jan Nestrud, Maureen Prettyman, Nancy Schmid, Barb Cunningham, Beth Mallen, Stacy MacDonald and Faye Livingston.

Besides gathering items for the silent auction, these ladies provided food and drinks, set up the party and handled clean up. The contributions of the Underwood ladies were especially appreciated, Jessica for her work collecting silent auction items and setting the auction up and Dana for providing the fabulous music. Several gentlemen made everything run smoothly, including Chuck Prettyman and JR Pedian. Generous donations from local stores, individuals and businesses, combined with donated riding lessons and other services made the silent auction a huge success.

Everyone who attended made donations for the trip and challenged each other for auction items. With this support, Allison and Arthur will be at Burghley September 2nd through 6th. You can follow their adventures by logging on to www.AllisonSpringer.com and reading her daily blog beginning with their departure from the U.S. through the days of the competition.

Allison sends a big thank you to everyone in this great community for their support!

Equestrian Hunt Training

The Village Summer Newsletter includes a story called, "Our Equestrian Village Celebrates Summer." Our calendar carries events through September. Patty Meroni can be reached atmeronilaw@ameritech.net. The events are located in Barrington Hills. Thanks to the residents who are opening their places.

October 2009

Peter Wessel, 1952 - 2009

Won Village Board Seat Amid Cancer Fight

Annual Blessing of the Hounds

Blessing of the Fox River Valley and Spring Creek Bassets at Woodland. 88 Brinker Road with the Fox River Valley Hunt to Follow at Robert's woodland and Cannon's Horizon Farm at 2:30 p.m. Creek Basset Hounds hunt at 4:00 p.m. Pig Roast at Woodland. Contact Patty Meroni for reservations at meronilaw@ameritech.net or Christy Cressy at cresswood@earthlink.net.

Ignite the Night Annual Event

October 10th, 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. outside, behind the Barrington Hills Riding Center at 361 Bateman Road in Barrington Hills! Support Friends of the Forest Preserves as it again hosts their now well known signature event and fundraiser: Dancing and great music under the stars to Dave Anderson’s band …yes, he’s flying in from Colorado…The I-Lites including Dana Underwood.

For this party, narrated horse drawn wagons take you through the Forest Preserve, live animals from the Cook County Forest Preserve (CCFP) that have been rescued, Adler Planetarium with telescopes and education, a great grilled dinner, wine, beer and pop, flash light educational tours, and a raffle with all kinds of items including trips, art, camping and sports items, and the bonfire is truly spectacular!

Many thanks to Barrington Countryside Park District and The Riding club of Barrington Hills for their help in sponsoring this event. The party is on rain or shine! We’ll move into the indoor arena if the weather doesn’t cooperate! Get your tickets now please at www.FOTFP.org, or call 312-356-9990. Getting tickets in advance saves you money.

If you would like to donate an item for the raffle or can help to sponsor this event, please call Ginger Underwood at 847-381-5567. And, of course, we still need lots of volunteers at the party!

NSG Program Starts with a Seed and Ends with a Seed

This spring the Native Seed Gardeners (NSG), sponsored by Citizens for Conservation, Friends of Spring Creek Forest Preserves, Audubon-Chicago Region, and Chicago Botanic Garden, placed over 3,000 rare native plants with enthusiastic volunteers. In its inaugural year, the program offered twenty-two prairie and savanna species with plants as rare as Baptisia leucantha (white false indigo) and as strikingly beautiful as Lilium michiganense (Michigan lily).

The new Barrington Hills Village Clerk is resident Karen S. Selman. President Abboud and the Trustees welcomed Karen to her new position June 22, 2009 at the Board of Trustees Monthly meeting. The former Village Clerk, Kathy Soeder, resigned. Note: The Deputy Clerk you see in the office each day is Dolores Trandel. Dolores gets initial email directed to the Village Clerk: clerk@barringtonhills-il.gov.

Capital Infrastructure for McHenry and Kane Counties

Read the following article for Local Impact in McHenry County and Kane Counties. Stimulus Package news that relates to the other counties directly affecting Barrington Hills is most welcome!

The plan does come with a price-tag, however. In order to pay for it, the state is increasing fees on driver’s licenses and license plates, legalizing video poker at drinking establishments, and implementing a slight increase on alcohol taxes. While I didn’t particularly feel any of these measures were ideal, lawmakers came together in a bipartisan fashion to pass this plan because the cost of doing nothing was far worse. McHenry County needs economic relief, and by rebuilding our roads, highways, schools and other infrastructural needs, this capital plan will do just that. The last increase to license plates and fees was in 1999."

Village Resident Police Survey Results

Police Survey 2008 - Go to the 2009 Archives for
Major Overall Survey Emphasis from Respondents:

Miscellaneous Written Comments from 2008 Police Survey

Last Summary Data from 2008

Want More Crossing Signs - Lights - Speed Bumps
• Please install a 4-way stop at Haegers Bend and River Road. This is a very dangerous intersection!
• With horses on Otis Road – I believe we should have a horse crossing sign on Otis and a Stop Sign at Sutton and Otis.
• Consider stoplights at Route 62 / Bateman Road; reduce 55 mph speed limit, at Route 62 – a two lane road.
• Stop light at Bateman and Route 62 – very dangerous!
• We need a light and/or turn lane at Ridge and Lake Cook Road
• Speed bumps on Old Hart Road.
• A red light at Algonquin and Bateman is needed.
• Stop lights at corner of Dundee Lane and Route 59.

Want Follow up from Robberies and Home Invasions
• Overall, we have no complaints with the police force in Barrington Hills. I would have liked to have read some follow-up on the arrest of the home invaders from last August. I read they were still looking for one person and 3 were in custody on other charges, but not charged with the home invasion in Barrington Hills. It would be comforting to know if all were in custody and charged and not back on the streets. [See the Police Update July 27, 2009.]
• We generally feel safe, but due to surrounding areas becoming increasingly dangerous, we are becoming more at risk.

Cell Phone Service
• For our protection, see what can be done to improve cell phone reception in the village. Thank you.
• We need a cell tower

Thanks
• Thanks for asking.

Technology Committee and Communications Committee

Meet in Joint Session - DAS Proposal

The Technology Committee and Communications Committee hosted ATC, American Tower Corporation, on June 15, 2009 at the Village Hall to listen to a proposal for DAS technology to be added to the Village to enhance Cell Phone and wireless Communications without adding Cell Phone Towers. More information will be released at future meetings.

The Communications Committee met in July with the DAS representatives to hear additional information and answer questions posed by the Committee Members.

ATC was approved for ROW installation along 5 Village Roads and at the Hub site in the Village Blockhouse at the Village Hall location with caveats. Both resolutions were approved July 27 at the regular BOT meeting. More work will be required on the 15 other roads with their jurisdictional bodies and permits for actual poles will have to be submitted and approved.

Community Education Nature Programs

BACOA Support Groups

Early-stage memory loss group to start in Barrington

BARRINGTON, IL –The Barrington Area Council on Aging, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, Alexian Brothers Neurosciences Institute and Barrington Youth and Family Services, will begin a new support group for people experiencing early memory loss and for their family members or partners

There are other support groups: The News Archives Page shows the many groups that met so far in 2009. It is never too late to join for ongoing support.

BACOA offers upcoming trips for globetrotters

BARRINGTON, IL – Pack your passport–the Barrington Area Council on Aging is offering exciting travel opportunities in 2009.

Contact: Linda Avellon
(847) 852-3892

BACOA, The Garlands of Barrington and Collette Vacations are offering a variety of international tours in the coming year. Among the trips that will be offered:.

Shades of Ireland. Departure date: October 13, 2009. Spend ten days in the green hills of Ireland with visits to castles, cliffs and the countryside. The trip also includes stops in Dublin, Waterford and Killarney. Cost is $2,939 (double) and includes round-trip air from Chicago, hotel transfers, air taxes and surcharges of $450, and 13 meals.

BACOA, The Garlands of Barrington and Travelex International will offer WFMT Classical Music Tours in 2009. The trips include:

New York Met. Departure date: October 8, 2009. The four-day tour will include two performances at the Metropolitan Opera, lectures by Carl Grapentine and even a private tour of the Steinway Piano factory. Cost is $2,985 (double).

BACOA and Travelex will offer a trip to the 2010 Oberammergau Passion Play. Departure date: August 14, 2010. The 10-day tour will begin in Vienna and include stops in Salzburg and Munich, as well as a performance of the once-in-a-decade Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany. Cost is $3,499 (double).

BACOA and the Barrington Park District have partnered with Mayflower Tours to offer a selection of U.S. tours. They include:

Blue Ridge Mountain Oktoberfest. Departure date: October 11, 2009. Enjoy German bands, food and fun at the Southeast’s largest Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia. The five-day motorcoach tours includes the festival, a tour of Anna Ruby Falls and the Museum of Appalachia and a stop at Boone Tavern in Berea, Ky. Cost is $799 (double) and includes seven meals, motorcoach transportation, free home pickup and $25 in “Mayflower Money.”

Mayflower offers a “Guaranteed Share Program,” which can provide a roommate for tours.

All trips are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call Linda Avellon at BACOA at (847) 852-3892.

Ignite the Night - Third Annual Event

October 10th, 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. outside, behind the Barrington Hills Riding Center at 361 Bateman Road in Barrington Hills! Support Friends of the Forest Preserves as it again hosts their now well known signature event and fundraiser: Dancing and great music under the stars to Dave Anderson’s band …yes, he’s flying in from Colorado…The I-Lites including Dana Underwood.

Annual Blessing of the Hounds

Blessing of the Fox River Valley and Spring Creek Bassets at Woodland. 88 Brinker Road with the Fox River Valley Hunt to Follow at Robert's Woodland and Cannon's Horizon Farm at 2:30 p.m.Spring Creek Basset Hounds hunt at 4:00 p.m. Pig Roast at Woodland. Contact Patty Meroni for reservations at meronilaw@ameritech.net or Christy Cressy at cresswood@earthlink.net.

News Archives

2009

January 2009

2009 Dates for IYA Star Parties and Events

Plan Commission

Outdoor Lighting - Note : Dark Sky activities are posted on the same page as IYA 2009.

Roads and Bridges Committee - 2009

Local IYA Opening Events: January 10 (Saturday) Featured IYA: Venus and its Phases

Barrington Hills Looking Up in 2009

BACOG Legislative Action in 2008 End of the Year Report

ZBA - Focus on Commercial Horse Boarding

2008 Police Survey Results: January and February Posted Detailed Comments for the Category: Police Manpower

Home Invasion Update

February 2009

BCFPD Donates Surplus Cabinetry To Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

Climate Change Impacts Local Birds Local Citizens Track Numbers and Restore Habitat

National Network of Volunteer Weather Observers Snowballs

Assessment Challenges Stun County: McHenry

Village Resident Police Survey Results

Great Backyard Bird Count February 13 - 16 2009

Living Green in Barrington Hills

CFL - Safety Challenged - Facts and EPA Caution Where to Take CFLs for Disposal

Village Neighborhood Block Captains High Importance

Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society

HARPS February 6, 2009 - Make Reservations NOW !

Roads and Bridges for Residents

Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society (HARPS) Event February 6, 2009 - Make Reservations NOW

Barrington Township/Cuba Township Food Drive

Village Resident Police Survey Results 2008

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County Order Your Rainbarrels and Composter

Barrington Township/Cuba Township Food Drive

Village Resident Police Survey Results

Meet Sarah Kenney

See New Photo Gallery Pages - Winter in the Village 2009

Celebrate Earth Hour with the World

Turn Off Your Lights for an Hour

Watch The Night Sky! March 28, 2009 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. C.S.T.

Can a “Femtocell” Improve Your Home Cellular Coverage

AT&T U-verse Availability Update Technology Committee Meeting

Roads and Bridges From the Front Lines of Snow Fighting

Candidates for President of the Village of Barrington Hills Debate

International Year of Astronomy 2009

2009 Dates for IYA Star Parties and Events

March's Topic Observing at Night… and in the Day

Celebrate Earth Hour with the World

Turn Off Your Lights - See the Sky! March 28, 2009 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. C.S.T.

Moon Gardens for Luminous Landscapes

Family Activity Packet: Observation Guide www.globe.gov/globeatnight March 16 - March 28, 2009

March 2009 Featured Observing Object: Saturn

April 2009

Cook County offers Free Tree Seedlings Part of Earth and Arbor Day - April 18 and 19

"Under the Tuscan Sun" Luncheon - April 22

Barrington Hills P&Z Coordinator Sarah Kenney Featured on WGN Radio During Earth Hour!

Citizens for Conservation’s Earth Day Saturday, April 25

Citizens For Conservation Mighty Oak Awards - 2009

Friends of the Home of The Sparrow "Under the Tuscan Sun" Luncheon

National Network of Volunteer Weather Observers Snowballs

Apples, Almonds, and All of Us Need Pollinators

Roads and Bridges Commission

Winter Driving Tips

2008 - 2009 Fall and Winter Road Program

Beautification Committee

Small Electronics Recycling Available at the Village Hall

ZBA Commission

Communications Committee Meeting Update

Citizens For Conservation Community Education Nature Programs

Cook County offers Free Tree Seedlings on April 18 and 19 as part of Earth Day

Citizens for Conservation’s Earth Day Saturday April 25

Order Your Rainbarrels and Composters

Don't be alarmed: Kane to start controlled burns

Oh, Deer! Can We All Just Get Along?

Police Survey 2008 - CTY Results

May 2009

Beautification Committee May 2, 2009 Event

Barrington Country Gardens and Antique Faire Event: June 19 - 20, 2009 Ninth Annual Event to Raise Funds for “Hands of Hope” Early Tickets on Sale in May

Village Election Results 2009

Seasonal Reduced Road Limits no longer in Effect

BACOA launches online Resource Directory

Darker skies mean lighter energy bills - and a clear view of stars

Village Recycling

Local IYA Opening Events: January 10 (Saturday)

Featured IYA: Venus and its Phases

BACOG Legislative Action in 2008

End of the Year Report

2008 Police Survey Results:

January and February Posted

Detailed Comments for the Category: Police Manpower

Climate Change Impacts Local Birds

Local Citizens Track Numbers and Restore Habitat

National Network of Volunteer

Weather Observers Snowballs

CFL - Safety Challenged - Facts and EPA Caution
Where to Take CFLs for Disposal

Village Neighborhood Block Captains

High Importance

HARPS

February 6, 2009 - Make Reservations NOW !

Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society

(HARPS) Event

February 6, 2009 - Make Reservations NOW

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County

Order Your Rainbarrels and Composter

Watch The Night Sky!

March 28, 2009 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. C.S.T.

AT&T U-verse Availability Update

Technology Committee Meeting

Roads and Bridges

From the Front Lines of Snow Fighting

March's Topic

Observing at Night… and in the Day

Turn Off Your Lights - See the Sky!

March 28, 2009 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. C.S.T.

Family Activity Packet: Observation Guide

www.globe.gov/globeatnight

March 16 - March 28, 2009

Cook County offers Free Tree Seedlings

Part of Earth and Arbor Day - April 18 and 19

Barrington Hills P&Z Coordinator Sarah Kenney

Featured on WGN Radio During Earth Hour!

Citizens for Conservation’s Earth Day

Saturday, April 25

Friends of the Home of The Sparrow

"Under the Tuscan Sun" Luncheon

National Network of Volunteer

Weather Observers Snowballs

Citizens For Conservation

Community Education Nature Programs

Cook County offers Free Tree Seedlings

on April 18 and 19 as part of Earth Day

Citizens for Conservation’s Earth Day

Saturday April 25

Barrington Country Gardens and Antique Faire

Event: June 19 - 20, 2009

Ninth Annual Event to Raise Funds for “Hands of Hope”

Early Tickets on Sale in May

Darker skies mean lighter energy bills -

and a clear view of stars

Seasonal Reduced Road Limit Posting

Starting March 16 - Ended May 11

March 29, 2009 Snow Storm Costs -

Posted in May when Received

Beautification Committee

May Public Service Event

Citizens for Conservation

Mighty Oak Awards - 2009

2009 Barrington Concours d’Elegance

set for July 12th at Makray

Barrington Area Council on Aging Senior Activity and Lunch

Programs for June

House, Senate offer dueling income tax hikes.....

but neither a cinch for approval

U.S. Postal Service Starts Recycling Service Trial

in 1,500 Post Offices

Roads and Bridges - See the

Committee Page - Roads and Bridges for more information.

Miscellaneous Written Comments from 2008 Police Survey

Last Summary Data from 2008

Barrington Junior Women’s Club

Safety Town 2009!

Barrington Hills Equestrian Community Hosts

Competition Fundraiser at Uulke Farm

Barrington Junior Women’s Club

Safety Town 2009!

2009 Barrington Concours d’Elegance

held July 12th at Makray