Posted in 2021 Elections, 220, Agendas, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Cook, Countryside Elementary School, County, Deception, Financial Statements, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, FRVPC, Horse Boarding, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, New Normal?, Politics, Property Taxes, Riding Center Advisory Committee, Riding Club of BH, School Districts on April 14, 2021| Leave a Comment »
The Barrington Hills Park District Board will hold their regular monthly meeting this evening via Zoom at 7 PM. Some of the topics for discussion include:
A copy of their agenda can be viewed here. Instructions for accessing the meeting can be found here.
Posted in 2021 Elections, Agendas, Barrington Hills Park District, Financial Statements, FPDCC, FRVPC, FUBAR, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Riding Center Advisory Committee, Riding Club of BH, The New Normal, Transparency on March 10, 2021| 3 Comments »
It seems that Barrington Hills Park District officials believe the less residents are informed, the better off they are.
The Barrington Hills Park District Board will hold their regular monthly meeting this evening via Zoom at 7 PM. A copy of their agenda can be viewed here, but just as we’ve cautioned repeatedly, don’t expect much information.
There are no minutes available from the February meeting for the public to review online, nor is a recording of the Zoom meeting. The District WAS kind enough to include taxpayers with their 2019 Annual Financial Statement (found here) when we pointed out one of their lapses in transparency last month.
Information on how to join the Zoom meetings tonight can be found here.
We should also note that last week the District Advisory Committee met on March 2nd. The notice can be found here, but there was no agenda posted nor any minutes. Even more disappointing, when searching the District website (found here), there’s no information to be found on this Committee.
Posted in Entertainment, Fox River Valley Hunt, FRVPC, Horizon Farms, Resident Spotlights, Riding Club of BH, Topics Of Interest on September 10, 2020| Leave a Comment »
Chicago Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis will be featured in a virtual discussion Oct. 4 from Barrington’s White House.
Barrington’s White House will provide an all-virtual slate of events for this fall’s 2020 season.
While the White House had hoped to be able to offer in-person events as well, the reality of being able to adequately social distance and still provide a quality experience led the venue to the determination that holding virtual events this fall would be the safest option.
As such, all events in fall 2020 will be virtual. The season opener Sunday, Sept. 13, features the return of the Lincoln Trio, which will present the world premiere of “Dash” by composer Jennifer Higdon.
On Sept. 20, Barrington’s own Patty Dowd Schmitz and friends present “Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Connection to Illinois.” On Sept. 26, Robert McGinley and Judy Freeman lead a panel of experts from the Fox River Valley Heritage Foundation on “The Environment and COVID-19.”
October kicks off with internationally acclaimed Chicago Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis on Oct. 4, who will showcase his previous work and discuss the 2020 election. On Oct. 25, the Family Fun Players present a children’s musical adaptation of “Cinderella,” and Nov. 8 brings “Lost in Silence” from the Spoon River Anthology by the Midwest Dance Collective.
To view further events, visit the Barrington White House website here.
Posted in Animal Welfare, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, BH Polo Club, Entertainment, FRVPC, Resident Spotlights, Riding Club of BH, The Other Half on September 2, 2020| 1 Comment »
Accomplished and highly educated yet surprisingly shy, Megan West found her voice on the journey to becoming a first-class amateur polo player.
Megan West says people are surprised to see her shy and humble demeanor melt away on the polo field where a bold, competitive spirit takes over. The sport does attract people with a competitive nature, but for West, playing polo is where she finds personal strength. “On the field someone’s got to take charge. I’ve learned that skill in a safe environment with people who are my friends. It’s a place where I’ve learned and practiced leadership skills,” she said.
When not on the field or in a barn, West leverages her doctorate in agricultural food chemistry for Mars Wrigley where she works on long-term research projects. “It’s basically a lab-based job,” she says of pre-COVID-19 times. A chemist by training, West works on projects such as product ingredient sourcing with consideration to sustainability.
Growing up in Glencoe, Illinois, West says hers was not a “horse family”. The earliest chance to ride was at summer camp in Minocqua, Wisconsin. “My first year at Red Pine Camp, I was eight years old and just one of those kids who wanted to take riding lessons,” West said. “I love the outdoors and the appeal of horses. I just gravitated towards them.” Riding at camp was a source of fun for West and her “barn rat” friends who helped take care of the horses there.
Read the full Quintessential Barrington feature story here.
Posted in Agendas, Animal Welfare, BH Polo Club, Equestrian Commission, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, Friends of Forest Preserves, FRVPC, Horizon Farms, Horse Boarding, Land Use, Riding Club of BH on June 1, 2020| Leave a Comment »
The Village Equestrian Commission will meet for the first time this year at 6:30 PM at Village Hall. A copy of their agenda and minutes from their last meeting on August 13, 2019 can be viewed and downloaded here.
Posted in Barrington Hills Park District, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, FRVPC, Property Taxes, Riding Center Advisory Committee, Riding Club of BH on June 20, 2019| Leave a Comment »
The Fox River Valley Pony Club Horse Trials run today though Sunday at the Barrington Hills Park District located at 361 Bateman Road.
For more information, click here.
Posted in 2017 Elections, 2019 Elections, Agendas, Barrington Hills Park District, Commercial Horse Boarding, FRVPC, Horse Boarding, News Media, Organizations, Press Release, Riding Center Advisory Committee, Riding Club of BH, Topics Of Interest, Uncategorized on October 13, 2018| Leave a Comment »
The Barrington Hills Park District recently posted Public Notice of four Park District Commissioner positions which will be up for election on April 2, 2019. The full notice follows.
PUBLIC NOTICE
TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE BARRINGTON HILLS PARK DISTRICT,
COOK, LAKE AND MCHENRY COUNTIES, ILLINOIS
Elections will be held to fill the following offices at the Consolidated Election to be held April 2, 2019.
Park District Commissioner – 3 number of positions, 4 year term
1 number of positions, 2 year, unexpired term
Candidates must file their certificates of nomination with the Barrington Hills Park District designated representative.
Location: Barrington Hills Riding Center, Office/Meeting Room, 361 Bateman Road, Barrington Hills, IL 60010
Filing Period: December 10‐17, 2018 as follows:
Monday, December 10, 2018: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Tuesday, December 11, 2018: 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon Wednesday, December 12, 2018: 9:00 PM to 1:00 PM Thursday, December 13, 2018: 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM Friday, December 14, 2018: 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM
Monday, December 17, 2018: 9 AM to 5:00 PM
Petitions may be filed in person by the candidate or a representative,
or by mail. BHPD Office, c/o Kim Keper, 67 Ridge Road, Barrington, IL 60010.Nomination papers received in the mail before the first day of filing period will be returned to the sender as not filed.
Candidate document and filing information will be available on the SBE web site at http://www.elections.il.gov.
To view Park District meeting agendas and minutes, visit BH Park District’s website.
Posted in Barrington Hills Park District, Community Alerts, FPDCC, FRVPC, News Media, Organizations, Press Release, Riding Club of BH, Topics Of Interest, Uncategorized on June 21, 2018| Leave a Comment »
The 48th Annual Horse Trials will be held at the Barrington Hills Park District’s
Riding Center.
This nationally recognized event is the ultimate test of horse and rider. One event, three disciplines: Dressage, Cross Country and Stadium Jumping. Novice through intermediate preliminary.
Admission is free to spectators! Food truck and vendors on site.
The weekend begins with Dressage on Friday, June 22nd starting at 9:00am. Horses and riders perform a prescribed set of exercises at the Barrington Hills Park District Riding Center located at 361 Bateman Road, Barrington Hills, IL.
Saturday, June 23th, is the exciting Cross Country phase where horses will gallop through the Forest Preserve over fixed obstacles, down banks and through water. Cross Country rides will begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue until about 6 p.m. You will need to plan one half hour upon arrival at the Riding Center to get to the Cross Country course.
On Sunday, June 24th – Show Jumping competition and awards ceremonies will conclude the weekend. Our fabulous Sponsor’s Brunch, starting at 9:00 will be served in a tent with views of both the grass jump field and the sand jumping arena. The many special trophies will be awarded at the conclusion of their divisions. This final phase will be held at the Riding Center starting at approximately 9:00 a.m. continuing until mid-afternoon.
For more information please click the link.
Posted in 2019 Elections, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Honor Ride, BH Polo Club, Conflict of interest, Ethics, FRVPC, Riding Club of BH, Topics Of Interest, Uncategorized on April 17, 2018| 5 Comments »
While things have been calm at the Barrington Hills Village Hall these days, it seems as though there is trouble brewing over at the Barrington Hills Park District. It has been reported to the Observer that at last Wednesday night’s meeting of the Park District Board, board members voted unanimously to impose a facility rental fee for this year’s Barrington Honor Ride & Run (BHRR) – the annual community event that raises funds for the national organization Project Hero/Ride to Recovery Charity. Project Hero is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization which benefits Veterans and First Responders impacted by bodily injuries, as well as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Project Hero’s events help these heroes rehabilitate and regain physical and mental health through cycling, and they raise funds to provide participants with customized equipment and specially modified bicycles needed due to injuries, as well as medical and psychiatric care.
Trustee Colleen Konicek, the event organizer for the BHRR, was out of town on business, but Village President McLaughlin, Trustee Brian Cecola and Equestrian Commission member Stephanie Cecola and Veteran and former South Barrington trustee Bob Crowther appeared on Konicek’s behalf before the Barrington Hills Park District (BHParkDist)Board to inquire whether the members would consider waiving the rental fee for the 2018 event which has applied for rental of a portion of the Park District facility on August 12. BHParkDist had previously explained that because the BHRR is not “in-district” and it charges event participants a fee, they would be charged a rental fee of $550, but they could request a waiver of the fee from the Park Board.
BHParkDist Vice President Steve Allen stated that the group was out of District, thereby necessitating a rental fee, and that the national organization had reported raising over 3 million dollars in recent filings and that they “weren’t hurting for money”.
Dennis Kelly
BHParkDist President Dennis Kelly mentioned that the participation fee charged by BHRR as one of the many reasons he was against waiving the fee for the group.
Village President McLaughlin reminded both board members that every dollar raised and saved goes to the Vets. Further, he stated that the total amount raised per year locally by the BHRR was around $40,000. Stephanie Cecola said it was unfathomable that a group of individuals who have given so much to protect us would NOT be given consideration to have the fee waived. Dennis Kelly stated that every 501(c) (3) would be treated the same and that he was “watching out for the taxpayers”.
McLaughlin (who rarely appears to speak at meetings of other public bodies) requested special consideration on behalf of our veterans. He mentioned that this event is an example of how our community can put its best foot forward by hosting and supporting our military. He also mentioned how much positive press and feedback the village receives from hosting this event. He further asked that if the board was so compelled to charge a fee that perhaps park district board members might consider a personal donation to offset the fee. Only board member Jessica Underwood was open to consider that idea, but Dennis Kelly quickly shut down her inquiry and called for a vote. The Park District Board, consisting of Dennis Kelly, Steve Allen, Jessica Underwood, John Rosene and Gigi Iacovelli voted unanimously to impose the rental fee for this public facility.
Brian Cecola along with McLaughlin and Crowther have donated hundreds of volunteer hours to this event over the years, and all three were equally disgusted by the intransigent position of the board.
McLaughlin said it was just disappointing to see a group of individuals misrepresent the generous nature of the vast majority of residents in Barrington Hills for some personal undisclosed agenda. He, along with Cecola, Crowther and Konicek were considering personally covering the rental fees so that the event could continue in Barrington Hills without cost to the charity.
The Barrington Honor Ride is a great event for a great cause. Quite frankly, we don’t understand how the Park District could ever consider imposing a fee on these heroes. If you have attended the event, you will never forget the sight of these warriors who have lost limbs and suffered life-altering injuries, saluting the flag as the National Anthem is performed before the event commences.
We question the motivation of these members of the Park District Board to deny a waiver of the fee after being informed that every dollar saved goes to our vets.
This Park District receives roughly $210,000 of our tax dollars each year, and these board members are elected to represent our community. They may try to rationalize the imposition of the $550 fee as a fiscally responsible act, but keep in mind that this is the Park District that only charges private horse trainers $100 annually to use our Riding Center for conduct their personal for-profit lessons at our taxpayer funded Riding Center. And one of those trainers happens to be Park District Board Member Jessica Underwood.
And, is it only coincidence that one of the Park District’s two paid administrative employees is Kim Keper, who happens to be the wife of BHParkDist VP Steve Allen?
Or consider board member John Rosene, who is notorious for playing fast and loose with facts when it comes to village politics. Rosene has been reprimanded by the Polo association for his inappropriate sending of political emails to the private email addresses of minors, and is no longer allowed to hold a leadership position in the polo club.
And, this same BHParkDist Board recently did away with the $70 rebate program that minimally reimbursed BH residents for a portion of out-of-district rates charged when they participated in other neighboring park districts’ programs — programs which our district doesn’t offer because of their single-minded obsession with equestrian sports.
And, this is the same Park District Board that is considering the feasibility of installing an outdoor polo arena at the Riding Center (see Minutes January 2018). More polo! Well, if that isn’t “watching out for the taxpayers”, we don’t know what is.
Now, with this shameful vote, this Park District has failed our vets and they have failed the taxpayers of this village. Be assured, the Observer will remind the community of this selfish action in 2019 when the next election for Park District Board is held.
Posted in 2017 Elections, Barrington Hills Park District, FPDCC, FRVPC, Uncategorized on January 3, 2017| Leave a Comment »
Incumbent Maurine Crump and newcomer Jessica Underwood were the only candidates to file to run in the April 5 election for two open seats on the Barrington Hills Park District board.
Unless there is a write-in candidate, both will win election and serve 4-year terms.
To read the full story in the Daily Herald, click here.
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