Raise money for breast cancer by sporting pink hair

Barrington is usually filled with bright fall leaves in yellow, orange and red this time of year.

However, this month the color pink is spreading throughout the village.

For the past month, Jennifer Michaels Hair Salon in Barrington has been raising money for breast cancer by putting in pink hair extensions for its customers.

For $10, customers can a stylist at have a pink hair extension put into their hair.

Store owner Michael Casavant said the idea for the fundraiser came from the stylists themselves.

"I am really proud of the girls for wanting to do this," Casavant said, adding the stylists are in the process of becoming part owners of the store themselves.

A lot of the customers have been students, Casavant said.

"School was out last week and it was bananas in here," Casavant said of the all the people wanting the special extensions.

So far, Casavant said the store has raised more than $4,000, all of which is being donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation's Pink Hair for Hope campaign.

"It has been amazing," Casavant said of the support the community has shown.

If pink isn't your color, Casavant said the salon will participate in an ovarian cancer fundraiser next month by putting in teal hair extensions.

For information on the salon, visit www.jennifer-michaels.com.

Future leaders: Open registration continues this week for the Barrington Area Development Council's Leadership Academy, scheduled for Nov. 10 at the Makray Memorial Golf Club on Northwest Highway in Barrington.

Volunteers and board members within local homeowners associations, parent-teacher organizations, youth sports organizations, and other civic groups and clubs are encouraged to take advantage of this one-day seminar.

The seminar's agenda features a "Getting to Know You" morning session, with an introduction to the who, what, where, why and how of the Barrington area, including an overview of Barrington history, governmental entities, the school district and the business community.

The afternoon session will focus on "Making a Difference," with a leadership showcase that includes a panel of experts representing successful area organizations and initiatives.

A $35 Registration fee covers the cost of continental breakfast, lunch, and materials.

To register or more information, call 847-382-HELP.

Making a difference: Citizens for Conservation will host Make A Difference Day volunteers from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the CFC headquarters, 459 W. Highway 22, the white farmhouse with a silo across from Good Shepherd Hospital.

Environmental volunteer work will include collecting and/or cleaning seed of native plants that are subsequently planted in nature preserves in the area.

Volunteers should dress for the weather and bring work gloves if available.

New and seasoned volunteers of all ages are welcome to join this Make A Difference Day event.

In its 17th year, Make a Difference Day is the country's largest day of volunteering.

For information, call CFC at (847) 382-7283.