Famed 'Ms. Fitz' sale returns to Barrington area

It's almost time for "Ms. Fitz" to pack up all her goods collected over the last year and make her annual trip to the Barrington area.

For more than 55 years, Countryside School in Barrington Hills has been hosting the "Ms. Fitz Rummage Sale," and this year is no exception.

Based on the imaginary character Ms. Fitz, thought of by many as a little old lady who comes to town with her treasures each year, the annual school fundraiser offers thousands of clothing items, toys, housewares, books, baby items, sporting goods and electronics.

This year's 57th annual fundraiser is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10.

Besides the regular items for sale, the event also features the "Countryside Boutique" for such higher-end sale items as evening gowns, fur coats, jewelry, antiques, art and other collectibles.

The sale has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. In 1955, it raised about $200, with the amount rising to more than $12,000 last year.

Event chairwoman Nicole Jacobsen said this is the first year proceeds will go not only to Countryside School but also to Sunny Hill School and the Woodland Early Learning Center, both in Carpentersville.

"We wanted to include the entire community and not just have them come out to shop," Jacobsen said.

Residents interested in donating items for the sale can do so on several upcoming dates.

"I think it helps people from a logistical standpoint in terms of being able to donate things instead of throwing them out," Jacobsen said.

Items can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 5, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 6 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 7.

Countryside School is located at 205 W. County Line Road.

For more information on the sale or donating items, call (847) 212-1685.

Going green survey: Already in the process of conducting a survey on community needs, the Healthier Barrington Project is also gauging residents' feelings about the environment.

In addition to the 3,500 surveys sent to residents asking about broader needs in the area, the group is also conducting its first online survey.

Responses will provide information on area residents' perceptions of key environmental issues and steps homeowners are willing to take, or have already taken, to help the environment.

The Healthier Barrington group worked with the Institute for Health Systems Research to create the online survey as a way to get a feel for residents' environmental concerns and their desire for citizen involvement.

The online survey, which takes less than 10 minutes to finish, can be accessed on the UIC-Rockford home page at uirockford.com.

For more information about the survey or the Healthier Barrington Project, contact Syl Boeder at (847) 842-4321.