Heed these tips when driving around schools
The collective groan you heard earlier this week was the sound of students across the area shutting of their alarm clocks for the first day of school.
With class back in session, the Barrington-Inverness Police Department is encouraging motorists to use extra caution while driving.
Police Chief Jeff Lawler said they are reminding drivers to use special care since some children are taking new routes to school and may not yet be familiar with crosswalks and other dangerous areas on their path.
To help protect children, the American Automobile Association and the Barrington-Inverness Police Department are urging motorists to follow a few safety tips:
•Slow down near schools and in residential areas.
•Drive with headlights on - even during the day - so children and other drivers can see you.
•Look for clues such as School Safety Posters, bicycles and playgrounds that indicate children could be in the area.
•Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs of children.
•Practice extra caution in bad weather.
•Always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students.
For information, call the Barrington-Inverness Police Department at (847) 304-3300.
A helping hand:ŒThe Barrington Area Council on Aging is getting ready to start its next six-week "Powerful Tools for Caregivers" class.
The first class is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 11 in the Eastlake Dining Room at The Garlands of Barrington, 6000 Garlands Lane, Suite 100.
The course is designed for the nonprofessional caregiver who is helping to care for a parent, spouse, or friend who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country.
The program helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate their feelings, balance their life, enhance their ability to make tough decisions and to locate helpful resources.
The course runs through Oct. 16. The suggested donation is $30 per person to cover the cost of materials and instruction, but no one is turned away due to inability to pay.
For information or to register, call BACOA at (847) 381-5030.
Rollin' through town:ŒTeam In Training, the fundraising division of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, will hold its annual bike ride through Barrington Sept. 23.
Riders have the option of completing 25, 45 or 62 miles. The top 20 highest individual fundraisers will win a ride alongside Vision Quest Coaching founder Robbie Ventura, a former teammate of Lance Armstrong.
The $30 entry fee for the ride includes fully-supported rest stops, vehicle support on the route and a commemorative water bottle. All of the proceeds go toward funding research to find a cure for blood-related diseases.
The ride is commonly referred to as "Blood, Sweat & Tears" to signify the commitment of the TNT riders to the greater mission.
The route is on scenic, rolling terrain around the Barrington area on well-marked roads with little vehicular traffic.
For information on the ride, go to www.tntillinois.org or call Jill Kulbok at (312) 651-7350.