Survey aims to take pulse of Barrington

Several local organizations are aiming to improve the quality of life in the Barrington area.

With that in mind, the Healthier Barrington Project and the Barrington Area United Way are sponsoring a community needs assessment survey designed to see what can be done to make things better in the community.

Sam Oliver, a member of Healthier Barrington, said the survey will give information on what residents see as the most important features of a healthy community.

"This is a very good opportunity for us to take the pulse of the community," Oliver said. "It is a way to find out what the community sees as the issues (that need fixing)."

The survey is being sent to 3,500 homes throughout the Barrington area.

This is the fourth time the group has conducted the survey, which Oliver says has proved to be very valuable.

In the past, issues of concern have been the schools, the shrinking job market and the environment.

"It lets us know that this is where we should be focusing our efforts," Oliver said.

The Healthier Barrington Project is made up of representatives from area churches, businesses, health, and social service agencies, as well as interested individuals.

The survey, which is being sent out by mail, will be administered by the Institute for Health Systems Research at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford.

When finished, the results will be shared in a community forum, Oliver said.

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

Best of the best:ŒOut of the thousands of employees working in the Barrington area, the best of the year is about to crowned.

The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce is getting ready to host its annual salute to the area workforce, a highlight of which is the naming of the "Employee of the Year."

This year's event, "Spotlight on Barrington's Stars: Come Travel the States with Us" is planned for 11:30 a.m. April 23 at the Biltmore Country Club in North Barrington.

The annual event, which coincides with Administrative Professionals Day, will include a gourmet lunch and fashion show.

Another highlight is the naming of the "2008 Employee of the Year." The winner will get a special gift from the chamber, professional photo and a proclamation honoring his or her achievement from the village of Barrington.

Tickets for the event are $40. Non-chamber members are welcome.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (847) 381-2525.