Comfort and Joy

Barrington is home to one of the region’s finest “Nutcracker” ballet performances. It’s a project that starts each January, just after the sets have been taken down and stored after the December shows. Barrington Dance Ensemble and other area dance students join with professional dancers in what is not only a major learning experience for the students, but a chance for the pros to give back. We peek behind the scenes of this grand two-act ballet that brings dance, beauty, classical music, and a little magic to our holidays.

We have plenty of news to share about this holiday issue. The inaugural Chicago River Swim was a wonderful success for both the event and the fundraising. Barrington 220 has launched its all-day kindergarten programs throughout the district one year ahead of a state requirement. Saint Anne Catholic Community welcomes Fr. John Trout to its parish and shares updates on good things happening at the school. We also follow up on the LeCompte/Kalaway Polo Matches, always a day of great sport and fun in Barrington Hills.

Meet CEO Harleigh Garcia, a woman in her mid-20s who is solving problems for man’s best friend and teaching the importance of respect. We honor Harleigh as our Quintessential Person. And in this issue, we introduce “Meet Your Neighbor,” a throwback to the kind of news you’d see in yesteryear’s local town newspaper—charming, neighborly, and unassuming.

We wish you a happy holiday season and thank our fantastic advertisers who continue to make this award-winning publication possible.