Mayor’s Message November 14, 2025

Dear Residents,

Last night, our Board of Trustees unanimously approved a motion directing staff to prepare a strategic plan for the redevelopment of key “Opportunity Parcels.” This initiative will align with and support the Village’s recently adopted Comprehensive Plan of 2023, ensuring that future growth enhances the character and quality of life cherished by residents. This strategic planning effort aims to carefully integrate new opportunities into the Village while addressing retention of its boundary properties, meeting current and future water needs, and providing a fiscal foundation now and well into the next century.

This is about being proactive, not reactive . By aligning our planning with the Comprehensive Plan, we ensure any future development is thoughtful, sustainable, and directly contributes to the vitality of South Barrington for generations to come.

The planning process will now begin, focusing on community input and fiscal responsibility to realize the Village’s long-term vision.

Smashing Pumpkin event a Smashing Success

The leap from Smashing Pumpkins to building snowmen happened a little quicker than we anticipated.

Fall was nice while it lasted…

I do want to thank everyone who came out to our first-ever Pumpkin Smash on Saturday! As you know, this was a first time for South Barrington and based on the success of the event – it won’t be the last.

It was a fun morning watching so many of you bring your pumpkins out to be smashed and composted. As the morning went on, the creativity in smashing techniques grew, and it was fun to see all age groups get involved.

Together, we sent 2,900 pounds of pumpkin off to be composted! Pretty impressive for us first timers!

A huge thank-you to Goebbert’s for donating extra pumpkins and keeping everyone fueled with delicious treats and cider, and to the East Dundee Fire District for their hands-on help (and for being great sports during the firefighter pumpkin-smashing showdown!), and to Barrington Countryside FPD for joining us and letting the kids explore their equipment.

We’ve posted photos from the event on our Facebook page, check them out!
And be sure to save the date for next year’s Smash: November 7th!

Village of South Barrington Facebook Page

Veterans Day Ceremony – Barbara Rose Elementary

I had the privilege of attending the school’s Veterans Day ceremony, which was both engaging and inspiring

It’s great to see schools hosting events like this, not only to recognize our Veterans, but also to teach our youth the true meaning behind Veterans Day. These ceremonies give Veterans an opportunity to share their experiences with younger generations who might not otherwise hear them.

Finally, I want to thank our own South Barrington Veterans who have graciously taken the time to register their Veteran status with us so we can honor them throughout the year as a small token of appreciation for their service.

Let’s continue to honor and recognize the brave men and women who have selflessly served to protect our freedom. We should show our support and gratitude by making everyday Veterans Day. Thank you for your service!

If you’re a Veteran and would like to be included on future occasions, please click the link —> Register as a Veteran HERE

Swearing In- New Police Commissioner, Brett Kaczorowski

Serving on our volunteer boards and commissions is a tremendous act of public service and we thank everyone who has stepped up to become involved in our community.

At our Board Meeting on Thursday, I had the honor of swearing in Elmhurst Deputy Chief Brett Kaczorowski to our Police Commission Committee. Brett is a proud South Barrington resident, and when he’s not wearing his Deputy Chief uniform, he’s giving back to the community as a youth soccer coach and now as a member of our Police Commission.

Welcome, Brett to the committee. We look forward to your guidance, expertise, and continued commitment to supporting our officers and our village!

Holiday Reminders

1️⃣ Arboretum Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony – This Saturday!
The Arboretum of South Barrington’s annual holiday tree lighting is scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 5 PM. The event, presented by Barrington Bank & Trust, will feature a parade, live music, character meet-and-greets, face painters, and magicians to kick off the holiday season. Google the Arboretum tree lighting for more information on how much fun it will be!

2️⃣ Barrington Giving Day – Red Box Donations
We’re collecting items for Barrington Giving Day in the Red Box located in our lobby through November 26th. Donations of coats, toys, books, bedding, hats, gloves, and more are welcome. Help bring joy to local families in need this season by donating today! ❤️

3️⃣ Thanksgiving Desserts Made Easy
Take the stress out of the holiday season by letting Goebbert’s handle dessert this Thanksgiving! They’re still accepting pre-orders for freshly baked delicious pies and other favorite side dishes.
Shop here: shopgoebberts.com

4️⃣ Holiday Light Recycling Program
The Village is still accepting old holiday lights and extension cords through our Holiday Light Recycling Program. Residents thankfully are recycling and dropping them off rather than adding them to their trash. The collection bin is located outside Village Hall and is available for drop-offs any time of day. ♻️

As always, I am here to listen to your thoughts and concerns. Feel free to email me at pmccombie@southbarrington.org, or use the anonymous comment boxes located in the lobbies of Village Hall and the Police Department. I review these messages privately and value your input.

Have an enjoyable weekend!

Paula McCombie
Mayor