Barrington Area Youth Dance Ensemble – Friday, June 12th, Coppelia Performance

Barrington Dance Ensemble is seeking friendly volunteers to greet patrons, distribute programs, assist with seating, and help create a warm, welcoming theatre experience during our spring production of Coppélia.

Click here for details.

Parker Players Theater Company – Seeks Board Members

Barrington’s own Parker Players Theater Company produces bold, thought-provoking theater in an intimate setting where audiences feel deeply connected to the work.

They are seeking a highly organized volunteer for their Finance Operations Coordinator to support the day-to-day financial workflows of the organization. Parker Players also is looking for a Volunteer Treasurer to serve as a strategic financial leader and officer of the Board of Directors.

To learn more about both roles, click here.

Additionally, the following nonprofits still have open spots for their upcoming June events:

GiGi’s Playhouse 5k/Dash For Down Syndrome on June 6th

NOW Arena, Hoffman Estates
Gigi’s needs lots of amazing volunteers for their annual event, especially in the days leading up to and the day of the event!

Click here to volunteer!

Children’s Advocacy Center – Root Beer Float Run on June 13th, Busse Woods

Children’s Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County (CAC) fun run is coming up and volunteers needed for help with set up & during the run.

For details, click here.

Fur Keeps Animal Rescue – Holistic Health Fair on June 14th, Noon – 5 pm

The fair will highlight innovative methods for owners to interact with their pets through vet care, rehab sessions, education and as well as which products are good for animal health.

Click here to learn more.

Barrington Area Volunteer Connection (BAVC) is an online platform that helps match volunteers ages 13 and above to nonprofits that have open positions. It’s easy to sign up and the information is real-time so you can get involved immediately! Visit thebavc.org to learn more.

More About the Barrington Area Volunteer Connection (BAVC)

Barrington Area Volunteer Connection (BAVC)‘s goal is to bring all 100+ Barrington area nonprofits, churches and service organizations in a free & easy to use database so that volunteers can easily find opportunities. The foundation of BAVC is a volunteer match platform called Get Connected which serves as a clearinghouse to bring together organizations, volunteers, and collaborators to match volunteer interests with nonprofits needing assistance. GetConnected also offers organizations optional features such as easy record keeping of volunteer hours, as well as mobile check in and shift reminders and other ways to communicate with volunteers. Learn more at TheBAVC.org. Please also visit BAVC’s Facebook & Instagram pages! * BAVC Photos by Bob Lee

The post Help Barrington’s Performing Arts Organizations through BAVC! appeared first on 365Barrington.

If you know the location, enter your answer in the contest entry form below for a chance to win the latest prize which is also a mystery but somehow linked to the photo location. We love to keep you guessing ;).

Because we’re currently rebuilding the 365Barrington.com website and team, this mystery photo contest will run for the full month of June. That means, you have until June 30 to submit your guesses and we’ll reveal the answer (and the winner) one month from today, on July 1st.

Here’s how the contest works:

• Submit guesses about where today’s mystery photo was taken in the form below
• You have until the end of June to submit your guess
• On July 1st, we’ll draw a name and reveal the winner at 365Barrington.com
• We will contact the winner with instructions about receiving the prize.
• Only one guess per person
• Your email address must be valid, so we can contact you if you win

There you go! All you have to do is SUBMIT YOUR GUESS IN THE FORM BELOW. We’ll reveal the photo’s location when we debut another new mystery photo next week.

By the way, if you have an idea for a local mystery photo, please text your idea or image to me (Liz) at 847-691-3150. We’re always looking for ways to have a little fun by stumping community sleuths and could use your help! 

And be sure to pay attention to the sights you see around town. It’s the little details that could be on display the next time we ask “Guess Where, Barrington?”

Good luck to all who enter! And here’s one last look at this week’s mystery photo.

The post June Mystery Photo Challenge: Who’s that Lady? appeared first on 365Barrington.

Paige Unruh!

Paige was correct in guessing that the photo is a closeup of the vast collection of colorful fibers and threads currently available at The Pepper Pot, Barrington’s new destination for all of your needlepoint and mahjong needs in the Ice House Mall! Let’s zoom out to share a look at the bigger picture…

The Pepper Pot officially opened in Barrington’s Ice House Mall on Saturday, February 28th. If you have yet to visit, you’re in for a treat! Not only have Crystal and her team sourced a curated selection of needlepoint canvases and fibers from artists near and far, she’s offering needlepoint AND mahjong classes for stitchers and players of all ages and skill levels. “Our goal was not to have a trend-driven shop or space built around expertise alone, but an inviting space designed for participation and play. It’s a place to slow the pace, gather around the table, and take part in traditions meant to be shared.”

Crystal says her relationship with needlepoint and mahjong began in different seasons of her life, both shaped by time spent with family and traditions that quietly marked those memories. “Needlepoint offered focus, patience, and the steady rhythm of making,” Crystal says. “Mahjong brought conversation, strategy and the energy of shared time.” Thanks to Crystal, we all now have a place to gather and participate in these beloved traditions and she says all are welcome!

Click here to shop The Pepper Pot online, click here to peruse their latest calendar of upcoming events and classes and find the shop in person at 200 Applebee Street, Suites 110 & 114 in Barrington’s Ice House Mall.

Congratulations for winning this week’s contest, Paige. We will be reaching out again shortly about redeeming your prize, which is a $25 gift card to The Pepper Pot.

By the way, if you have an idea for a local mystery photo, please text your idea or image to me (Liz) at 847-691-3150. We like guessing, too! 

And be sure to pay attention to the little details you see around town. You never know where we’ll be next time we ask, “Guess Where, Barrington?”

The post Mystery Photo Winner REVEALED – A Colorful Connection appeared first on 365Barrington.

We also found a few photographers along the parade route capturing the stars, stripes and spirit of the day. Thanks to Bob Lee for sharing his images (see full album including our combined photos below) to go with these thoughts we gathered from both veterans and others who turned out in a strong show of solidarity…

“I remember coming back from serving in Afghanistan and it was just business as usual. For our older generations, most people went to war and so a larger population was affected by it. Your brother, uncle, cousin, they all went and fought and came back so everybody kind of suffered together. But, for the last twenty years, it’s been one percent continually fighting the wars. You come back and you want to make sure it still matters. That’s why Memorial Day Weekend is not just the gateway to summer. It’s an opportunity to stop, pause, reflect and enjoy everything we’re afforded really. We’re all so busy. I’m so busy. So it’s really meaningful to take time to pause and remember.”  – Brandon Tole, American Legion Post 158 Commander & U.S. Marine Corps

“On Memorial Day and Veterans Day, I think everybody embraces the military and supports them fully. But a lot of times it can feel like a thankless job because people don’t get to see it. So parades like this and community events like this actually do mean a lot to the veterans and all the people serving the country including the first responders. I think it’s good for them to see and feel this support.” – Christopher Millar, U.S. Air Force (2005-2010), Visiting Barrington from Phoenix, AZ

“I appreciate everyone coming together and reflecting on everything that this day is about; remembering those who have fallen, those who have served, and just taking a pause in our busy lives to recognize the sacrifices folks made for us.” – Ashley Millar, Wife to Veteran, Christopher Millar

“It’s an opportunity to reflect on sacrifices made and enjoy the comforts we have here in America that we don’t necessarily think about on a daily basis. It’s another way for us to embrace our American heritage and the values that Americans hold dear to our hearts.” – Carla Tschiniak, Lake Barrington

“I really appreciate those who have given their lives. People take that for granted. We internally as a country kind of divide but the people we honor today bring us together.” – David Tschiniak, Lake Barrington

“Regardless of what you think about politics or anything else, I think it’s important as a part of larger community to honor the sacrifices our veterans have made.”   – Bill MacKendrick, Barrington Resident

“This is one of those holidays where we talk about mowing the grass or buying a mattress. When you come to the Memorial Day Parade and hear stories about those who have sacrificed and died in service of our country, it’s very touching and brings back to reality what this holiday weekend is all about.”   – Ann Minciotti, Barrington Resident

“For me, Memorial Day brings back memories of some of the people I lost and the camaraderie shared with fellow veterans, although I’ve lost contact with most of them. When I came back from Vietnam it wasn’t too good. We weren’t welcome home. We were spit at so you never told anyone you were in Vietnam at the time, coming off the plane. This is much better. It’s nice to see the kids, see everybody happy and coming together like this to remember those who have served.” – Lennart Henriksson, Vietnam War Veteran, Barrington

Thank you to all who shared their thoughts with me this Memorial Day. And, stay tuned for more to come on efforts underway to restore the membership of Barrington’s American Legion Post 158. The 106 year old local chapter of the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization is staging a comeback after dwindling numbers due to its aging membership *almost* caused its decline. This is exciting news for local veterans seeking support through connection and camaraderie. We’re going to do what we can to help them reach their goals!

Thanks again to Bob Lee for sharing the following snapshots of this year’s Barrington Memorial Day parade and services at the community’s historic Evergreen Cemetery on Dundee Road. We crossed paths with our cameras, as we often do, and I created the following album for you to enjoy. We join the ranks of all who feel deep gratitude for the freedom we share, thanks to those who’ve sacrificed so much on our behalf.

The post Barrington Veterans Reflect with the Community on Memorial Day. appeared first on 365Barrington.

The library’s new season of community reading is all about challenging readers of all ages to keep those fun summer books in hand after the last day of school. They’ve lined up community sponsors who will make donations to local food pantries when specific collective reading milestones are met. For the first one, when 500 people register for Summer Reading, the Barrington Rotary makes a $250 donation to the Barrington and Cuba Township Food Pantries!

Here’s what’s on the agenda for the Summer Reading Kick Off Celebration: 

10-11 AM – Live music from Ben Tatar and the Tatar Tots

Music educator and multi instrumentalist, Ben Tatar will be performing first from 10 to 11 a.m. Ben is in his 18th year of teaching elementary school general music to grades 1–5 in School District 96 in Long Grove, Illinois. In 2014, Ben launched his kids’ rock band, Ben Tatar and the Tatar Tots, releasing his first album, “Food!” that same year followed by his second album, “Seconds”.

The Tots maintain a busy schedule performing at Chicago area parks, street fests, and private events. Their shows are driven by crowd engagement, humor, and ‘something for every listener.’

11 AM – 1 PM – Entertainment from comedic juggler Andy Head

Comedic juggler, Andy Head will be delivering fun and laughter from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and you do not want to miss Chicagoland’s favorite gravity-defying goofball!

1-2 PM – Live music from Johnny Russler & the Beach Bum Band

Next up will be a beach party performance by Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band from 1-2pm. From steel pans to strong percussion, to driving bass and skanking guitars, the Beach Bum Band has a fun and danceable sound that appeals to all ages.

Get ready for a beachy blend of Trop Rock, Reggae, Surf, and Calypso with the band’s mix of original and cover songs to help kick off a new season of Barrington Area Library reading with your favorite summertime tunes!

In addition to these highlights, check out the other fun activities our friendly Barrington Area Library team has planned:

• Live music from Ben Tatar and the Tatar Tots (10 – 11 AM)
• Entertainment from comedic juggler Andy Head (11 AM – 1 PM)
• Airbrush Tattoos (11 AM – 2 PM)
• Live music from Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band (1 – 2 PM)
• MakerLab Activities
• Lawn games, water play, bubbles!
• A beach ball giveaway (while supplies last) for attendees who stay for the final hour of music and fun.

Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the concert and games on the library lawn! If there’s rain, the party will go on! They’ll just move the festivities indoors. See you there!

Located at 505 N. Northwest Highway in Barrington, IL, the Barrington Area Library serves the 45,000+ residents of the Barrington Public Library District. Covering a 72 square mile area, it is one of the largest library districts in Illinois, geographically speaking. Learn more at BALibrary.org.

The post Ben Tatar’s Tatar Tots + Johnny Russler & the Beach Bum Band to Kick Off Summer Reading with the Barrington Area Library appeared first on 365Barrington.

Discover all the upcoming outdoor volunteer opportunities listed by the Barrington Area Volunteer Connection (BAVC) below and sign up today to get involved. All of these are fun, family friendly events and an amazing way to for students to earn volunteer hours too!

Go Green – Zero Waste Sorting Station Volunteer on Saturday, May 23rd at the Barrington Art Fest

This volunteer will help visitors to the Art Fest in sorting their items into Compost, Recycling, or Landfill bins. Various shifts available throughout the day. Guidance will be provided to the volunteer before starting the two hour shift. Volunteers are welcome to bring a lawn chair and reusable water bottle. Help keep our environment clean!

Click here for Go Green volunteer opportunities and, to learn more about their mission, visit GoGreenBarrington.org.

Gigi’s Playhouse – GiGi’s Playhouse 5k/Dash For Down Syndrome on June 6th at NOW Arena, Hoffman Estates

Gigi’s needs lots of amazing volunteers for their annual event, especially in the days leading up to and the day of the event! This is a great opportunity for individuals, teams, and large groups alike. Be prepared to be amazed and inspired!

Click here to volunteer for GiGi’s Dash for Down Syndrome and learn more about their mission at GiGisPlayhouse.org.

Children’s Advocacy Center – Root Beer Float Run on June 13th, Busse Woods

Children’s Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County (CAC) was established in 1989 to help meet the needs of children in our community who have been victims of or witnesses to violence.

Help set-up for the run – the course, tents, tables, activities, and more! Feel free to sign up for set-up and another opportunity during the event.

Click here to sign up and learn more at CACHelps.org.

Fur Keeps Animal Rescue – Holistic Health Fair on June 14th from Noon to 5 pm

Fur Keeps is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to helping homeless dogs & cats find their forever homes. The fair will highlight innovative methods for owners to interact with their pets through vet care, rehab sessions, education and as well as which products are good for animal health.

Click here to support the Fur Keeps Holistic Health Fair and learn more at FurKeepsAnimalRescue.org.

Barrington Area Volunteer Connection (BAVC) is an online platform that helps match volunteers ages 13 and above to nonprofits that have open positions. It’s easy to sign up and the information is real-time so you can get involved immediately! Visit thebavc.org to learn more.

More About the Barrington Area Volunteer Connection (BAVC)

Barrington Area Volunteer Connection (BAVC)‘s goal is to bring all 100+ Barrington area nonprofits, churches and service organizations in a free & easy to use database so that volunteers can easily find opportunities. The foundation of BAVC is a volunteer match platform called Get Connected which serves as a clearinghouse to bring together organizations, volunteers, and collaborators to match volunteer interests with nonprofits needing assistance. GetConnected also offers organizations optional features such as easy record keeping of volunteer hours, as well as mobile check in and shift reminders and other ways to communicate with volunteers. Learn more at TheBAVC.org. Please also visit BAVC’s Facebook & Instagram pages! * BAVC Photos by Bob Lee

The post Make the Most of the Outdoors with Barrington Area Volunteer Connection! appeared first on 365Barrington.

If you know the location, enter your answer in the contest entry form below for a chance to win this week’s prize which is also a mystery. We love to keep you guessing ;).

Here’s how the contest works:

• Submit guesses about where today’s mystery photo was taken in the form below
• You have until the end of the day next Tuesday to submit your guess
• Next week on Wednesday, we’ll draw a name and reveal the winner at 365Barrington.com
• We will contact the winner with instructions about receiving the prize of the week
• Only one guess per person
• Your email address must be valid, so we can contact you if you win

There you go! All you have to do is SUBMIT YOUR GUESS IN THE FORM BELOW. We’ll reveal the photo’s location when we debut another new mystery photo next week.

And be sure to pay attention to the sights you see around town. It’s the little details that could be on display the next time we ask “Guess Where, Barrington?”

Good luck to all who enter! And here’s one last look at this week’s mystery photo.

The post Guess Where Wednesday: A Colorful Connection appeared first on 365Barrington.

We threw all names into a hat and my daughter, Grace drew this week’s winner at dinner tonight. And the winner is… Katherine Swiderski! !

Katherine was correct in guessing that I took this week’s mystery photo of the giant “X” sculpture by the book return box in the Barrington Area Library parking lot. Made of stainless steel, the sculpture was created by DeKalb artist and former Northern Illinois University professor, Bruce White. According to this Shaw Local news report, White once had the honor of presenting one of his works to the king and queen of Sweden. Writer Stephen King also bought one of his sculptures for a home King owns in Florida. Bruce White passed away on August 31, 2025, leaving a significant legacy in public art and art education.

Congratulations for winning this week’s contest, Katherine, and stay tuned! We will be reaching out this week to make arrangements to give you your prize which is a special care package tucked inside a book bag from the Barrington Area Library! Did you know our library’s Summer Kickoff is coming up from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, May 30th? Celebrate the start of summer and BALibrary’s Summer Reading with activities, music, crafts, treats and more … for all ages!

Here are some of the fun things planned for this event:

• Live music from Ben Tater and the Tater Tots (10 – 11 AM)
• Entertainment from comedic juggler Andy Head (11 AM – 1 PM)
• Airbrush Tattoos (11 AM – 2 PM)
• Live music from Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band (1 – 2 PM)
• Bubbles on the lawn. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs!

…and more! No need to register, just drop in and bring your family and friends! This event is VERY popular, so consider walking, carpooling, or exploring nearby public parking options. Learn more at BALibrary.org.

The post Mystery Photo Winner REVEALED – X Marks the Spot! appeared first on 365Barrington.

If you know the location, enter your answer in the contest entry form below for a chance to win this week’s prize which is also a mystery. We love to keep you guessing ;).

Here’s how the contest works:

• Submit guesses about where today’s mystery photo was taken in the form below
• You have until the end of the day next Tuesday to submit your guess
• Next week on Wednesday, we’ll draw a name and reveal the winner at 365Barrington.com
• We will contact the winner with instructions about receiving the prize of the week
• Only one guess per person
• Your email address must be valid, so we can contact you if you win

There you go! All you have to do is SUBMIT YOUR GUESS IN THE FORM BELOW. We’ll reveal the photo’s location when we debut another new mystery photo next week.

And be sure to pay attention to the sights you see around town. It’s the little details that could be on display the next time we ask “Guess Where, Barrington?”

Good luck to all who enter! And here’s one last look at this week’s mystery photo.

The post Guess Where Wednesday: X Marks the Spot appeared first on 365Barrington.

And the winner is… Lisa Barnett !

Along with most of this week’s guessers, Lisa correctly guessed that the mystery photo is a closeup of the word “The” and the letter “C” from Barrington’s Catlow Theatre marquee! I snapped the pics back on Earth Day last month. In an effort to stump you, I zoomed, I cropped, I rotated but I still couldn’t fool you. Aside from a few who guessed it was the Canteen Restaurant, y’all still solved the mystery!

Lisa, stay tuned as we will be reaching out this week to make arrangements to give you your prize which is some pretty SWEET SWAG, including a hat, tumbler and ornament courtesy of the The Catlow 1927 Foundation.

It’s a good time to shine a spotlight on Barrington’s historic theater because the Catlow 1927 Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3)  is in the middle of major efforts to restore this iconic and architectural gem back to its original glory of 1927.

They’ve made remarkable progress to-date, almost completing Phase 1 of the project which is focused on exterior improvements including the replacement of the theatre’s historic slate roof, windows and doors. They’re also planning to build an outdoor second level Chimney Swift Observation Deck, an area where these well known Birds of Barrington frequent.

Up next, the focus turns to expert interior renovations of the theatre’s auditorium, foyer and lobby along with an Art Deco Bar & Lounge for pre and post-theatre gathering.

Once the restoration is complete, in addition to showing movies, the foundation will host a wide array of events in the multi-purpose venue which will fund the preservation and maintenance of The Catlow indefinitely. Click here for more updates or visit Catlow1927.org.

If you’ve been thinking about supporting this incredible transformation, now’s a great time to do it! The Catlow Theatre Donor Match Challenge is currently underway through July 1, 2026. An anonymous match donor has agreed to contribute $1 for every dollar donated by the community to help us double our impact! All donations are 100% tax deductible and go directly to the restoration of the historic Catlow Theatre, which will revitalize Barrington with arts & entertainment while maintaining its charming character. Click here to support the Catlow 1927 Foundation Today!

The post Mystery Photo Winner REVEALED … A Catlow Closeup! appeared first on 365Barrington.