Former Treasury secretary speaks in Barrington, his home town

Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson and about a dozen other prominent civic leaders talked about the issues of the day with a sold-out audience of more than 130 people at the Barrington White House on Saturday.

Heather Larson, incoming lead pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, WGN radio talk-show host John Williams and Motorola Solutions CEO Greg Brown were among others who spoke.

Known as a town warming because of the chilly time of year it takes place, the event marked the return of a tradition from the 1930s and '40s in Barrington to learn about issues affecting their community and the world at large.

This year's event, moderated by Village President Karen Darch, was called "Reality Check: Where We Are Today and Our Vision for the Future."

The capstone was a "fireside chat" with Hank Paulson and his wife Wendy, who as avid environmentalists discussed the impact of climate change. Through the Paulson Institute, the Barrington residents have been working to bring resources and awareness to climate issues around the world.

"We couldn't be more thrilled," Darch said of the way the day went. "We hope to continue it in future years."