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By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Saturday, April 19

Easter Eggstravagenza: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 19, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 720 Dundee Ave., Barrington. Featuring 5,000 eggs waiting for all the kids, as well as carnival games with prizes, balloon animals, and face painting. The Community Meal is serving doughnuts, granola bars, fruit and more. stmatthewbarrington.org.

Easter Egg Hunt: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 19, Dundee Library, 555 Barrington Ave., East Dundee. For the whole family. The library provides bags. Limit 10 eggs per child. frvpld.info.

Hoffman Estates Kids’ Egg Hunt: Three time slots on Saturday, April 19. Kids of all ages can search for eggs filled with treats, toys, and surprises. Then take photos with the Easter Bunny. Participants will be separated into three age groups during the egg hunt. Pine Park from 9-10 a.m., Fabbrini Park from noon to 1 p.m., and Cannon Crossing from 3-4 p.m. $5-$7. Arrive 30 minutes early. Register: heparks.org.

Children’s Easter Egg Hunt: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Indoor egg hung includes different rooms for different ages, and a light breakfast. Free. Register at firstpresah.org.

Doggy Egg Hunt: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, Al Hattendorf Center, Elk Grove Village. Plastic eggs with doggy treats will be hidden all over the grounds. In addition to the egg hunt, there will be a photo opportunity, an agility course, and a giveaway for each dog. All dogs must be leashed; and retractable leashes are not allowed. No walk-up registrations will be accepted. $10-$12. Only 1 dog per registration: elkgroveparks.org.

Easter Egg Hunt & Breakfast: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 19, at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 916 E. Central Road, Arlington Heights. Enjoy breakfast, egg hunting, and children’s craft and game stations. RSVP by April 17. Free. spcah.org.

Huntley Community Easter Egg Hunt: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, Deicke Park, 11419 Route 47. Arrive 15 minutes early to allow for parking for this fast-paced event. Special needs and kids under age 2 at 10 a.m., age 2-3 at 10:15 a.m., ages 4-6 at 10:30 a.m., and age 6-8 at 10:45 a.m. No registration is required. Photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny will be provided. Donations appreciated. huntleyparks.org.

Doggie Eggstravaganza: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, Berens Park baseball fields, 493 N. Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst. Dogs of all sizes can hunt for treat-filled eggs. Must be kept on a non-retractable leash (max. 6 feet), be current on all vaccinations, and visibly wear tags. No prong collars please. Dog must be accompanied by at least one person age 16 or older. Food trucks: Flyin’ Hawaiian, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, and The Chicago Donut Company. No registration required. Free. epd.org.

Long Grove Bunny Hop: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19, in Historic Downtown Long Grove, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Hop along the downtown Long Grove Bunny Trail; designated stops on the trail will offer treats and family-friendly activities spread throughout the downtown business district. Free entry. longgrove.org.

Palatine Jaycees Easter Egg Hunt: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 19, Palatine Park Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road. Open to children age 9 or under. Egg hunts will occur approximately every 20 minutes. Also, arts and crafts, music, and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Preregistration closes at noon April 15; walk-ins welcome. Register: palatinejaycees.org.

Sleepy Hollow Easter Egg Hunt: Noon Saturday, April 19, Sabatino Park, 151 Thorobred Lane, Sleepy Hollow. Divided into several age categories, as well as special needs. Certain eggs have tickets awarding grand prizes. Everyone leaves with a few candy bars and all the candy from the eggs they collect. The Easter Bunny will be available for pictures and mingling. Free. facebook.com/sleepyhollowserviceclub.

Bettendorf Castle Egg Hunt: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 19, Bettendorf Castle, 418 Concord Ave., Fox River Grove. Gates will open up at 1 p.m., the first hunt, divided by age group at 1:45 p.m. sharp, followed by a hunt for all ages. Prizes include candy, toys, and some eggs will hold tickets for larger prizes. Meet the Easter Bunny, a balloon twister and more. All attendees require a ticket, no exceptions. $35. Tickets: bettendorfcastle.com.

Eggcellent Easter Celebration: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 19, Elk Grove Historical Museum, 399 Biesterfield, Elk Grove Village. An Easter egg hunt and Easter-themed crafts. Free. Register each child for the appropriate age bracket: elkgroveparks.org.

Bartlett Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19, Bartlett Community Center’s Fields 4, 5 and 6. With over 5,500 eggs for children to find; divided into multiple age groups. bartlettlions.org.

Easter Egg Hunt: 3 p.m. Saturday, April 19, Open Door House of God Church, 210 S. Plum Grove Road Schaumburg. eventbrite.com.

Community Easter Egg Hunt: 3:45 p.m. Saturday, April 19, Light of Christ Church lawn, 1700 Longmeadow Parkway, Algonquin. Kids through fifth grade and special needs of all ages can search for thousands of filled eggs; bring a basket. Visit with pet bunnies from a local bunny rescue, and take photos with the Easter Bunny. Registration for raffle prizes begins at 3:45 p.m., with the egg hunt at 4:30 p.m. Stay for Easter worship and a Children’s Easter Experience at 5 p.m. Free. easterinalgonquin.com.

Sunday, April 20

Easter Breakfast: 8-9 a.m. Sunday, April 20, at the Federated Church of Wauconda, 200 S. Barrington Road, Wauconda. Enjoy Easter breakfast between services. No registration required. Free. federatedchurchofwauconda.org.

Easter Celebration: 9:30 a.m. Sunday, April 20, at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 815 Wilmot Road, Deerfield. Worship at 9:30 a.m. followed by family fun immediately after the service with an Easter Egg Hunt for younger children and a scavenger hunt for older children as well as mimosas and pastries. Free. stgregoryschurch.org.

Easter egg hunt: Following 9:30 a.m. service Sunday, April 20, at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, 12N462 Tina Trail in Elgin. Also enjoy a continental breakfast. All are welcome. ctlelgin.org.

Easter Egg Hunt: 11:15 a.m. Sunday, April 20, Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, 1400 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village. facebook.com/popumcelkgrove.

Find more here.

Rep. Janet Yang Rohr urges passage of a bill to let high school athletes compete simultaneously on school teams and in non-school events during a debate on the House floor Wednesday, April 9. | Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Campbell

By Peter Hancock | Capitol News Illinois

The Illinois House gave its approval to legislation that would give high school athletes a limited right to compete in non-school events or on non-school teams during the same season in which they play for their school.

The House voted 68-39 on April 9 to pass a scaled-back version of a bill known as the Right to Play Act. It would partially override an existing rule of the Illinois High School Association that says students who participate on a school team may not also participate on a non-school team or compete in outside tournaments or events in the same sport during the same season, unless they obtain permission from both their school and IHSA.

The association currently allows students to obtain as many as three waivers in a season to compete in outside contests or tournaments if those events are sanctioned by the sport’s national governing body.

Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, said she thinks that rule is too restrictive because it doesn’t allow for events sponsored by international sports organizations.

“Our athletes right now in Illinois have to decline invitations from FIFA (the international soccer governing body), from the Olympic development program, from offers to play with national teams in Canada and Scotland, because these IHSA rules compel the organization to deny their waiver requests,” she said on the House floor. “This legislation will finally be able to let those student athletes participate in those events too.”

Under the amended bill, student athletes would be able to obtain waivers for as many as two outside events per year, including “all-star team” events. But they would only need the agreement of their school’s principal or athletics director, not IHSA. The bill also would not require the events to be sanctioned by any official governing body.

That is significantly more restrictive than the original bill, which would have removed the prohibition on simultaneous participation almost entirely. It would have prohibited participating in both a school competition or practice and a non-school activity on the same day.

That proposal passed out of the House Education Policy Committee in March, despite warnings from some critics that allowing unrestricted dual participation could endanger the health and safety of the athletes while also setting up the possibility of conflict between a school coach and non-school coach.

But Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills, who voted for the amended bill, said during floor debate that he would have preferred going even further in limiting the authority of IHSA.

“This is an unfortunate turn with your amendments, but I completely appreciate … what you had to do to get this started,” he said during floor debate. “But frankly, let’s next year – and I’ll join you – get this completely wiped out. Get the IHSA back in the lane where they should be, which is to be fair and to allow all these students to have every equal opportunity for scholarships that they can get.”

Read more here.

Barrington Area Unit School District 220 Superintendent Craig Winkelman, left, Barrington Area Library Executive Director Jason Pinshower and Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District Trustee Tom Long, right, were among the speakers at Thursday’s Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Town Hall Forum. | Steve Zalusky/szalusky@dailyherald.com

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

From a “showcase” pool to a state-of-the-art high school auditorium, Barrington-area officials shared their gains, as well as their challenges, Thursday during the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce’s Town Hall forum.

Barrington Park District Executive Director Teresa Jennings told the gathering that the new pool at Langendorf Park, among the projects funded by a successful $18.8 million referendum in 2023, is expected to open in mid-June.*

“We are going to be a showcase pool in the state of Illinois,” Jennings said.

Barrington Area Unit District 220 Superintendent Craig Winkelman said some of its recent successes include implementing full-day kindergarten three years ahead of the state deadline and passing a referendum last year that will fund upgrades that include a new auditorium at Barrington High School.

“In the spring of 2028, we will host our first spring musical,” he added.

Officials also detailed challenges ahead.

Read more here.

*Meanwhile, today marks the one year anniversary of a car jumping a curb and striking the north side of the Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Health & Fitness Center (pictured below). The club’s pools still remain closed as a result..

Moving sale | 3 day sale beginning at 10 AM today

18 Ascot Lane, Barrington Hills, IL 60010

Click here for details.

Note: Please park on driveway or on the street – no grass parking please

This vital infrastructure improvement project will enhance traffic flow and safety in our community. Below are the latest updates:

  • Grading Work: Topsoil removal and grading for the temporary U.S. 14 roadway between Elm Road and U.S. 14 is planned to start this week. While we have worked with the contractor to delay roadway impacts to this point, to ensure a safe construction zone for all, this work necessitates the closure of Willow Road starting on Monday, April 21. 
  • Fence Relocation and Tree Removals: Over the past month, crews have been working to complete fence removals and relocations throughout the project area. Tree removals are complete and removal of these downed trees from the project area is scheduled for completion over the next week.
  • Demolition and Excavation: Interior demolition of the strip mall at 557 N. Hough St., is underway, and exterior building demolition and excavation for the new pump station at 117 E. Northwest Hwy. (just east of Jiffy Lube) will begin. These are key steps in moving the project forward.
  • Utility Relocations: AT&T and Comcast have coordinated substantial utility relocation work on Hough Street just south of Route 14. Nicor has now initiated their relocations in this area, and ComEd has initiated relocation work along Route 14. Relocation schedules continue to be coordinated between various utilities within the project area. In addition to this private utility work, the project contractor is scheduled to initiate Village watermain relocation work in the vicinity of Willow Road within the next few weeks.
  • Culvert Installation: Crews will also begin installing a culvert on the south side of the bridge on Elm Road, which will allow for the creation of a temporary roadway over Flint Creek. This installation will require minimal work on the north side of Elm Road to temporarily reroute water around the construction zone, while the majority of work will take place from Route 14. The project team will target dry weather conditions to keep the installation process efficient.
  • Hough Street Culvert: A significant milestone in the project will be the installation of a new culvert to carry Flint Creek under Hough Street. While the start date for this work is still dependent on the completion of utility relocations, utility designs and permits are in progress. ComEd is working to coordinate the scope and schedule of their work in this area and, following the solidification of that work, the project team will begin scheduling this culvert installation work.

As the project progresses, the Village will continue to share monthly project update emails to provide information and timelines on completed and anticipated work. Updates will be utilized to convey special construction or traffic alert information. You are always encouraged to stay informed throughout the project by visiting the website.


Black vulture | paul-crook, Unsplash

By Kevin Bessler | The Center Square 

Illinois livestock farmers dealing with highly aggressive black vultures now have the means to fight back.

Black vultures are known to prey on young livestock and birthing mothers, causing  injuries and sometimes death.

“Illinois’ black vulture population has increased significantly in recent years, particularly in the southern portion of the state,” said Illinois Farm Bureau president Brian Duncan. “These birds often prey on young livestock, especially in open pastures, and can create major financial losses for farmers.”

Black vultures, which have a dark gray head and are aggressive, should not be confused with their larger, less aggressive and red-headed relative, the turkey vulture. Turkey vultures may be found throughout Illinois.

The Illinois Farm Bureau secured statewide black vulture depredation permits through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) effective now through Dec. 31, 2025. 

As migratory birds, black vultures are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, state laws and regulations, therefore, they can’t be killed or destroyed without a migratory bird depredation permit from USFWS and a Class B nuisance wildlife control permit from IDNR.

“Securing these federal depredation permits streamlines the application process and reduces cost to the producer. It is our hope that this process helps farmers access the necessary tools as quickly as possible to protect their livestock,” said Duncan.

More here.

The Long Grove Bunny Hop returns Saturday, April 19, to Historic Downtown Long Grove. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, April 18

RCSA presents MTI’s Pure Imagination: 8 p.m. Friday, April 18, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Musical revue featuring 14 musical numbers from shows in Music Theatre International’s Broadway Junior collection. $7-$25. Rauecenter.org.

Saturday, April 19

Easter Eggstravaganza: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 19, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 720 Dundee Ave., Barrington. Egg hunt with 5,000 eggs, carnival games with prizes, balloon animals and face painting. The Community Meal includes doughnuts, granola bars, fruit and more. stmatthewbarrington.org.

Long Grove Bunny Hop: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19, in Historic Downtown Long Grove, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Follow the downtown Long Grove Bunny Trail, where designated stops on the trail will offer treats and family-friendly activities. Free. longgrove.org.

Bunny Trolley Hop: Time slots from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at the Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. Gates open at 9:15 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Young visitors will be able to meet and be photographed with the Easter Bunny in his carrot coach, hunt for eggs and treasure, see live animals at the small animal zoo, and participate in activities, games and more. $20. irm.org.

Bunny Burrow Express: 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3 p.m. Saturday, April 19, in the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, 35W003 Route 31, South Elgin. Take the Fox River Valley Trolley Museum ride to the Easter Bunny’s “secret burrow,” where there will be hidden eggs to find. Children will receive a basket. $30 per person. Register: foxtrolley.org.

Earth Day Celebration: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at the Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Exhibits, earth-friendly activities and crafts, guided hikes, food trucks, live music and puppet shows. Free. mccdistrict.org.

“Dancing with the Stars: Live”: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. See the professional dancers of the TV show on their live tour. Tickets start at $64. rosemont.com.

Sunday, April 20

Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt: 9 a.m. Sunday, April 20, at Itasca Country Club, 400 E. Orchard St., Itasca. Brunch buffet, a visit from the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt and a petting zoo. $35-$65; free for kids 3 and younger. RSVP: itascacountryclub.com.

Monday, April 21

Violinist Itzhak Perlman will tell stories, share personal photos, and perform with his pianist and friend Rohan DeSilva in “An Evening With Itzhak Perlman” Monday, April 21, at the Chicago Theatre. | Courtesy of Ravinia Festival

An Evening with Itzhak Perlman: 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 21, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Multimedia program interweaves storytelling by Perlman with personal photos, documentary clips and music making with Perlman’s pianist and friend of 25 years, Rohan DeSilva. Tickets start at $56.50. msg.com/the-chicago-theatre.

Tuesday, April 22

Sneak Peek Showcase: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, April 22 and 24, at Cinergy Wheeling, 401 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. An exclusive glimpse into the future of the big screen featuring trailers, never-before-seen footage and behind-the-scenes content from the upcoming theatrical slate. $3 suggested donation; proceeds will benefit the Will Rogers Pioneer Assistance Fund, Variety — the Children’s Charity, and The Cinema Foundation. cinergy.com/wheeling.

Riverdance celebrates its 30th anniversary with performances Tuesday through Sunday, April 22-27, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago. | Courtesy of Jack Hartin

Riverdance 30 “The New Generation”: 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, April 22-24; 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26; and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. The fusion of Irish and international dance and music celebrates its 30-year milestone. Tickets start at $31.50. cadillacpalacetheatre.com.

Wednesday, April 23

MCC Jazz Ensembles: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake. Free. mchenry.edu.

Thursday, April 24

Morton Arboretum Arbor Day Plant Sale

Arbor Day Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Shop for a variety of plants chosen by experts for success in Chicago-area gardens. Tickets are $10-$47 and include a credit to be applied toward a purchase at the sale. mortonarb.org.

Central States Numismatic Society: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 24-25, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Coin collector convention with over 425 booths of vendors, experts, exhibits and more. Early-bird access available Wednesday, April 23. Daily admission $15, three-day pass $30, free admission for kids 17 and younger and after noon Saturday. csns.org/convention.

Chris Redd: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24, and 7 and 9:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 25-26, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Standup comedy. $25. improv.com/chicago.

MCC Chamber Ensembles and MCC Concert Choir: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake. Free. mchenry.edu/.

Find more here.

For Women Scotland’s Susan Smith and Marion Calder celebrated outside court after their appeal was upheld. | Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

By Sana Noor Haq | CNN

The United Kingdom’s highest court ruled that the legal definition of “woman” excludes trans women, in a case with sweeping consequences for how equality laws are applied.

Britain’s Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the definition of a woman in equality legislation refers to “a biological woman and biological sex,” sparking celebrations outside court among gender-critical campaigners but warnings it was a “worrying” development for transgender people.

The case centered on whether trans women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) – which offers legal recognition of someone’s female sex – are protected from discrimination as a woman under the nation’s Equality Act 2010.

A group of campaigners in Scotland brought a challenge in 2018, arguing that those rights should only safeguard those assigned as women at birth. But the Scottish government said that a trans woman with a GRC is legally a woman and should therefore be afforded the same legal protections.

Even though the case stems from a dispute over Scottish laws designed to increase the number of women sitting on boards, the outcome on Wednesday will shape the increasingly fractious and polarizing debate over transgender rights across the UK.

The UK’s ruling Labour party said the ruling brought “clarity and confidence” while the opposition Conservatives called it a “clear victory for common sense,” urging the government to amend existing guidance.

The five judges ruled in favor of For Women Scotland (FWS) – which proposed that not linking the legal definition of gender to biological sex would have repercussions on designated single-sex services, including changing rooms, hostels and communal accommodation.

Read more here.

“Notice is hereby given that Community Unit School District No. 220 in Barrington, Illinois will be destroying all temporary regular and special education records for students who graduated, transferred, or permanently withdrew from Barrington schools as of June 2020.

Students over the age of 18 or custodial parents interested in obtaining copies of these records may do so by contacting: Debbie Koenen, dkoenen@barrington220.org, 515 W. Main Street, Barrington, Illinois 60010, Student Services Department BEFORE June 15, 2025.”

Busse Forest supports a wide range of animal and plant species across several types of habitats. Within its footprint is the Busse Forest Nature Preserve, which boasts National Natural Landmark status. | Photo by: Michelle Puszka

In this issue:

  • Explore, Restore and Connect with Nature This Earth Day
  • Visit Us at Share the Trail Stops: A Friendly Way to Enjoy the Outdoors Together
  • A Ribbit Rhapsody: Frog Calls of the Forest Preserves
  • Discover a Champion Tree in the Forest Preserves
  • Latest News: Simplify Your Picnic Planning & Save with a Permit Package!; Going Batty for Bats? Join Us for a Nighttime Adventure!; Step Outside and Thrive: Senior Events That Promote Healthy Living; Foundation Story of Love, Loss, and Nature’s Embrace
  • Upcoming Events
  • Volunteer Opportunities: Earth Month

Read the April newsletter here.