Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Hills Farm, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Bicyclists, BraveHearts, Clown Car, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Don't Change Barrington Hills, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, Frau Blücher, FRVPC, FUBAR, Goat Rodeo, Horizon Farm, Horse Boarding, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, LeCompte/Anderson Commercial Horse boarding amendment, Lighting Ordinance, Look For The Union Label, Mad Cows, Massbach Hounds, Open Meetings Act, Overhead, Plan Commission, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Riding Club Commission, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Save 5 Acres, SOUL Harbour Ranch, Taxes, The Other Half, Traffic, Transparency, Unions, Village Code, Village Director of Administration, Well Water Quality, Your Barrington Hills on December 1, 2025| Leave a Comment »
The Equestrian Commission/Riding Club will be meeting this evening at 6:30 PM. Though scheduled to meet quarterly, their last meeting was over a year ago on August 7, 2024.
Topics on their agenda include:
A copy of the agenda can be viewed here.
Posted in Barrington Hills Park District, Entertainment, FPDCC, Fundraisers, Public Safety, Resident Spotlights, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, SOUL Harbour Ranch, Topics Of Interest, Unions, VBHPD, Village Government, Yabba Dabba Doo on September 14, 2024| Leave a Comment »
The Barrington Hills Are Alive Fest takes place tomorrow from noon to 4 PM at the Barrington Hills Riding Center. Begun in 2013, this annual event provides residents with a welcome opportunity gather with friends and neighbors they’ve known for years and meet new ones too.
Those attending can enjoy, “Live music, tasty fest faves, pony rides, arts n’ crafts and entertainment for the entire family!” Scheduled entertainment include:
All afternoon residents can enjoy:
Read all about it HERE, but there’s more!
Enter the raffle for the chance to win a Fall Fest treasure! Drop your raffle entry in the ticket receptacle at the Barrington Hills Police Department tent!
Drawing will be at 3:30 PM; winner need not be present during the drawing.
More here.
Posted in BACOG, OP/Ed, Politics, Public Hearing, SOUL Harbour Ranch, South Barrington, Taxes, Transparency on August 4, 2024| Leave a Comment »
South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie
Nearly every Friday afternoon, South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie’s office publishes email updates to residents on information they might find of interest. It is very refreshing to see how thorough and transparent these updates are often going beyond the minimal public notices required by law as witnessed in her latest post:
“Dear Residents,
Next Wednesday, August 7, I would like to invite you to come with any questions and hear about the proposed community solar project on the landfill next to Willow Creek Church. AC Power will hold an open house in Rose Hall from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Later that evening at 7 p.m., the Plan Commission will be holding a public hearing on AC Power’s project. Please participate if you are interested. There will also be a continuation of the Public Hearing on the Forest View development of 22 homes at the SW corner of Mundhank and Freeman Rd.
The second Public Hearing Date next week is Friday August 9 at 7 p.m. One of the items on the agenda is the development of Area N between Bartlett Rd and Rt. 59.
As many of you know, a number of residents sued the Park District to void the sale of the Area N property to the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (the “PBCC”). The Village of South Barrington, as stated in last week’s Mayor’s message, has filed a motion to intervene in this litigation and seeks to postpone the public hearing of the PBCC for Area N on August 9, 2024 until after the resolution of the residents’ litigation.
As you are aware, the public hearing on August 9, 2024 was scheduled on a Friday as the only available date that would allow the Village to be in compliance with law and occur after the court date on the underlying development of August 8, 2024. We are committed to ensuring transparency and community participation, and will notify all interested parties after the motion to intervene is ruled on by the court. If the Village is permitted to intervene and a hearing does occur, we will be seeking a date in the evening of a traditional working day.
The second item on the agenda for Friday evening is a request for an artistic tattoo room at the Goat Yoga facility in the Arboretum.
For Wednesday, August 7, at 7 p.m. items for the Public Hearing can be found here. For Friday, August 9, at 7 p.m., the Public Hearing items can be found here. There is always an agenda spot for public to speak to the Plan Commission, please attend.
We have been compiling a list of dead Village parkway trees for removal. To report any street-side dead trees, please fill out our Tree Survey. The list is used for our tree removal and replacement program. Reported trees will be evaluated, and if eligible, added to the master removal list. Once the yearly program is completed, additional individual parkway trees will not be replaced until the next year.
Saturday, August 3, is the big Back-To-School Bash at The Arb! Come out from 11am – 2pm for one last summer hoorah before the new school year begins! So many fun activities planned including Touch-A-Truck, a Dance party for the kids, a meet & greet with Ariel & the Little Mermaid crew, a Reptile Show, and so much more! If you can, please bring one backpack to donate for kids in need for Barrington Giving Day, located by the Fit4Mom Tattoo station.
Get ready for the annual Nashville Night at the Arb! This Wednesday, August 7, promises an evening of Country Fun!
Line Dance lessons will kick off the evening at 5:30 with Carol Tortorice from Kickin’ It With Carol. Then In the Stix, one of Chicago’s most popular country cover bands, will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. There will be a mechanical bull to ride and support Soul Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program. Soul Harbour will be onsite with their mini therapy horses. Read below for more information about this event and other upcoming concerts, or click here.
As always, I can be reached by email at pmccombie@southbarrington.org or online through our website. I can also be reached through the anonymous comment boxes located in the Village Hall and Police Department lobbies. I read anonymous messages privately, so please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss any matter.
Have a great weekend!
Paula McCombie
Mayor”
Related: “Fuhgeddaboudit”
Posted in Entertainment, SOUL Harbour Ranch, Topics Of Interest on December 28, 2023| Leave a Comment »
In front: Gail Gersh with therapy dog Honey, therapy mini horses Unique and Sunshine, Claire Johnson (kneeling), therapy dog Betty; back row: Jodie Diegel, Sue Manning, Anne Arroyo, Dave Tabak, Lynn Greifer, Eddie Arroyo and Kathy Tabak. | Courtesy of Tim Manning
Submitted by Jodie Diegel
The SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program, the Northwest Suburbs most experienced comprehensive animal therapy program, shared holiday joy with the residents of Alden Estates of Barrington on Christmas Day, a yearly tradition.
The registered volunteer handlers, with two registered, sneaker-wearing miniature therapy horses — Unique and Sunshine — and two registered therapy dogs — Betty and Honey — sang carols inside as they visited residents in their rooms, ahnd they also visited at the outside windows, all SOUL-filled connections.
Sharing of unconditional love is what SOUL’s special therapy animals do best, and what better way to share that love that on Christmas Day? Sharing joy, laughter, smiles, and love is the true healing power of animal-assisted therapy.
The SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program, located in Barrington, is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit comprising over 80 volunteers, with miniature therapy horses, therapy dogs, a therapy cat, miniature donkeys, miniature pigs and one Flemish giant rabbit. They visit and partner with hospitals, veterans, schools, libraries, nursing homes and more. They also mentor the SOUL Buddies Animal Club at Barrington High School.
SOUL is looking for future volunteers that would like to do therapy work with SOUL’s animals or the volunteers’ own animals. SOUL will mentor volunteers on their journey to test with their pets through Pet Partners, the national gold standard for animal-assisted therapy, and then join SOUL.
Check out the SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program at soulharbourranch.org.
Posted in Animal Welfare, Organizations, SOUL Harbour Ranch on October 15, 2023| Leave a Comment »
Grady
BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. (CBS) — The Buffolo Grove Police Department is welcoming its newest member, a therapy dog.
Four-year-old Grady is an American Labradoodle and is set to bring comfort and support to the community.
The department hopes Grady will bridge the gap between the police force and the people they serve.
Grady is personally owned by his handler, the Buffalo Grove Deputy Chief Brian Spolar, and was trained and certified as a therapy dog before joining the department.
Grady and Spolar are graduates of the SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Training Program and currently serve as a volunteer dog team for the nonprofit, officials say. They are also a registered therapy dog team through Pet Partners.
More here.
Posted in BACT, Entertainment, SOUL Harbour Ranch, Topics Of Interest on October 13, 2023| Leave a Comment »
“Join us for the annual Scarecrow Festival, held each year at Memorial Park!
The fest offers FREE fun for the entire family, with pumpkin painting, scarecrow decorating, face painting, balloon artistry and more! Music and fun by Bob the DJ!”
Related: “Barrington Wine Walk is Saturday, October 14,” “Artists to paint outdoors during Paint the Town Barrington! Plein Air Event”
Posted in Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, DARCHED, Entertainment, Politics, SOUL Harbour Ranch on July 26, 2023| Leave a Comment »
The Barrington Family Expo will include SOUL Harbour Ranch miniature therapy horses. (Courtesy of Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce)
Submitted by Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce
The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a free Family Expo from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at Citizens Park, 511 N. Lake Zurich Road in Barrington.
The event will feature outdoor activities, giveaways, music and more. Parking is free, but attendees can also walk or bike to the event.
Event highlights include miniature therapy horses and therapy dogs, live Superhero characters, entertainment, a bounce house, face painting, outdoor music, food, and refreshments for purchase from local vendors, and nearly 50 booths showcasing business and community resources.
“This is a community event dedicated to connecting local families with the first-rate programs and resources available in the Barrington region,” said BACC President/CEO Suzanne Corr.
“The expo is a family affair. There is entertainment and activities for all ages, booths showcasing local community resources and businesses, and much more. It’s a great afternoon outing for the entire family.”
Family Expo vendors include: Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital; Barrington Area Council of Governments; Barrington Area Council On Aging; Barrington Area Library; Barrington Back & Body; Barrington Bank & Trust Co., N.A.; Barrington Children’s Choir; Barrington Youth & Family Services; Bredwell; Brightmont Academy; BStrong Together; Canlan Sports; Cultivate Behavioral Health and Education; Daily Herald Media Group; EverDry Waterproofing; Hart Dental; Heaven’s Best Carpet Cleaning of Northern Illinois; Hiral Esthetics LLC; Humana; Jacobson and Tsou Orthodontics; Jovie Nannies and Sitters & College Tutors; Marvin’s Toy Store; Mental Ease Services PLLC; Midwest Kernel Company; My Density Matters; Nak4 Orthodontics; National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Barrington Chapter; Noah’s Ark Christian Academy; Nothing Bundt Cakes; Patrick A. Finn, LTD; Paws Chicago; The Presbyterian Church of Barrington; SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program; sweetgreen; Synergy Builders; The Den Fitness/Limitless Performance Chiropractic; The Orchard Evangelical Free Church; Yogasix Barrington; and Your Smile Studio, and more.
Family Expo event sponsors are: Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital; Barrington Bank & Trust Co., N.A.; Hart Dental; Synergy Builders; and the Barrington Park District.
For information, visit www.BarringtonChamber.com.
Posted in Politics, Property Taxes, Resident Spotlights, Roads & Bridges Committee, SOUL Harbour Ranch, Unions, Village Government on March 31, 2023| 1 Comment »
“INVITATION TO BID NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Barrington Hills will receive sealed Bids until the 11th day of April 2023 at 3:00 p.m. local time at the Village of Barrington Hills, 112 Algonquin Road, Barrington Hills, IL 60010 at which time the Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for the following project: VILLAGE OF BARRINGTON HILLS 2023 ROAD PROGRAM Work description: Provide all labor, services and materials necessary for the resurfacing of various roads throughout the Village of Barrington Hills.
This work consists of: hot-mix asphalt removal; placement of hot-mix asphalt binder and surface course; replacement of drainage structures and sewers; restoration and other associated improvement required to complete the project in accordance with the plans, specifications and all other applicable standards. The Contract Documents may be inspected and purchased at Trotter and Associates, Inc., 38 W Grand Ave, Fox Lake, IL 60020, beginning March 29, 2023. Contact Heidi Patla at h.patla@trotter-inc.com to purchase the contract docs. Hard and/or electronic copies are available. Payment for Contract Documents is non-refundable and shall be payable to Trotter and Associates, Inc. in the form of cash, certified check or money order. No partial sets of specifications or drawings will be issued. The non- refundable cost for plans and specifications is $50.00. Addenda will be issued only to plan holders.
Bidders will be required to provide Bid security equal to five (5) percent of the Bid in the form of a Bid Bond written by a company properly licensed in Illinois, a certified check or a cashier’s check. The successful Bidder must also comply with all the provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act and all wages must comply with the Illinois Department of Labor Prevailing Wages for McHenry, Lake, Cook, and Kane Counties.
The Village of Barrington Hills, in accordance with the Laws of the State of Illinois, hereby notifies all Bidders that the Village reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive minor informalities or technicalities, to advertise for new bids, or to request confirmation or clarification from any bidder regarding information contained in a bid. The Village will affirmatively ensure that the contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement will be awarded to a responsible and responsive Bidder without discrimination on the grounds of race, color or national origin, but the Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Bids received and to waive formalities.
Your Bid will be required to be submitted under a condition of irrevocability for a period of sixty (60) days after submission. Bids shall be received in a sealed envelope addressed to Village of Barrington Hills, 112 Algonquin Road, Barrington Hills, IL 60010 which is marked in the lower left-hand corner EXACTLY as follows: BID: Village of Barrington Hills 2023 Road Resurfacing Program Published in Daily Herald March 30, 2023 (4597651), posted 03/30/2023”
Posted in Animal Welfare, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, Commercial Horse Boarding, Equestrian Commission, Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, FRVPC, Horizon Farm, Horse Boarding, Land Use, Mane in Heaven, Massbach Hounds, Real Estate, Riding Center Advisory Committee, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Save 5 Acres, SOUL Harbour Ranch, Springfield, The Other Half, TMI, Unions on March 5, 2023| 1 Comment »
On August 22, 2018, the Illinois State Commemorative Dates Act was amended to include:
Sec. 195. Day of the Horse. The fifth day of March of each year shall be designated as the Day of the Horse, to be observed throughout the State as a day to encourage citizens to honor and celebrate the role of equines in the history and character of Illinois, and to recognize the benefits of the equine industry to the economy, agriculture, tourism, and quality of life in Illinois.
For the benefit of those who may be new to our Village, we’d like to provide a list of a few Village Codes applicable to the keeping of horses in Barrington Hills. In no particular order, they are:
Questions, comments or concerns can be directed to the Village Equestrian Commission here, or to the Trustee Liaison to the Commission, Laura S. Ekstrom, here.
HAPPY TRAILS to you and yours!
Posted in Animal Welfare, SOUL Harbour Ranch, South Barrington, Topics Of Interest on May 2, 2022| Leave a Comment »
SOUTH BARRINGTON, Ill. — Therapy dogs and small horses from Soul Harbour Ranch were taken for a walk through nature in South Barrington.
All of the therapy animals are registered with the National Registry Pet Partners. Soul Harbour has 20 percent of the nation’s pet partner miniature horses.
Soul Harbour Ranch is run by an all-volunteer team that’s looking for more people to join the team. The therapy animals will be taking a walk on the first Sunday of every month.
Watch the WGN report here.
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