The Best of Barrington
It was five years ago when that word, quintessential, left its long-term parking space in my mind and found a job working as a new media brand. It was an exciting time then, and I’m happy to report – it still is.
My first letter to you in September 2005 seems as if written a short while ago. This was its opening: Launching a new magazine is akin to having a baby. There’s much careful planning, especially when it comes to choosing the name. You hope the name will reflect well on the newcomer’s life. You wonder what baby will look like, and if he or she will be healthy – and successful. There’s all the anticipation, and that period of time when you don’t tell anyone what’s up – just yet. Daily routines are busy with preparation; so many decisions to make. Then, the word gets out and there are congratulations, well wishes, and there is a lot of hope. The due date is set…I’m so excited to introduce Quintessential Barrington magazine to you. Just like the new baby analogy, a local magazine requires the proper care and feeding by many people to grow and prosper.
And now, “baby” just started kindergarten, is faring well, and there is news of a sibling. Our second title, Quintessential New Trier, has just arrived. We will strive to inform and delight a group of north shore communities the same way that we do here in the greater Barrington area.
We’ve been able to grow thanks to the quality businesses that advertise with us, making this magazine possible. Our readers have been generous with valuable feedback, story ideas, guidance and encouragement. Stories we’ve written have showcased interesting people and local organizations who’ve graciously maintained patience during all of the interviews, photography, and dealing with our constant deadlines. It has been great fun!
Our fifth anniversary issue is all about the best of Barrington – the best of who we are and together, what we can do. Read about the powerful legacy of caring in our cover story, Finding Hospice. An awareness of this nonprofit service could impact your quality of life, or that of someone you love. The visionary founders of the Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois had a dream – one they personally nurtured for more than 26 years. What became of that dream? In our midst is a nationally-recognized leader in hospice and palliative care – services that are now an American Medical Association recognized healthcare subspecialty. It’s time to understand what hospice really is, what it can do, and the role it plays in our life-long healthcare plans. Let’s start the conversation.
Other feature stories represent some of our biggest ideas, including Barrington Giving Day, and the reunion of Barrington High School performing arts alumni and the one-weekend show that seeded a performing arts endowment. Hear the perspective and history of heroic soldiers – some retired and some now overseas – who live in our neighborhoods. And while you may not own a horse (or two) or know how to catch a runaway pony, it’s good to know that our neighbors in horse country are maintaining the equestrian traditions and the precious open space needed and that we also enjoy.
Big ideas wouldn’t get anywhere without the right driver. Our Quintessential Person, Joseph Kelsch, Sr., knows the way, and has given every available ounce of his time and talent to countless initiatives. In Open Spaces we introduce Peggy Richard who secured (by conservation trust) more than 40 acres in Barrington Hills for future generations to enjoy.
A few hours ago I dropped my son off for his first day of high school. And now a sixth grader, my daughter readies her school supplies and organizes her dance bag for next week. It’s back to school with its predicable traffic patterns and hectic schedule. Yet in all the rush of the days to come, we hope you continue to enjoy Quintessential Barrington with its good stories and joyful milestones found nearby that we’ll celebrate with you.
